Motor Claims Desktop Engineer

Locations: Leicester/ Bexhill Hybrid - With the expectation to come into the office once a month.

Welcome to Hastings Direct. We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become The Best and Biggest in the UK market. We’ve made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We provide insurance for over three million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there.

Job Role

A Motor Claims Desktop Engineer assesses vehicle damage remotely, reviewing repair estimates and ensuring that repair methods and costs are accurate, safe, and aligned with industry standards. Using recognised estimating tools, they validate repair routes, support repair-versus-total-loss decisions, and help manage overall claims cost and quality. The role works closely with repairers, claims handlers, and customers to provide clear technical guidance, negotiate where necessary, and monitor repair progress. By identifying inconsistencies and ensuring repairs follow best practice, the Desktop Engineer plays a key part in delivering a smooth, efficient, and technically robust claims journey.

Responsibilities

• Act as a dependable vehicle and engineering subject matter expert, supporting colleagues, customers, and contributing to knowledge-sharing across the function.
• Review all vehicle damage repair estimates promptly and consistently, ensuring accuracy and appropriate repair methods.
• Investigate and challenge repair estimates and external engineering assessments where necessary to maintain strong cost control and achieve the best customer and commercial outcomes.
• Support, review, and carry out supplier audit actions when required, providing constructive feedback to strengthen performance and relationships.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date information across all claims systems and supplier platforms in line with internal processes.
• Continuously develop engineering capability by identifying improvement opportunities, enhancing skills and processes, and maintaining relevant industry knowledge and processes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience within the motor industry, with strong knowledge of bodywork and/or mechanical repair.
• ATA VDA accreditation (achieved or currently working towards) and AQP accreditation.
• Proficient in Audatex or GT Motive estimating systems, with hands-on experience essential.
• Strong IT capability, particularly with Microsoft Office applications.
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical reasoning, and a commitment to consistently delivering high-quality, ethical work.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with prior telephone-based customer interaction desirable.

Interview process

Our interview process involves a screening call with the Recruitment team followed by a 1-hour virtual interview with the hiring leader.

What we offer / Benefits

Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company, and community. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training and development you need. Not to mention plenty of recognition and rewards, and the scope to voice your ideas and put them into practice.

Regrettably, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

Salary – Attractive salary based on experience (pay reviews also completed each year).

Flexible Working – We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.

Competitive Bonus Scheme - All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings’ performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.

Physical Wellbeing – We fund our colleagues to be able to claim against everyday health care through our healthcare cash plan.

Financial Wellbeing – Pension contribution match up to 10%, life assurance, income protection, and access to discounts and financial wellbeing resources.

Mental Wellbeing Programme – Thrive mental health app, 24/7 support, in-house mental health first aiders, and support groups.

There’s more! – 25 days annual leave +