Vehicle Inspector

#186S

Roadrunner Vehicle Inspectors | RVI

Limited Time $1,500 Sign-On Bonus Through November 30, 2026!
Spend your winter where it's warm! Current long term assignments in San Francisco and Southern California

Position: Vehicle Body Repair Inspector / Condition Report Writer (CR Writer)

Industry: Automotive Auctions & Wholesale Vehicle Remarketing

Location: Multiple Locations Nationwide – Travel Required 90–95%

Schedule: Flexible Assignments with Travel

Training Pay: $18 per hour during training, typically 4–6 weeks

IMPORTANT: THIS IS NOT A MECHANICAL INSPECTION POSITION

This position focuses on identifying and documenting previous vehicle paintwork, body repairs, collision damage, and cosmetic or structural damage.

We are seeking individuals with experience in auto body repair, collision damage estimating, automotive insurance adjusting, vehicle damage appraising, or auction condition report writing.

Previous body shop or vehicle estimating experience? We are willing to train qualified candidates!

Please note that general automotive mechanic or service management experience alone does not meet the qualifications for this position unless accompanied by relevant vehicle body damage assessment experience.

Put Your Automotive Experience to Work with a National Industry Leader!

Roadrunner Vehicle Inspectors (RVI) is seeking experienced Vehicle Inspectors, Condition Report Writers (CR Writers), Auto Body Repair Professionals, Collision Damage Estimators, and Automotive Insurance Adjusters to join our nationwide network of contracted inspectors.

If you have a trained eye for identifying previous paintwork, collision damage, body repairs, and vehicle condition, we offer an opportunity to put your experience to work in a professional, safety-conscious environment with the flexibility of contract assignments.

We also welcome candidates with previous auto body shop or vehicle estimating experience who are interested in transitioning into vehicle inspections. Training is available for qualified candidates.

As part of an established national organization serving the automotive auction and wholesale remarketing industry, you'll enjoy the independence of your work while benefiting from the support, resources, and experience of an established industry team.

We recognize our top performers and take pride in investing in the training and travel expenses associated with developing our inspectors.

Travel & Assignments

Travel is required approximately 90–95% of the time.

• Hotel accommodations are booked and paid for by our corporate office.

• Airfare is arranged and covered when applicable.

• We make every effort to keep inspectors working locally when client needs allow.

• Travel assignments help provide consistent work opportunities across our nationwide network.

Training & Compensation

Training Pay: $18 per hour

• Paid training is available for qualified candidates with previous auto body shop, collision repair, or vehicle damage estimating experience.

• Training typically lasts approximately 4–6 weeks, depending on experience and progress.

• Candidates must be willing to complete the required training before working independently.

• Training focuses on identifying and documenting previous vehicle paintwork, body repairs, collision damage, and preparing accurate condition reports.

Please note: The $18 hourly training rate applies during the training period. Candidates should be aware of this rate before applying.

What Makes This Opportunity Different?

• Flexibility & Independence: Enjoy a flexible contract work environment with the ability to manage your responsibilities independently while receiving support from our corporate office.

• Paid Training Opportunities: Qualified candidates with previous body shop or vehicle estimating experience may be trained in automotive auction inspections.

• Safety-Conscious Workplace: Work in a professional environment that emphasizes safe inspection practices, clear procedures, and accountability.

• National Organization, Local Opportunities: Join an established nationwide automotive services organization with a history in the auto auction industry and membership in the National Auto Auction Association (NAAA).

• Professional Autonomy: Perform inspections independently without constant supervision while maintaining established quality standards.

• Industry-Focused Work: Apply your automotive damage assessment experience in a specialized field serving major automotive auctions and remarketing operations.

• Team Support: Although you work independently, you're supported by an experienced national operations team.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Contract Vehicle Body Repair Inspector, you'll conduct detailed visual and physical inspections of vehicles at automotive auction facilities, with a primary focus on identifying previous paintwork, collision damage, body repairs, and overall vehicle condition.

Your responsibilities include:

• Inspecting vehicle exteriors and interiors for visible damage and previous repairs.

• Identifying signs of prior collision damage, bodywork, repainting, and structural repairs.

• Examining body panels, paint finishes, panel alignment, and other indicators of previous repairs.

• Distinguishing between factory finishes, normal wear and tear, cosmetic damage, and repaired damage.

• Preparing accurate, detailed vehicle Condition Reports (CRs) using a handheld electronic device.

• Capturing photographs and documenting vehicle damage according to established inspection standards.

• Using flashlights and appropriate inspection tools to examine hard-to-see areas, including wheel wells, undercarriages, and engine compartments.

• Working independently while maintaining consistent productivity, accuracy, and quality.

• Following auction facility safety requirements and established inspection procedures.

This is a vehicle condition and body damage assessment role. It does not involve performing mechanical diagnostics, maintenance, or vehicle repairs.

Required Experience & Qualifications

Applicants must have previous professional experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Automotive Auction Vehicle Inspections / Condition Report Writing (CR Writer)

• Auto Body Repair or Collision Repair

• Automotive Insurance Adjusting or Collision Damage Estimating

• Body Shop Repair Estimating

• Automotive Damage Appraising

• Vehicle Paint and Body Damage Assessment

• Comparable hands-on experience identifying previous vehicle body repairs, paintwork, and collision damage

We are willing to train candidates with relevant auto body shop or vehicle estimating experience who have not previously worked as vehicle inspectors.

Additional qualifications:

• Strong working knowledge of vehicle body panels, paintwork, collision damage, structural repairs, and repair indicators.

• Ability to identify previous paint and body repairs accurately.

• Ability to distinguish between normal wear and tear, damage, and previous repairs.

• Proficiency using handheld electronic devices, including tablets or smartphones, to enter inspection data, navigate applications, and capture photographs.

• Strong attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Dependable transportation and a valid driver's license.

• Willingness and ability to travel extensively for assignments.

• Ability to meet established inspection quality and productivity expectations.

Important: General automotive mechanical repair or service management experience alone does not qualify applicants for this position. Relevant experience identifying and evaluating vehicle paint, bodywork, or collision damage is required.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This is an active, hands-on, outdoor position—not a desk job or mechanical repair position.

Vehicle inspections are conducted primarily outdoors at automotive auction facilities in varying seasonal weather conditions.

Inspectors must be able to perform the essential physical functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including:

• Standing and walking for extended periods across auction lots.

• Repeatedly bending, squatting, crouching, kneeling, and reaching to examine vehicle components.

• Looking beneath vehicles, inside wheel wells, and into engine compartments using a flashlight.

• Moving around vehicles and accessing interiors, trunks, and engine compartments.

• Operating a handheld electronic device accurately and efficiently throughout the workday.

• Performing repetitive inspection movements while maintaining productivity and attention to detail.

Screening Requirements

All candidates must successfully complete required pre-engagement screening, including:

• Criminal background check

• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review

• Drug screening

All screening is conducted in accordance with applicable laws and company or client requirements.

Join a Team That Knows the Auto Auction Industry

At Roadrunner Vehicle Inspectors (RVI), we understand that experienced inspectors are essential to the success of the automotive remarketing process.

We value professionals who take pride in their work, demonstrate sound judgment, and consistently deliver accurate, dependable condition reports.

Whether you're an experienced CR Writer or have a background in auto body repair, collision estimating, or automotive damage appraisal, we'd like to hear from you!

Apply Today!

Submit your resume detailing your experience in vehicle inspections, auto body repair, collision damage estimating, or automotive insurance adjusting.

Roadrunner Vehicle Inspectors (RVI)

Accuracy. Independence. Professionalism.