The Ultimate Guide To Becoming An Auto Damage Appraiser

Auto damage insurance appraisers are responsible for appraising automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. They also prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost estimates and may seek agreement with automotive repair shops on repair costs. To become an auto damage insurance appraiser, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some previous work experience or a post-secondary non-degree award is recommended. Licensing requirements vary by state, with some states requiring a license and others not. It is also beneficial to have certain skills, such as active listening, reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and critical thinking.

Decide between independent or staff appraiser

When deciding between becoming an independent or staff auto damage appraiser, it is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

Independent Auto Appraiser

• Setting your own schedule: As an independent appraiser, you can decide how many or how few claims you want to inspect per day.
• Getting paid per claim: Independent appraisers are paid per claim, usually between $50-$100 depending on experience and the client.
• Higher earning potential: Independents typically earn a higher income than staff appraisers.
• Can work for different companies: This option allows you to work with multiple companies.
• Covering your own expenses: You will need to cover expenses such as travel costs and insurance adjuster tools.
• Full responsibility over your business: You will need to get accounts and contracts, and work can be inconsistent.

Staff Auto Appraiser

• Work is always provided: There is no concern about finding work as staff appraisers are provided with a steady stream of work.
• Job expenses are covered: Staff appraisers do not have to worry about expenses as they are covered by the company.
• Receiving all the benefits of Corporate Jobs: Staff appraisers receive benefits such as health insurance and a retirement plan.
• Work and income are consistent: Income is more stable and consistent compared to independent appraisers.
• Working on a corporate-set schedule: You will need to work according to the schedule set by the company.
• Working for only one company: Staff appraisers typically work for a single company.
• Salary and benefits: Staff appraisers earn a salary and often have benefit packages.

Other Considerations

It is worth noting that licensing requirements for independent adjusters vary across different states. While some states mandate specific licensing, others may only require an application and a fee. Additionally, there are various certifications available, such as the State Farm adjuster certification.

For staff adjusters, most companies require a college degree, and it can take several months of interviews to secure a position.

Get a post-secondary certificate

To become an auto-damage insurance appraiser, you will need a post-secondary certificate. This is one of the most common qualifications for this career, along with a college certificate.

A post-secondary certificate in a field related to auto-damage insurance appraisal will help you develop the skills and knowledge required for the role. The recommended areas of study include autobody and collision repair technology, automobile repair, or a similar field.

For example, North Shore Community College offers a 60-hour state-approved program in auto-damage appraisal. This course will teach you how to appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs and prepare insurance forms. Upon completion, you will be prepared for the Massachusetts State Motor Vehicle Damage Appraiser License Exam, which, once passed, will make you eligible for entry-level employment as an auto-damage insurance appraiser.

Another example of a relevant post-secondary certificate is the IA Path Auto Damage Certification. This certification will help you become an auto-damage appraiser or adjuster online and comes with a 1-year mentorship. This course will teach you the four key skills required for the job: knowing the parts of the vehicle and taking proper photos.

Get an appraiser's license

The requirements for an appraiser's license vary by state. Some states have few requirements, while others require pre-licensing education, a satisfactory score on a licensing exam, or both. It is important to check with your state's insurance commission office to determine the specific requirements for obtaining an appraiser's license.

In some states, such as North Carolina, obtaining a license is simply a matter of paying a fee. However, other states may require taking and passing an exam. It is worth noting that in certain states, claims adjusters employed by insurance companies can work under the company license and are not required to obtain their own license.

To become a licensed auto damage insurance appraiser, you will typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. While a college degree is not always necessary, some states may require a post-secondary non-degree award or previous work experience in a related field. This could include experience working in an auto repair shop or another role that involves identifying and estimating automotive repair costs.

In addition to educational and experiential requirements, you will need to develop specific skills and knowledge to excel as an auto damage insurance appraiser. These include communication and organizational skills, active listening, reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and critical thinking abilities.

Get trained

Training is an essential step to becoming an auto damage insurance appraiser. The requirements to become an auto damage insurance appraiser vary by state, but there are some general guidelines to follow.

Firstly, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry-level positions. Some employers may also require an associate's or bachelor's degree, depending on the specific job requirements. It is also beneficial to have a post-secondary non-degree award or experience working in an auto repair shop, as this will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and estimate the cost of automotive repairs.

In terms of specific training, there are a few options available. One option is to attend in-person classes, often referred to as "boot camps", which provide intensive hands-on training over the course of three to four days. These classes are usually held in states like Texas, Alabama, or Florida, and cover topics such as inspecting vehicle damage and writing estimates. The #1 in-person industry-recognized training is a two-week program offered by Vale Training Solutions.

Alternatively, online training is becoming increasingly popular in the insurance industry. This option is particularly suitable for those who are working, have busy schedules, or cannot travel to distant states. Online training programs, such as IA Path, offer auto damage certification that can help you become an auto damage appraiser or adjuster. These programs typically cover key aspects such as knowing the parts of a vehicle and taking proper photos to document damage.

Regardless of the training method you choose, there are several key skills you need to develop. These include knowing the parts of the vehicle, taking proper photos, using estimating software, and understanding the claims process. Additionally, customer service skills such as patience, empathy, and communication are crucial for interacting with clients.

Once you have completed your training, you can start building your business and promoting your services to potential clients. Remember to check the specific licensing and certification requirements for your state to ensure you meet all the necessary qualifications to become an auto damage insurance appraiser.

Promote your business

Once you've set up your business, it's time to get to work! If you've opened a local bakery, you need to tell people that you bake cakes. The same goes for being an auto damage appraiser. You need to promote your business to prospective clients and peers. Here are some steps to help you promote your business:

• Get Software Training: Before promoting yourself, it's important to know the industry-standard software for writing claims inside out. People will ask if you know how to use it, and you need to be able to answer "yes" honestly. CCC One is the leading auto damage estimating software in the industry.
• Set Up Your LinkedIn Profile: This step is optional, but it is highly recommended. LinkedIn is a professional networking platform and the perfect avenue for promoting your business and networking with others in the industry. It serves as an online resume and a tool for business networking. Setting up your LinkedIn profile the right way is important—a poor profile can make you appear worse off than having no profile at all.
• Create Your Resume: Having a good insurance adjuster resume is important. Most companies still want a traditional resume, so it's good to have one handy.
• Get on Photo Rosters: Photo rosters are for companies that take photos of damaged vehicles and property. This is a great opportunity for a new auto damage appraiser to get experience scheduling appointments, inspecting damages, and taking photos.
• Get on 4 Daily Rosters: Use Google and LinkedIn to find auto damage appraisal firms in your region and state. Reach out to them, letting them know you write auto claims and would like to be part of their team.
• Purchase Software: Purchase the industry-standard software you've been trained on. The auto estimating software typically costs around $200 a month.

Congratulations! You now have your business set up, are trained, are networking online, are on company rosters, and have your estimating software. Now you have many options. You can continue to grow your daily claims business or expand into handling catastrophic claims.

Frequently asked questions