Becoming An Auto Insurance Appraiser: Training Essentials

To become an auto insurance appraiser, you'll need to meet certain educational requirements, obtain a license, and decide whether to work independently or with a firm. A high school diploma or GED is typically the minimum education level required, but some employers may prefer a degree in a relevant field such as auto repair or business. Auto insurance appraisers also need to be licensed, and the requirements for this vary by state. For example, some states require pre-licensing education or a passed exam. Once licensed, auto insurance appraisers can choose to work independently or with an insurance firm, each option having its own pros and cons.

Get a high school diploma or GED

To become an auto insurance appraiser, you'll need to earn a high school diploma or GED equivalent. This is the minimum educational requirement for this career path. While some employers may prefer a college degree, it is not necessary to work in the field of auto appraising for insurance purposes.

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry-level positions as an insurance appraiser. This role involves appraising automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlements. It is important to note that auto damage appraisers typically have a post-secondary non-degree award or experience working in an auto repair shop, where they identify and estimate the cost of automotive repair.

In addition to a high school diploma or GED, certain skills and knowledge areas are beneficial for aspiring auto insurance appraisers. These include comprehensive knowledge of auto maintenance and repair, attention to detail, and an understanding of auto insurance policies. Strong communication skills are also advantageous, as auto insurance appraisers act as a bridge between multiple parties involved in an automobile accident.

If you are interested in becoming an auto insurance appraiser, earning a high school diploma or GED is the first step towards achieving this career goal. From there, you can focus on gaining the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to succeed in this field.

Earn a certification or associate's degree in auto repair

To train to be an auto insurance appraiser, you'll need to earn a certification or associate's degree in auto repair. This will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to repair vehicles and identify and estimate the cost of automotive repairs. Here are some steps and guidelines to help you earn this certification or degree:

Understand the Role of an Auto Insurance Appraiser:

Auto insurance appraisers, also known as auto damage appraisers, are responsible for inspecting and assessing vehicle damage after incidents or collisions. They determine the repair costs and evaluate insurance claims. Appraisers may work for insurance companies, third-party services, or private clients.

Choose the Right Educational Path:

You can become an auto insurance appraiser with either a certification or an associate's degree in auto repair. A certification can be obtained through specialized training programs or vocational schools, while an associate's degree will provide a more comprehensive education and typically takes two years to complete.

Find Accredited Programs:

When choosing a certification or degree program, ensure it is accredited by a reputable organization, such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). ASE offers several certifications that cover different aspects of auto repair, including their A-series certification for automobile and light truck repairs.

Complete the Required Courses:

During your certification or degree program, you will take courses that cover various aspects of auto repair. These may include engine repair, electrical systems, heating and air conditioning, suspension and steering, and more. Hands-on training and internships are often included to provide practical experience.

Gain Work Experience:

While some entry-level positions may be available with a certification or associate's degree, gaining work experience is crucial. Consider internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level positions at auto repair shops or insurance companies to build your resume and gain valuable on-the-job training.

Obtain Required Licenses:

In addition to your certification or degree, you may need to obtain a license to work as an auto insurance appraiser. The requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your state's insurance commission or licensing agency to understand the specific licenses and certifications needed.

By following these steps and earning your certification or associate's degree in auto repair, you'll be well on your way to becoming a qualified auto insurance appraiser.

Get a license

To become a licensed auto insurance appraiser, you will need to meet certain requirements. These vary depending on the state in which you live and whether you plan to work independently or as a staff appraiser.

State Requirements

Some states require you to have an auto appraiser's license, while others do not. North Carolina, for example, requires only a fee with no test. Other states may require you to take an exam and pay a fee. It is important to check with your state's insurance commission office to determine the specific requirements for your state.

Independent Adjuster Requirements

If you plan to work as an independent adjuster, you may need to obtain the appropriate licensing before you can practice. The requirements for independent adjusters vary by state, and some states may require specific certifications, such as the State Farm adjuster certification.

Staff Appraiser Requirements

If you choose to work as a staff appraiser for an insurance company, you may not need to obtain a license. In some states, claims adjusters employed by insurance companies can work under the company's license. However, it is worth noting that staff appraisers typically have a capped salary and less flexibility than independent appraisers.

Certification

Whether you choose to work independently or with an insurance firm, earning a certification in auto appraising can enhance your credentials. Certifications are typically obtained by taking an exam and paying a fee to the administering organization. Examples of certifying organizations include The Bureau of Certified Auto Appraisers and The American Society of Certified Auto Appraisers.

Decide between working independently or with a firm

Once you've obtained your certifications to practice in the industry, it's time to decide whether to work independently or with an insurance firm. Both options have their own advantages and drawbacks.

Working Independently

Working as an independent auto appraiser means you can set your own schedule, work for multiple companies, and decide how many or how few claims you want to inspect per day. You will typically earn a higher income than staff appraisers. However, you will need to get your own accounts and contracts, and work may not be as frequent as you would like. As an independent appraiser, you are your own business, so you must cover all expenses, including travel costs and insurance adjuster tools. You will also have full responsibility over your business.

Working with an Insurance Firm

Working with an insurance firm means you will have the consistency of regular work and income, as well as the benefits of a corporate job. Your expenses will be covered, and you will be provided with a company car. However, you will be working on a corporate-set schedule, and your income will be capped. You will also be working in a corporate environment, where your activity is monitored and you may feel restricted in your decision-making.

Licensing Requirements

It is important to note that licensing requirements for independent adjusters vary by state. In some states, you will need the appropriate licensing before you can practice. There are also various certifications you can obtain, such as the State Farm adjuster certification.

Gain knowledge of auto repair techniques and vehicle parts

To train to be an auto insurance appraiser, you'll need to gain knowledge of auto repair techniques and vehicle parts. This is because auto insurance appraisers need to be able to document damage, evaluate repair costs, and coordinate repairs with mechanics and auto repair shops. Here are some ways you can gain this knowledge:

• Enrolling in continuing education courses in automobile service.
• Taking advantage of seminars offered by employers.
• Independent study using resources from professional organizations for auto repair technicians.
• Working in an auto repair shop, even if it means starting out by sweeping the floors and working your way up.
• Taking in-person classes, such as boot camps, that offer hands-on training on how to inspect vehicles and write auto damage estimates.
• Online training, which is a good option for those who are working, have busy schedules, or cannot travel to distant states for in-person classes.

Regardless of the method you choose, there are four key things you need to learn:

• Knowing the parts of the vehicle
• Taking proper photos for documentation
• Understanding repair pricing
• Staying up-to-date with trends in auto repair processes

It's also important to be able to identify most elements on a vehicle, including different makes and models, so that you can accurately name where damage occurs for insurance claims and reports for auto repair shops.

Frequently asked questions