Occupation Profile for Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

opportunity | video

Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine cost of repair for insurance claim settlement and seek agreement with automotive repair shop on cost of repair. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations.

Signficant Points

  • Employment is expected to increase moderately, but many job openings will arise from the need to replace workers who retire or leave for other reasons.
  • Licensing and continuing education requirements vary by State.
  • College graduates have the best opportunities; competition will be keen for jobs as investigators because this occupation attracts many qualified people.
 

Tasks

  • Core — Estimate parts and labor to repair damage, using standard automotive labor and parts cost manuals and knowledge of automotive repair.
  • Core — Review repair cost estimates with automobile repair shop to secure agreement on cost of repairs.
  • Core — Examine damaged vehicle to determine extent of structural, body, mechanical, electrical, or interior damage.
  • Core — Evaluate practicality of repair as opposed to payment of market value of vehicle before accident.
  • Core — Determine salvage value on total-loss vehicle.

Activities

  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.