Auto Damage Appraiser

The following responsibilities are common for Auto Damage Appraisers:

• Estimates cost of parts and labor to repair damage to a vehicle
• Reviews repair-cost estimates to secure an agreement with the repair shop to fix damages
• Prepares proper insurance claim forms for cost recommendations
• Examines damaged vehicle to determine the extent of the damage done to the vehicle
• Has any discrepancies of the damage appraised by an outside appraiser to come to terms with repair costs

A Day In The Life

Auto damage appraisers appraise automobile damage to determine repair cost for an insurance claim settlement.  They will estimate parts and labor to repair the damage to the vehicle.  They come up with these estimates by using the standard automotive parts and labor manuals and their acquired extensive knowledge of automotive repair.  They then review the cost estimates with the automobile shop to secure an agreement and contract for the labor, parts and repairs.  Another important aspect of these individuals job is to examine the damage to the vehicle to determine the structural and interior and exterior body.  They then prepare the insurance forms to indicate the cost estimates for the insurance company.  Another responsibility in this occupation is to evaluate the practicality of a repair and salvage of a vehicle as opposed to determining whether or not the damaged vehicle should be determined as a total-loss vehicle.

Typical Work Schedule

This is a full-time position, typically spent in the office, at mechanical repair shops and traveling for vehicular accide.

Projected Job Growth

This particular occupation is expected to slowly increase over the next few years.

Typical Employers

Insurance companies like State Farm, Geico, Progressive and Dairyland are all great examples of companies that these individuals can work for.  While others choose to work independently as agents for these large corporate insurance companies as well.