Description

Inspects, analyzes, and evaluates damaged vehicles to create a comprehensive and accurate estimate of repair. Requires travel to vehicle location which may include tow facilities, repair facilities, dealerships, and customer locations. May work in company drive-in claims center. Uses computers to write estimates and interact with other company computer software. Documents all aspects of claims investigation and processing. Follows company claims processes that account for a fair and accurate settlement, customer satisfaction, and cost management.

 

Personal Characteristics and Skills

Must enjoy working with people, working around cars and trucks, and working with computer software programs. Needs to manage relationships in a fast paced environment and work under pressure. Must communicate effectively with customers, vendors, and other industry inter-industry segments. Needs writing, negotiating, and decision-making skills. Must be to develop and maintain ethical business relationships.

 

Job Outlook

Insurance is involved in settling most auto collision events. With more vehicles and more miles driven every year, collision losses are inevitable and insurance companies help settle these claims and pay for repairs. Most major insurance companies maintain a workforce dedicated to this position or contract independent appraisal companies to perform this work.

 

Pre-Employment Education and Experience

Math, reading, and computer skills are necessary to understand repairs, research information, and use computer software. A high school education is required with a four-year college degree preferred. Two years of collision repair industry experience is preferred. Automotive and collision repair training is required. Bilingual skills are a plus.

 

Earnings

Depending on location and pay plan, earnings may start between $30,000 and $40,000. Experienced appraisers can easily surpass $75,000 yearly. Benefits may include insurance, pension plans, and a company vehicle or mileage reimbursement.

 

Career Path

An experienced technician is an ideal candidate from the technical side, but the position can be learned by the right person with good customer service skills. This is an entry-level position for insurance companies and can lead to future advancement including senior appraisers, reinspectors, field unit managers, and other claims department positions. This position can lead to other related businesses including collision repair businesses, new car dealerships, independent appraisal companies, and educational organizations.

 

Continuing Education

Technical education is available through I-CAR. Some local technical schools have estimator training. Certification is available through ASE.

see where this career fits within the repair process