Auto Damage Insurance Appraiser  What They Do

Just the Facts


Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage Career Video



Appraises automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepares insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.

This career is part of the Finance cluster Insurance pathway.


A person in this career:

  • Estimates parts and labor to repair damage, using standard automotive labor and parts cost manuals and knowledge of automotive repair.
  • Reviews repair cost estimates with automobile repair shop to secure agreement on cost of repairs.
  • Examines damaged vehicle to determine extent of structural, body, mechanical, electrical, or interior damage.
  • Evaluates practicality of repair as opposed to payment of market value of vehicle before accident.
  • Determines salvage value on total-loss vehicle.
  • Prepares insurance forms to indicate repair cost estimates and recommendations.
  • Arranges to have damage appraised by another appraiser to resolve disagreement with shop on repair cost.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
  • Conditions are very hot (above 90 F) or very cold (under 32 F)
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
  • Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Appraiser --
  • Automobile Appraiser (Auto Appraiser) --
  • Automobile Damage Appraiser (Auto Damage Appraiser) --
  • Damage Appraiser --
  • Field Appraiser --
  • Field Inspector --
  • Insurance Appraiser -- Inspects physical damage to automobiles and property and prepares written estimates regarding the cost of repairs and type of parts needed for repairs.
  • Material Damage Appraiser --
  • Outside Physical Damage Appraiser --
  • Physical Damage Appraiser --