Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage

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

Sample of reported job titles:
Appraiser, Automobile Appraiser (Auto Appraiser), Automobile Damage Appraiser (Auto Damage Appraiser), Damage Appraiser, Field Appraiser, Field Inspector, Insurance Appraiser, Material Damage Appraiser, Outside Physical Damage Appraiser, Physical Damage Appraiser

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

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

Technology Skills

  • Accounting software:NCH Software Express Invoice
  • Data base user interface and query software:Information Services Inc. CCC Pathways Appraisal Solution
    ,
    Meridian Technologies SurePoint
    ,
    Vertafore ImageRight
  • Document management software:Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
  • Electronic mail software:Email software
    ,
    Microsoft Outlook
  • Graphics or photo imaging software:A-T Solutions Easy Street Draw

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

  • Working with Computers:Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Documenting/Recording Information:Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems:Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others:Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public:Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Determine the value of goods or services.
  • Estimate costs of goods or services.
  • Examine financial records.
  • Prepare contracts or other transaction documents.

Work Context

  • Telephone:100% responded"Every day"
  • Electronic Mail:100% responded"Every day"
  • Contact With Others:96% responded"Constant contact with others"
  • Deal With External Customers:92% responded"Extremely important"
  • Frequency of Decision Making:80% responded"Every day"

Worker Requirements

Skills

  • Speaking:Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Writing:Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Listening:Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Reading Comprehension:Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Critical Thinking:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Knowledge

  • Customer and Personal Service:Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • English Language:Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Computers and Electronics:Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • Mechanical:Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Administrative:Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:
  • 31%
    Some College Courses
  • 29%
    Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
  • 24%
    High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
  • 15%
    Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)

Worker Characteristics

Abilities

  • Oral Comprehension:The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Oral Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
  • Problem Sensitivity:The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
  • Written Comprehension:The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  • Written Expression:The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Interests

  • Conventional:Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
  • Realistic:Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Enterprising:Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Work Values

  • Independence:Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
  • Support:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
  • Working Conditions:Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Work Styles

  • Integrity:Job requires being honest and ethical.
  • Attention to Detail:Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
  • Initiative:Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
  • Self-Control:Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
  • Concern for Others:Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
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