Insurance Appraiser- Auto Damage
Description OES Code: 53305
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.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $17.12
25th Percentile $18.39
50th Percentile $21.56
75th Percentile $25.90

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Fringe benefits may include paid vacations, holidays and sick leave, profit- sharing, bonuses, commissions, group life and health insurance, pension plans and paid education. Damage appraisers get an expense account and use of a company car or mileage.

Employment Trends, California
Employment 1998 1,200
Projected Employment 2008 1,500
Percent Change 1998-2008 25.0%
Separations 1998-2008 200

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 170
Projected Employment 2006 220
Percent Change 1999-2006 29.4%
Separations 1999-2006 40

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Auto damage appraisers spend much of their work time outdoors, in driveways, garages and repair shops.

Getting The Job & Other Information
Auto damage appraisers may find employment in the following industries: Insurance Carriers (Medical service and health insurance; Fire, marine, & casualty Insurance);Insurance Agents, Brokers, & Service.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
Most appraisers start with a bachelor’s degree, but some insurance companies also look for vocational training, or work-related experience, and of course, a valid driver’s licence. Education and training providers for auto damage appraisers may include insurance companies and insurance training schools, offering programs in insurance marketing operations.

Skills & Other Requirements
Apply Advanced Business Math (Accounting, Finance, Statistics, Mis Etc.); Apply Appraisal Techniques; Apply Insurance Rating Systems; Apply Interpersonal Communication Techniques; Apply Math Principles To Insurance; Apply Telephone Communication To Gather Data; Empathize With Insured Persons; Estimate Costs For Repair Services; Estimate Damage; Interview Customers; Keep Records & Maintain Files; Make Decisions; Process/Prepare; Business & Government Forms; Provide Customer Service; Understand & Use Medical Terminology; Understand Government Insurance Regulations; Understand Insurance Terminology; Understand Legal Terminology; General Computer Skills; Use Computers To Enter, Access & Retrieve Client Data; Use Correct Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling; Use Word Processing Software; Use Written Communication In Sales Work; Write Vehicle Damage Repair Estimates.

References
Oregon Labor Market Information System Occupational Information Center

Related Occupations: Claims Examiners- Insurance, Insurance Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)