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Insurance claims
Auto Damage Appraiser
Body shop knowledge, insurance pay, and you stop turning wrenches.
Typical pay
$55k-$90k
How you get in
Collision repair knowledge plus insurer training
Outlook
Steady; a reliable exit from collision repair
Auto damage appraisers inspect damaged vehicles and write repair estimates for insurers. It is a common and welcome exit from collision repair work — same knowledge, indoor and field mix, better hours and better pay.
A day in the life
- 8:00aReview assigned claims and route the day
- 9:00aInspect a vehicle at a body shop and write the estimate
- 11:00aNegotiate supplement requests with the shop
- 1:00pLunch
- 2:00pTotal loss evaluation and valuation
- 4:00pDocumentation and photo uploads for the claim file
How to get in
Body tech into appraising
Duration
3-6 months
Cost
$0-$2,000
Credential
State adjuster license where required, plus estimating software
- Work in collision repair and learn repair procedures thoroughly
- Learn estimating platforms like CCC or Mitchell
- Get an adjuster license if your state requires one
- Apply to insurers — your repair background is exactly what they want
Insurance trainee program
Duration
3-9 months
Cost
$0 — paid training
Credential
Adjuster license plus company certification
- Apply to an insurer's auto damage trainee program
- Complete their training on repair procedures and estimating
- Some hire without repair experience and train from scratch
- Learn I-CAR standards to build technical credibility
Independent appraiser or adjuster
Duration
2-5 years
Cost
$2,000-$15,000
Credential
Adjuster licenses across multiple states
- Build staff experience and licensing
- License in multiple states, especially catastrophe-prone ones
- Work independently or on catastrophe deployments
- Catastrophe work pays exceptionally well during active seasons
What people love
- · Better hours and pay than the shop floor
- · Company vehicle in most field roles
- · Real independence in the field
- · Path into claims management or independent adjusting
What wears people down
- · Constant negotiation friction with shops
- · Claim volume targets and cycle time pressure
- · Customers are upset before you arrive
- · Catastrophe deployments mean weeks away