Physical Damage Appraiser

Posted in Auto Insurance , Property Damage

January 14th, 2009

A physical damage appraiser is someone who specializes in the assessment of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles which have been damaged in accidents or collisions. Their job is to determine just how much damage has been done to a vehicle whether it is safe to drive, a total loss, or simply just dinged up or scratched. They work for and on behalf of insurance agencies when policy holders seek to get their cars fixed after an accident.

How Does the Appraisal Process Work?

A physical damage appraiser will come to inspect the vehicle in question specifically, any vehicle which has been involved in an accident. He or she will make a thorough inspection of the vehicle to determine exactly what happened as a result of the specific accident meaning, what damage occurred as a result of the accident, and what damage was pre-existing. Once the comprehensive assessment is made, the physical damage appraiser will pass the information on to the insurance agency. The physical damage appraiser will also give a detailed estimate of the cost of repairing the vehicle, or if the vehicle should be considered a total loss.

Who Can Become a Physical Damage Appraiser?

Physical damage appraisers must undergo training and classes in order to become certified as professional physical damage appraisers. This profession is highly regulated by each state, and subject to much monitoring and regulation. Once a person becomes certified as a physical damage appraiser, they will receive a license from the state. They must then register with their respective state and pay a fee, sometimes every year and sometimes every other year. Circumstances will vary state by state. If you get into an accident and you use a physical damage appraiser, make sure you see their license and credentials so you can be sure that you are dealing with a reputable, certified physical damage appraiser. If they do not have their paperwork readily available, you should inform your insurance agency.