Career Spotlight: Collision Appraiser
If you have an interest in automotive careers it’s only natural to do research into all of your career possibilities. Collision Appraiser is one position within the industry that may appeal to those who would like to combine their technical knowledge with their automotive expertise. However for those who are unclear on exactly what collision appraisers do, we’ll give an in-depth look on the outlook and responsibilities for this position.
Daily Responsibilities
For the most part, a collision appraiser is the individual who assesses the value of vehicles after an accident. Part of their responsibilities includes inspecting, analyzing and evaluating damages to create an accurate estimate of the cost of repair for a vehicle. Also involved is documenting aspects of claims investigations and cost management. For someone who has an automotive repair background but would like to evolve into a different area of the automotive industry, it could be a practical option. One positive aspect of this position is that you won’t be sitting at a desk all day and for the most part will be out in the field. Those interested should also enjoy interacting with customers and be a bit of a people person. It is also essential to remain up to date on claims options and repair methods.
Education and Experience
Though many appraisers simply have a high school diploma, most employers prefer candidates who have a specialized post-secondary education. Therefore, it will be helpful to complete a certificate or diploma before attempting to enter the field, and as a way to set yourself a part from other candidates. The ability to understand automotive repairs, research information and computer software skills are also important. Essentially, a combination of automotive repair knowledge and trades training in post-secondary vocation school is an ideal combination for many employers.
Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there is a steady demand for well-qualified damage appraisers through independent appraisal companies. Though that outlook is for the U.S., similar job growth should apply in Canada. If you are studying the trades in Canada, keep in mind that the government of Canada has found that the car market is a major source of job growth for accident and casualty insurance and should remain so. As well, the number of vehicles on the road in Quebec increased even more sharply (2.4% per year) between 2002 and 2010, all of which point to a rising career. Even if you are studying the trades in BC, this type of information is important to consider when deciding on a career, since it’s essential to plan for a career in a growing field.
With the right combination of education and research, there’s no reason why a career as a collision appraiser shouldn’t be a viable career path for anyone wanting to enter the automotive industry.
Here’s a video to give you a look at what this career looks like when you’re out in the field:
