An auto appraiser estimates car values and sometimes provides estimates of vehicle damages for an insurance claim. You will need an expert knowledge of automobiles to become an auto appraiser and may benefit from learning about cars on your own before you seek formal education. Often, car enthusiasts find this a natural career selection because they already know a good deal about cars. In most cases, you will only need a high school diploma or its equivalent to land this job, but some employers may prefer to hire candidates with higher education in an automotive or insurance field. Additionally, you will likely need a range of communication-related skills, a driver's license with a clear record, and computer know-how to secure this position, and some jurisdictions may also require licensing.
The chief requirement for becoming an auto appraiser is having expert knowledge of cars. Many people find it easiest to begin this career if they already have a love of cars. For example, an automobile enthusiast may have impressive knowledge of various car makes, models, and values, so adding to that knowledge to become an auto appraiser may not seem much of a chore. If you consider yourself an automobile enthusiast, your first step toward becoming an auto appraiser may be beefing up your knowledge with automobile value books and websites as well as publications that discuss various types of automobiles.
In most cases, you will need a high school education to become an auto appraiser. Some employers, however, may have a preference for new hires who have college degrees. For example, a degree in a field such as automotive technology may improve your prospects for this job. Likewise, you could consider earning a degree in a field such as insurance law, which may also make you a more attractive job candidate. Some employers may even consider you more favorably if you earn a certificate in an automotive-related field.
The skills you will need to become an auto appraiser often include those related to communication and computer operation. You may need experience working with the types of computer software used in appraisals, or at least the ability to learn quickly. A driver's license is often required when you want to become an auto appraiser as well, and some employers may want you to agree to background and drug testing. In many cases, employers prefer to hire candidates who have driving records that are free of adverse marks, as someone in this position may spend a good deal of time traveling to provide appraisals.
Some jurisdictions will also require you to obtain an appraiser's license to become an auto appraiser. Licensing criteria may vary, but it often include experience with cars or insurance knowledge. You will likely have to complete an application process and pass a test to obtain a license as an appraiser. In some jurisdictions, you may have to meet continuing education requirements to maintain your licensing as well.
