"Consumer Information on dealing
with the Appraiser"
Dealing with the Appraiser
Dealing with the appraiser does not
have to be a big deal. Keep in mind the appraiser is there to give you money. Granted the money is to
fix your car, but it is money none the less. Taking this into consideration, it pays to
treat the appraiser civily and with respect. I have always gone out of my way for the
vehicle owner that was kind and cooperative.
Numero one: First off, know something about your appraiser. If he works for
the insurance company or if he is an independent find out if he is licensed. Some states
require licensing. Although this does not guarantee somebody knowledgeable, it does
establish a minimum standard. Ask if he has received any training. Specifically, IICAR
training. IICAR stands for Inter Industry Conference on Automobile Repair. Their training
is top notch and required to evaluate damage on todays complicated cars.
Numero Two:When the appraiser contacts you for the appointment, try to make
the car easily available. I have found that it is best to see the car at the body shop.In
this way the damage can be reviewed with the body shop. In this case two heads can be
better than one.
Numero Three:If you have the car seen at your residence, please do not
do the
following:
------------1.)
Park the car with the damaged part of the car in a pricker bush or leaves.
------------2.)
Tie your snarling, barking dog to the bumper.
------------3.)
Park the car down the block.
------------4.)
Park the car in a dark narrow garage that has a 15 watt bulb for
----------------lighting.
------------5.)
Let your dog sniff the appraiser when he is looking under the car.
Please do the following if possible:
------------1.)
Have extra copies of your bills and body shop estimates.
------------2.)
Park the car so that it is accessible and in good lighting.
------------3.)
Let the appraiser inspect the car without interruption. When
----------------he is done with his inspection, he will be glad to answer any questions.
Numero Four: Ask the appraiser for his business card. Also request a copy of
the appraisal be mailed to you. In most cases you are entitled to a copy. If you do not
have a body shop chosen yet, ask the appraiser for a referral. As a rule, the appraiser
can not "steer" you to a shop. But ask him, "where would you have your car
fixed". The appraiser will usually tell you.
Topics to follow:
Filing Your Claim
Choosing a Body Shop
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