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Damage appraiser vs claim processor

The differences between damage appraisers and claim processors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a damage appraiser, becoming a claim processor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a damage appraiser has an average salary of $48,075, which is higher than the $41,201 average annual salary of a claim processor.

The top three skills for a damage appraiser include vehicle repairs, parts costs and process claims. The most important skills for a claim processor are customer service, data entry, and medical terminology.

Damage appraiser vs claim processor overview

Damage AppraiserClaim Processor
Yearly salary$48,075$41,201
Hourly rate$23.11$19.81
Growth rate-6%-6%
Number of jobs1,11711,542
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Average age4444
Years of experience46

What does a damage appraiser do?

A damage appraiser is someone who determines the damage costs associated with a property, such as buildings and vehicles, in preparation for filing claims and requesting payments from insurance. The damage appraiser compiles estimated and actual costs of repairs and creates a report used as a reference for any claims and insurance requests. The damage appraiser can also come in handy for any legal requirement for repair agreements between parties and such. The damage appraiser works closely with the client and all the repair companies that repaired the damaged property.

What does a claim processor do?

A Claims Processor is responsible for processing and verifying insurance claims, in adherence to the policies, laws, and regulations of the company involved. Aside from examining its authenticity, they must also oversee new policies and recommend modifications should it be needed. Moreover, it is also the task of the Claims Processor to prepare the necessary documents and guidelines for the policyholder, process reimbursements upon approval, provide answers to inquiries, and report issues and updates to the management.

Damage appraiser vs claim processor salary

Damage appraisers and claim processors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Damage AppraiserClaim Processor
Average salary$48,075$41,201
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $68,000Between $26,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City-Columbia, MD
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-NTT Data International L.L.C.
Best paying industry-Insurance

Differences between damage appraiser and claim processor education

There are a few differences between a damage appraiser and a claim processor in terms of educational background:

Damage AppraiserClaim Processor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 43%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaStanford University

Damage appraiser vs claim processor demographics

Here are the differences between damage appraisers' and claim processors' demographics:

Damage AppraiserClaim Processor
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 86.0% Female, 14.0%Male, 22.9% Female, 77.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 5.0% White, 62.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 5.2% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between damage appraiser and claim processor duties and responsibilities

Damage appraiser example responsibilities.

  • Greet customers and write complete repair estimates on damage vehicles using different computer programs, CCC and ADP.
  • Coordinate with SIU on fraudulent claims effectively.
  • Investigate claims and report fraud to SIU.
  • Work with DRP shops to maintain and follow company guidelines.
  • Obtain exterior measurements of the home and create a computerize sketch using RapidSketch v2.5.
  • Measure and sketch all floors of home, porches, patios and any other structures.
  • Show more

Claim processor example responsibilities.

  • Experience in many facets of the managed healthcare insurance business.
  • Manage claims, route/queues, and ECHS, within specify turn- around time parameters.
  • Use ICD-9, CPT-4 and other medical manuals to adjudicate claims.
  • Analyze claims submit by providers and facilities for appropriate ICD-9, CPT and HCPCS codes against charges that are being bill.
  • Call DME and HME companies to correct invoices.
  • Coach and assist in the training of new EMR databases.
  • Show more

Damage appraiser vs claim processor skills

Common damage appraiser skills
  • Vehicle Repairs, 21%
  • Parts Costs, 20%
  • Process Claims, 17%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Audatex, 6%
  • Repair Process, 6%
Common claim processor skills
  • Customer Service, 20%
  • Data Entry, 8%
  • Medical Terminology, 5%
  • CPT, 5%
  • Claims Processing, 4%
  • Medical Insurance Claims, 4%

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