Damage appraiser vs claims representative

The differences between damage appraisers and claims representatives 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 claims representative takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a damage appraiser has an average salary of $48,075, which is higher than the $38,796 average annual salary of a claims representative.

The top three skills for a damage appraiser include vehicle repairs, parts costs and process claims. The most important skills for a claims representative are customer service, quality standards, and policy coverage.

Damage appraiser vs claims representative overview

	Damage Appraiser	Claims Representative
Yearly salary	$48,075	$38,796
Hourly rate	$23.11	$18.65
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	1,117	18,565
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	6

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 claims representative do?

A Claims Representative is an agent who works for insurance companies in order to investigate and settle claims. The agent acts as an intermediary between customers and insurance companies by evaluating the customers' facts surrounding claims and determining whether the loss is covered or should be compensated. Such a role is important because an agent makes sure that no fraud claims are being paid out. It is also highlighted that an agent works in compliance with state regulations.

Damage appraiser vs claims representative salary

Damage appraisers and claims representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Damage Appraiser	Claims Representative
Average salary	$48,075	$38,796
Salary range	Between $33,000 And $68,000	Between $28,000 And $53,000
Highest paying City	-	Dearborn, MI
Highest paying state	-	New Jersey
Best paying company	-	W. R. Berkley
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between damage appraiser and claims representative education

There are a few differences between a damage appraiser and a claims representative in terms of educational background:

	Damage Appraiser	Claims Representative
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Stanford University

Damage appraiser vs claims representative demographics

Here are the differences between damage appraisers' and claims representatives' demographics:

	Damage Appraiser	Claims Representative
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 86.0% Female, 14.0%	Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%
Race ratio	Black 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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between damage appraiser and claims representative 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.

Claims representative example responsibilities.

Perform initial set-up and continuously manage claims in the Juris claims management system.
Investigate, evaluate, and manage call to complete coverage analysis confirming or denying coverage using Xactimate estimating software.
Prepare necessary state filings within statutory limits, manage litigation and vocational rehabilitation process, used appropriate cost containment techniques.
Assist the training department in developing CSR training in order to set expectations.
Create custom templates and guide sheets for new trainees in the CSR Internet division to ensure consistency and increase department efficiency.
Utilize proper SIU reporting procedures for extensive investigation as required.

Damage appraiser vs claims representative skills

Common damage appraiser skills

Vehicle Repairs, 21%
Parts Costs, 20%
Process Claims, 17%
Customer Service, 8%
Audatex, 6%
Repair Process, 6%

Common claims representative skills

Customer Service, 26%
Quality Standards, 6%
Policy Coverage, 6%
Reservations, 5%
Claims Handling, 3%
Insurance Coverage, 3%

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Damage Appraiser
Damage Appraiser vs Claims Representative

Updated January 8, 2025

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