Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 2/7/2010

Question
Hi Richard,

I moved to Florida about 3 years ago and was previously an insurance adjuster for a major auto insurance company in New York. I am currently on a different end of the automotive industry now and would like to get back into automotive appraising independently with my own business. I have a few questions.. 1) What is the easiest way to get an Appraiser's/Adjuster's license in Florida? I know Florida doesn't give reciprocity for my New York license. 2) What insurance companies, that write in the state of Florida, still use independents to write partial and total losses for autos? 3)What does an average independent appraiser make/charge per estimate/supplement/Total loss? and 3) Where can I start learning on my own about the different state regulations on the automotive insurance industry in Florida? (like New York's Insurance Regulation 64). Any help or additional advice and/or information on this topic would be much appreciated.

Thanks..

Andrew

Answer
Hi Andrew,

In the state of Florida you do not need a license to be an auto damage appraiser/estimator. A damage appraiser/estimator only inspects damaged or total loss vehicles and provides a repair estimate or total loss work up to the adjuster that assigned you the work. If you are intending to be an independent adjuster, then you would need to take the Florida required 240 hour course and then take the state licensing exam. You can contact the Florida Department of Insurance for details and course providers.

Starting out as an independent appraiser, you will need a computer, digital camera, fax machine and estimating software. The major providers of estimating software are Mitchel, PenPro and CCC. The most popular software with independent appraisers is either Mitchel or PenPro. Depending on the features you will utilize, the software will cost you about $300.00 to $500.00 per month.

As far as getting work, the easiest way to start out is by subcontracting work from another independent appraisal company such as Property Damage Appraisers (PDA), Doan & Co., etc. Getting business directly on your own is about relationships. It can take a long time to meet the right people that have the ability to give you work, especially since you are just starting out. If you want to try to get direct work, you need to simply start calling insurance company's claim department and ask who is the person that makes decisions about independent appraisers. Then call that person and ask for work. You should make up a flyer or brochure that you can fax or email to them that outlines your basic experience, your prompt service and the territory you are willing to cover. You may need to develop a marketing list with several dozen ov these decision maker names and send them your information once a month. Eventually someone they are using will fall down on the job and they may be willing to give you a shot. Another thing you can do is to contact your city's claim association. Most will have a monthly meeting. Going to these meetings with your business cards and brochures will allow you to meet adjusters from many insurance companies, some of which may be willing to send you assignments.

In general, pricing for a damage appraisal is around $100.00 to $125.00 if you get the assignment directly from an insurance company. If you get an assignment as a subcontractor for another established appraisal company, you will generally be paid 50% to 60% of the fee that that appraisal company charges its customer.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh