Auto Insurance Claims: field appraisal, entry level position, field appraisal

Question
Hello I am looking to make a career change. I went to school for accounting and have an associates degree. I also studied at General motors and have an associates degree in automotive technology. I have 5 years accounting work history and 2 years as an auto tech for gm. Sorry, let me get to the point what is the average starting salary of an auto field appraiser and do i have the goods to enter this career. From your years of experience can you offer any advice on what area of insurance i should get into. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Rommel,

You would need to start with an entry level position at an insurance company that provides training.  Most companies that do this, will also require that you also be a claims adjuster. An entry level position at an insurance comapany will be about $28k to 33k. After 5 - 7  years experience you may get to $50k.  Another option may be to seek a position as a collision repair estimator at a body shop. Most will pay a base salary plus commission.  A good body shop estimator can earn $50k to $70k.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh