Auto Insurance Claims: start my own appraiser business, independent appraisers, starting your own business

Question
I sound very similar to the gentleman in Florida. I have all these years of experience and knowledge to write a good estimate. I would like to know what I have to do to start my own vehicle damage appraiser business?

Answer
Hi Daniel,

If you have the experience and know how to write a repair estimate using one of the 3 major estimating systems, the process of starting your own business is simple. The hardest part is getting work.

You will need to obtain a business license. Then a computer, fax, highspeed internet, digital camera. You will need to sign up with one of the 3 estimating system companies (CCC, Mitchell or Autosource). The cost of the estimating system will be about $400.00 per month on a 3 year contract. Once you have all of this in place, you will nned to start marketing yourself. You just make calls to claims departments of insurance companies and ask who makes decisions on independent appraisers. you just keep calling until you start to get business.

If you have never run a business before, you may want to consider going to work for a large independent appraisal company. That way you can learn the business on someone elses nickel and possible make some company contacts at the same time. This business is all about relationships. It just takes time.

Good Luck
Richard Hixenbaugh