Appraiser

Insurance is already part of everything you do.

Find your career in it.

APPRAISER

What do appraisers do?

Appraisers inspect insurance clients' personal property (i.e. car, home, jewelry) for which a claim has been submitted due to an accident, theft or fire. They estimate the loss or damage of personal property and report to the insurance company's claims adjuster. Appraisers also:

Work with adjusters, and replacement or repair suppliers, to find the most cost-effective way to return clients' property back to the state it was in before their loss.
Evaluate insured items such as homes, buildings and vehicles.
Review and analyze data such as past sales, title searches, engineering and alignment maps, coil maps, subdivision plans, water and sewer plans, location cost data and easements.
Present and clarify assessment processes to rate payers.
Prepare appraisal reports for lending agencies, insurance companies, government departments, courts, attorneys, creditors, buyers or auctioneers.

Is this career for me?

The following qualifications may be required for a career as an appraiser. Do these statements describe you?

A college diploma or university degree is an asset
Desire to learn new things and keep up with technological changes
Strong interpersonal skills
Computer proficiency
Detail-oriented and inquisitive
Advanced written and spoken communication skills
Ability to write about and/or review scope of repairs
Ability to completely inspect automobiles, homes, buildings and structures (visually and physically)
Understanding of insurance principles and current market trends
Understanding of building construction or vehicle repair
Professional, friendly and courteous in all interactions

If you answered yes to these statements, then a career as an appraiser might be the perfect fit!

How do I get there?

A variety of skill sets are necessary within the Appraiser profession. Your experience in one of the fields listed can lead you to a successful career in the insurance industry.

Transportation:

Your experience working with vehicles, which may have given you a first hand knowledge of vehicle repair processes, may make you an excellent fit for the role of appraiser. To be successful as an appraiser, you will need to couple this specialized knowledge with a greater understanding of insurance principles. This can be achieved by setting a goal to complete the General Insurance Education (GIE) certificate and the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation offered by the Insurance Institute once you are working in the industry.

Construction:

Your experience in the construction industry may have provided you with a working knowledge of building construction practices and the ability to review complicated building plans. To be a successful appraiser, you will need to couple this specialized knowledge of the construction industry with a greater understanding of insurance principles. This is often best achieved through setting a goal to complete the General Insurance Essentials (GIE) certificate and the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation offered by the Insurance Institute once you are working in the industry.

Agriculture:

Your experience in the agriculture industry and your familiarity with the processes and equipment used for agricultural operations make you an excellent fit for the appraiser role. To be a successful appraiser, you will need to couple this specialized knowledge of the agriculture industry with a greater understanding of insurance principles. This can be achieved by setting a goal to complete the General Insurance Education (GIE) certificate and the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation offered by the Insurance Institute once you are working in the industry.

Engineering:

Your experience as an engineer, with your acquired knowledge of the planning and building of infrastructure, may make you a great candidate for this career path. To be a successful appraiser, you will need to couple this specialized knowledge of the civil engineering industry with a greater understanding of insurance principles. This is often best achieved through setting a goal to complete the General Insurance Education (GIE) certificate and the Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation offered by the Insurance Institute can get you started in the industry.

What does the future hold?

Earning Potential for this role depends on education, experience and geographic region. Much weight is given to those with specialized education (ie. CIP designation), experience and skills. Many employers offer performance-linked bonuses.

Across Canada, employment opportunities for appraisers are on the rise. The increase is largely due to organizations' desire to respond to new businesses and claims. Appraisers will also need to replace retiring workers and meet the needs of an increasing population, especially in urban centres. This has already created a substantial number of job openings and professional opportunities.