Vehicle damage assessors are responsible for assessing the level and extent of damage to vehicles following accidents. They determine if the vehicle can be repaired and the work that needs to be carried out in order to repair it. Duties will commonly include:
As a vehicle insurance assessor you will need to demonstrate:
In addition to the qualifications listed below if you already work in the bodyshop sector and are looking to move into a VDA role, you can complete your Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) for Vehicle Damage Assessors, for more information please click ATA VDA.
Level 3 Diploma for Assessors of Accident Damaged Vehicles (QCF)
Please note: These figures are meant as a guide only and may vary from employer to employer and may be dependent on the geographical area.
Vehicle damage assessors normally work around 40 hours per week from Monday to Friday. You would be based in a garage or workshop and may be out on the road travelling from place to place to assess damaged vehicles.
Salary:
There may be opportunities for shift and overtime pay depending on your employer. You may also be eligible for holiday entitlement, company pension and private healthcare schemes.
You would normally progress into this role from a bodyshop background and have a good understanding of all of the processes and stages of vehicle repair. Some employers may expect you to have qualifications in management and leadership.
Vehicle Body and Paint (Advanced- Senior Body Building Technician / Senior Panel Technician / Senior Paint Technician) This Apprenticeship is about patching up damaged vehicles. From a scratched door to a dented bumper, accidents can affect a car’s bodywork, mechanical parts and paint job.
As an apprentice, you’ll have the choice to focus on either mechanical, electrical and trim body fitting; body repair; or body finishing. Mechanical, electrical and trim technicians repair moving parts and electronics. They assess the damage and then get at the broken parts inside by removing the bodywork (trim), fix the internal parts, and then replace the bodywork. Body repair technicians fix the outside body of the car – they remove, repair and replace damaged panels, ensuring that the car is still sturdy and safe. They may fix the vehicle’s alignment and quality-check all body repairs. Body refinishing technicians add the final surface touch by applying primers and paint so everything looks as good as new. This may involve the use of hand and power sanding tools, chemical cleaning agents, spray booths and drying equipment.
Apprentices will need a good eye to assess damage. Each bump and scrape will present a new challenge, but you’ll feel satisfied after transforming the damaged vehicle into something that works again and looks as good as new.