The 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming an Auto Damage Appraiser

When I first stepped into the world of auto damage appraising, I had no idea what I was getting into. My background was in sales and customer service, and while those skills gave me a head start in communication, they didn’t prepare me for rain-soaked inspections, unpredictable days, or trying to figure out which tools actually worked.

Fast forward over 8 years, and I’ve built a career I’m proud of. Along the way, I learned what no one tells you at the start: from workflow strategies to simple gear that saves your sanity. Whether you’re a new appraiser, thinking of making the leap, or just trying to work smarter, here are five things I wish I had known from day one.

1. Customer Service Is Your Superpower

People skills matter more than you’d think. You’ll meet folks who are stressed, frustrated, and totally confused after an accident. Your ability to explain calmly, reassure confidently, and follow up professionally sets the tone for the entire claim.

And first impressions? They count. I keep this sleek business card holder on me at all times. It’s a small touch, but handing someone a crisp card instead of fishing it out of your pocket builds instant trust and professionalism.

2. The Right Gear Makes All the Difference

Showing up with the wrong tools? Been there. You need equipment that’s reliable, portable, and built for the job.

One of my go-to tools for capturing clear photos of hail damage—especially in tough lighting—is this line board. It makes dents pop visually and fits easily in your glovebox for on-the-go estimates.

And don’t overlook what’s on your feet. You’ll be in driveways, salvage yards, and body shops—sometimes all in the same day. I swear by these Skechers waterproof work boots. Durable, all-day comfortable, and most importantly: actually waterproof. Your socks will thank you.

When summer hits and you’re standing on a blazing tow yard lot? This wearable neck fan is a total lifesaver. It’s hands-free, rechargeable, and aims airflow right where you need it most. Don’t suffer through the heat—work smarter.

3. Your Workload Will Vary—Be Flexible

Some days are packed with inspections, others are a blur of paperwork and calls. No two weeks look the same. Adaptability is your lifeline—and so is staying organized.

That’s why I keep this steering wheel tray in my car. It turns your driver’s seat into a mobile office or lunch table on the fly. Whether I’m catching up on reports or squeezing in a quick meal, this simple tray keeps things comfortable and efficient.

4. You Don’t Need to Know Everything—But You Need to Know Where to Look

Here’s the truth: you’re going to have questions. Constantly. The key is staying resourceful and building your reference toolkit.

One small but critical tool? A tread depth gauge. It’s essential for assessing tire condition—and since they’re tiny and easy to lose, I always keep a few extras around. Cheap, quick to use, and essential for accurate documentation.

5. You’re the Calm in the Chaos

At the end of the day, we’re not just evaluating metal—we’re helping people through one of their most frustrating moments. Your tone, your presence, and even your setup all play a part in creating a smooth experience.

That calm starts before you even arrive. All my equipment lives in this multi-compartment cargo organizer. It keeps tools, paperwork, and essentials sorted so I can focus on the job—not rummaging through trunk clutter. Less mess, more peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

There’s no textbook for this role—just time, trial, and (hopefully) the occasional blog post from someone who’s walked the road. I’ll be sharing more soon: career tips, practical tools, industry trends, and how I balance this career with coaching group fitness and affiliate marketing.

If this helped you even a little, stick around. Subscribe to stay in the loop or drop me a line—let’s keep making this role smarter, cleaner, and a whole lot easier to navigate.