Auto Damage Appraiser License Info

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Vermont licenses for individual type licenses expire on a common expiration date of March 31 of Even years. If you apply for a license now, you will pay the initial license and application fee for a license that expires on March 31, 2010. You will also receive an invoice for the license renewal fee prior to the expiration date of that license. All applications received at the Insurance Department AFTER March 1st, 2010 will not be issued effective until April 1st, 2010, unless a specific request is made.

For information about licensing requirements, how to apply for a license and FAQs. Vermont Law defines an Appraiser to mean, any person who, for compensation, appraises the loss or damage under policies of automobile insurance on the behalf of the insurers under such policies. A license as an appraiser will not be required of an official or employee of a domestic fire or casualty insurance company or of a duly licensed resident insurance producer of a domestic or duly admitted foreign insurer who is authorized by such insurer to appraise losses under policies issued by such insurer. A license will not be required of an automobile repair shop or repair facility which makes an appraisal at the request of the insured or insurer. See Title 8, §4791.

License Requirements

In order to obtain an Appraiser license an applicant must be at least 18 years of age; must be deemed to be competent, trustworthy and financially responsible; have passed a written examination; meet an experience requirement and submit a license application and fees. The experience requirement may be satisfied in three different ways:

1. The applicant possesses two years’ experience in handling of loss appraising.
2. The applicant has undergone special training of sufficient duration and scope to make him/her competent to fulfill the responsibilities of the license. A person seeking to have special training recognized should submit a detailed description of the training, including syllabi, curriculum and training material.
3. The applicant is employed by and subject to the immediate personal supervision of a licensed appraiser who is licensed in Vermont and who has been licensed for not less than three years next preceding the date of application for the license.

For further information, see Title 8, §4803

How to Apply for a License

Resident:

An applicant must submit to the Department the following:

1. NAIC Uniform Individual Application (This application is used for ALL license types, though they are not all specified on the form);
2. The original score report showing passage of the Motor Vehicle Damage Appraiser examination;
3. Attachment #2 Certification print a hard copy, fill in; and,
4. A license application fee of $30.00 and a license fee of $60.00.  Checks may be made payable to VT BISHCA.

Attachment #1 Social Security Disclosure is for your information.

Nonresident:

An applicant must submit to the Department the following:

1. NAIC Uniform Individual Application (This application is used for ALL license types, although they are not all specified on the form);
2. A home state certification (no older than 90 days preceding receipt by the department of the application);
3. Attachment #2 Certification print a hard copy, fill in; and,
4. A license application fee of $30.00 and a license fee.  Please locate the state in which you reside to determine the license fee (See Fee Chart).  Checks may be made payable to VT BISHCA.

Attachment #1 Social Security Disclosure is for your information.

NOTE: All applicants must satisfy an examination requirement in order to be licensed.  If an applicant has not taken an examination, or resides in a state that does not require a license examination, the applicant can either:

1. Submit a letter of certification from another state where the applicant did take an examination and is currently licensed, or
2. Take and pass the Vermont Motor Vehicle Damage Appraiser examination and submit the original test score report with the application.

FAQs

• What is an Appraiser?
• What is the license term?
• Does Vermont require Continuing Education for Appraisers?
• Does an Appraiser have specific record keeping requirements under Vermont law?
• Can an Appraiser investigate or negotiate the settlement of insurance claims?
• Who should I contact with license questions?

What is an Appraiser?

An Appraiser is any person who, for compensation, appraises the loss or damage under policies of automobile insurance on the behalf of the insurers under such policies. A license as an appraiser will not be required of an official or employee of a domestic fire or casualty insurance company or of a duly licensed resident insurance producer of a domestic or duly admitted foreign insurer who is authorized by such insurer to appraise losses under policies issued by such insurer. A license will not be required of an automobile repair shop or repair facility, which makes an appraisal at the request of the insured or insurer.

What is the license term?

The license term is April 1st to March 31st of even years.  The Department will send out renewal notices for existing licensees at the beginning of the even year.   Note, license fees are not prorated and the license term is fixed, regardless of time of application.

Does Vermont require Continuing Education for Appraisers?

No.

Does an Appraiser have specific record keeping requirements under Vermont law?

Yes.   Each Appraiser shall keep at the address shown on the license a record of all transactions under the license.   The record shall include:

1. A copy of all appraisals undertaken or consummated.
2. A statement of any fee, commission or other compensation received or to be received by the Appraiser for such appraisal.
3. Appraiser shall make such records available for examination by the commissioner at all times, and shall retain the records for at least three years.

Can an Appraiser investigate or negotiate the settlement of insurance claims?

No.  An Appraiser cannot investigate or negotiate the settlement of claims.  An insurance adjuster license would be required in that instance.

Who should I contact with license questions?

For answers to additional questions that have not been addressed in the FAQs above, send an email to bishca.producerlicensing@state.vt.us please be sure to provide a telephone number where we can contact you.

Vermont Insurance Division – Producer Licensing Section
BISHCA
89 Main Street
Montpelier, VT  05620-3101
(802) 828-3303 Telephone
(802) 828-1633 Fax