What an assessor does (explained simply)

Who are assessors?

Motor vehicle assessors are qualified professionals who evaluate vehicle damage on behalf of insurance companies. They may be employed directly by insurers or work as independent contractors.

What assessors do

An assessor's primary responsibilities include:

• Document damage: Photograph and record all visible damage to the vehicle
• Identify hidden damage: Look for damage that may not be immediately apparent
• Estimate costs: Calculate the cost of parts and labour required for repairs
• Assess repair methods: Determine whether parts should be repaired or replaced
• Evaluate vehicle value: Determine the market value for write-off decisions

The assessment report

The assessor produces a detailed report that includes:

• Description of all damage found
• Photographs of the vehicle
• Itemised list of parts needed
• Estimated labour hours
• Total repair cost estimate
• Recommendation (repair or write-off)

Supplementary assessments

During repairs, the repairer may discover additional damage not visible during the initial assessment. When this happens:

• The repairer documents the additional damage
• A supplementary assessment is requested
• The assessor (or insurer) reviews and approves additional work
• This may extend the repair timeline

Assessor independence

While assessors work for or with insurers, they are expected to provide objective, factual assessments. Their role is to accurately document damage and costs, not to minimise claims.

If you disagree with an assessment, you can request a review or seek a second opinion from an independent assessor at your own cost.