Overview of the Role

A Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) works within the Automotive Bodyshop Industry. This industry employs around 200,000 people in a range of large, medium-sized and small businesses.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to methodically and accurately inspect and assess all elements of a motor vehicle that has sustained damage and requires repair. They will be able to identify and record damage on a vehicle and determine (using prescribed information from Manufacturers) which parts of the vehicle should be repaired or replaced. A VDA will have an understanding of the manual process of assessing and costing the repair of a vehicle, whilst also being able to use the relevant electronic estimating software. They will have knowledge of all types of vehicles including petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid. A VDA will stay abreast of ever-changing autonomous technological vehicle safety developments known as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The VDA will produce accurate & detailed repair specifications to be used when carrying out the required repair process. They will have commercial knowledge of their respective workplace and know how to apply this in order to determine a monetary cost and timescale for each repair job.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with the customer of the damaged vehicle, the Bodyshop manager, vehicle repair technicians and office/administrative staff at their company and insurance companies. The assessor will work alone (once qualified) to assess the vehicle but will also liaise with the customer, insurance company and vehicle technicians to discuss the assessment, damage to the vehicle and how it will be repaired. The assessor may report to the Bodyshop manager, or sometimes to the commercial director or other members of staff, depending on the staffing structure within their own organisation.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for producing an accurate estimate to carry out a repair job which is subsequently agreed by key stakeholders.

A VDA will have excellent communication skills, be able to negotiate and have a methodical approach to work. Being able to carry out work accurately is essential.