An insurance appraiser determines whether a company or agency is required to pay for a claim by assessing current policies and factual evidence. They typically serve as field representatives and report to onsite locations to assess vehicle damage or property damage, evaluate real estate, determine the practicality of repair, communicate with automobile repair shop workers about repair cost if needed, establish salvage value, collaborate with claims adjusters, and confirm testimonies. Other work activities include interviewing claimants, consulting experts, and preparing documents for examiners to review throughout the claims process. Insurance appraisers typically work full-time and may represent insurance carriers in agencies or brokerages, or work on behalf of policyholders to negotiate insurance claim settlements as an independent consultant.