Inspecting and assessing all elements of a motor vehicle that has sustained damage and requires repair.
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 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 to carry 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 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.
| Duty | Criteria for measuring performance | KSBs |
|---|---|---|
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Duty 1 Appraise a damaged vehicle and identify and record damage, including impact zone and severity |
Able to follow a process Work to deadlines Demonstrate accuracy when working |
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Duty 2 Identify non-accidental damage to vehicles |
Able to follow a process Demonstrate accuracy when working |
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Duty 3 Make use of manual and digital image technology to record areas of damage identified |
Demonstrate accuracy when working | |
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Duty 4 Accurately record data from the vehicle including the correct vehicle identification and model details, mileage and modifications |
Demonstrate accuracy when working | |
|
Duty 5 Identify and evaluate condition of safety related systems and any action required, applying H&S car related current legislation to do so (e.g. air bags, tyres etc) |
In line with car related industry health and safety specifications | |
|
Duty 6 Access industry vehicle repair methods and apply them appropriately |
Able to follow a process Work to deadlines Demonstrate accuracy when working |
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|
Duty 7 Differentiate between items that need repairing and items that need replacement |
Demonstrate accuracy when working | |
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Duty 8 Apply accurate and appropriate opinion times for method and duration for repair |
Able to follow a process Demonstrate accuracy when working |
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|
Duty 9 Assess the cost and duration of a repair |
Able to follow a process Work to deadlines Demonstrate accuracy when working |
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Duty 10 Discuss damage and repairs with a range of stakeholders (vehicle owners, insurance companies, colleagues and managers), listening to their view, responding to concerns and negotiating using evidence based reasoning |
Listens effectively Good verbal and written communication |
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Duty 11 Assess the current market value of vehicle using industry proprietary guides |
Demonstrate accuracy when working | |
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Duty 12 Obtain authorisation from the Client/Customer to proceed with repair to a vehicle and confirm the cost of the repair (if appropriate for the workplace) |
Listens effectively Good verbal and written communication |
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Duty 13 Interpret and accurately apply estimating software system |
Demonstrate accuracy when working |
K1: Vehicles construction and materials
Back to Duty
K2: Steering, suspension and braking, systems and operations
Back to Duty
K3: Transmission and drivelines
Back to Duty
K4: The principles of electrical systems
Back to Duty
K5: Electrical/electronic components
Back to Duty
K6: Vehicle safety systems
Back to Duty
K7: Tools and equipment used in the process
Back to Duty
K8: Understand current Health & Safety legislation in the workplace
Back to Duty
K9: The structure of their organisation or workplace
Back to Duty
K10: The importance of teamwork in the workplace
Back to Duty
K11: How to communicate effectively
Back to Duty
K12: Up to date vehicle repair technologies including Paint, Panel and MET
Back to Duty
K13: Good understanding of commercial aspects of a body shop
Back to Duty
K14: How to produce a job card
Back to Duty
K15: Non-accidental related damage
Back to Duty
K16: Electronic costings systems
Back to Duty
K17: Industry vehicle Repair methods
Back to Duty
S1: Recognise properties of different types of vehicle damage
Back to Duty
S2: Maintain records
Back to Duty
S3: Use manual and digital image technology
Back to Duty
S4: Locate vehicle unique identification details
Back to Duty
S5: Diagnose safety faults on vehicles
Back to Duty
S6: Read, adhere to and apply relevant legislation
Back to Duty
S7: Use repair methods
Back to Duty
S8: Make judgements on vehicle damage, taking into account safety and cost
Back to Duty
S9: Commercial decision making
Back to Duty
S10: Prepare costings based on parts and labour ratios
Back to Duty
S11: Oral communication, listening and negotiation skills
Back to Duty
S12: Use industry guidelines appropriately
Back to Duty
S13: Recognises importance of gaining approval before work commences
Back to Duty
S14: Use of estimating software, spreadsheets, on-line databases
Back to Duty
B1: Customer focussed – demonstrate behaviour that puts the customer first
Back to Duty
B2: A right first time approach committed to delivering and maintaining high quality workplace standards
Back to Duty
B3: A calm and reasoned approach
Back to Duty
B4: A professional approach, demonstrates integrity and confidence in daily activities
Back to Duty
B5: Adherence to company values, shows passion and enthusiasm for the industry
Back to Duty
B6: Take responsibility for health and safety
Back to Duty
B7: Attention to detail
Back to Duty
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| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 18/04/2019 | Not set |
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