Massachusetts Licensing Board adopts appraiser ruling

The Massachusetts Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board has adopted an advisory ruling that reaffirms registered repair shops and insurance companies should use licensed appraisers.

The ruling notes that the Massachusetts Division of Standards, which administers motor vehicle repair shop registrations, no longer requires shops to employ a licensed motor vehicle damage appraiser as a condition of registration.

However, that does not relieve any obligation shops have under the Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board. 

It adds that the board interprets repair shops that retain or engage a licensed appraiser or subcontractor as “employment,” provided the appraiser is directly responsible for preparing and negotiating the appraisal.

This includes insurer-involved appraisal functions such as preparing appraisals, supplemental appraisals, expedited supplemental requests, and/or other insurance-related appraisal activities.

The rule would also prohibit licensed and independent appraisers from knowingly negotiating repairs with unlicensed individuals or unregistered repair shops. 

It states that failure to comply may result in fines and penalties.

Image

Photo courtesy of Panya Mingthaisong/iStock