We Are Off and Running
by Lucky Papageorg, AASP/MA Executive Director
George Bernard Shaw once wrote in 1905, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach.”
This statement is often used in a derogatory manner to discredit educators. While it might hold some truth in certain contexts, history offers a different perspective on teaching. True thinkers and philosophers, such as Socrates, have emphasized the value of teaching. Socrates famously said, “I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.” Aristotle later stated, “Those who know, do. Those who understand, teach.” It is this latter view of teaching that has inspired AASP/MA to offer a course for individuals to become licensed Motor Vehicle Damage Appraisers (MVDA).
By offering the MVDA course, AASP/MA demonstrates that there is no one better suited to teach the essential information needed to become a competent and knowledgeable appraiser of motor vehicle damage. Our goal is to fully inform our course attendees about the language and requirements of all relevant Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) and the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR), particularly as they relate to preparing repair estimates, whether in a collision repair facility or for an insurer. Additionally, by providing hands-on experience in a collision repair shop setting, students gain a clearer understanding of the significance of the estimates they prepare. Most importantly, the course is taught by professionals who perform this work day in and day out. Understanding the “why” behind the process makes it easier to comprehend the language of the CMRs and MGLs. Our aim is to produce competent licensed MVDAs, not just individuals who can pass a test.
Being a licensed MVDA is a requirement for writing an estimate for the repair of a vehicle damaged in an accident or another mishap that necessitates cosmetic or structural repairs in a Massachusetts collision repair facility. Specifically, if the repairs will be covered by an insurance policy, the estimate must be completed by a qualified individual who has completed a course of study and passed a two-part exam that tests their knowledge – not only of proper repair processes – but also of the associated CMRs and MGLs, of which there are many. An important aspect of this requirement is that only two licensed MVDAs are authorized to negotiate and reach an agreement on the final reimbursement amount between the insurer and the policyholder or the person “damaged” by the policyholder.
At the core of the MVDA requirement is Massachusetts General Law Chapter 26, Section 8G, which established the Auto Damage Appraisers Licensing Board (ADALB), placed under the oversight of the Division of Insurance (DOI). As stated in the fifth paragraph of the governing statute: “The board shall, after notice and hearing in the manner provided in Chapter 30A, adopt rules and regulations governing licenses under this section in order to promote public welfare and safety.” (Emphasis added.) Among the CMRs that the ADALB is responsible for creating and enforcing is 212 CMR 2.0, “The Appraisal and Repair of Damaged Motor Vehicles.” The language in both 212 CMR 2.0 and 211 CMR 133.0, “Standards for the Repair of Damaged Motor Vehicles,” which should be read and followed together, sets the standard for all licensed appraisers to prepare damage estimates.
The 60 hours of classroom instruction covers the various issues that may arise in the estimating process. The course structure and content emphasize that the appraiser’s obligation is to prepare a proper estimate in accordance with the regulations and the required procedures which are owed to the vehicle owner. The appraiser’s obligations are not to make as much money for the collision shop or save the insurer money at the expense or risk to the vehicle owner. It is to write an accurate assessment of the damages.
The language in 212 CMR 2.0 is explicit: “The appraiser shall personally inspect the damaged motor vehicle and shall rely primarily on that personal inspection in making the appraisal… The appraiser shall specify all damage attributable to the accident, theft, or other incident in question and shall also specify any unrelated damage… Manufacturer warranty repair procedures, I-CAR, Tec Cor, and paint manufacturer procedures may also apply…” (Emphasis added.)
We are excited to offer this course from the perspective of collision repairers, without bias, to explain the “why” behind the regulations and why they are written the way they are. It’s important to understand that the licensed MVDA plays an integral role in the repair process and carries significant responsibilities. The “estimate of record’ is a crucial document, signed “under the pains and penalties of perjury.” This is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. The license that students earn is their own, and they must adhere to the rules to maintain that privilege.
We look forward to expanding the course to additional locations across the state, reaching more individuals interested in becoming licensed MVDAs. This is an important course for anyone in the collision repair industry, whether or not they aspire to become licensed. Everyone – from the front office to the detailing bay – should understand what goes into the estimating and repair process and why. Having the entire staff understand the rules and the potential liabilities of improper damage assessments and repairs should be a priority for every shop owner.
If you are a shop owner interested in becoming a host location or a potential instructor, please contact me directly. We already have a waiting list of interested individuals from across the state. We are off and running! This is not a one-time event; we aim to be at the forefront of training the next generation of licensed MVDAs who will serve consumers in the collision repair process.
Want more? Check out the April 2025 issue of New England Automotive Report!