You asked for the composition and responsibilities of the Massachusetts Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board and statistics regarding the complaints filed with it.

SUMMARY

The Auto Damage Appraiser Licensing Board (“the Board”), which consists of five members, regulates motor vehicle damage appraisers in Massachusetts. It sets licensing eligibility requirements, approves training programs, and establishes license revocation guidelines. It also investigates complaints filed against appraisers.

The Board has not yet responded to our numerous requests for complaint data. When they send us this information, we will provide it to you in a follow-up report.

AUTO DAMAGE APPRAISERS LICENSING BOARD

The Board consists of five members. The Governor appoints four members, two of whom must be affiliated with the auto body repair industry and two of whom must be affiliated with the insurance industry. The insurance commissioner appoints the fifth member who cannot be affiliated with the auto body or insurance industries and who serves as the Board's chair. The Board is located administratively within the Massachusetts Division of Insurance but acts independently.

The Board establishes and maintains motor vehicle damage appraiser standards. It conducts licensing examinations, processes applications, and issues new and renewal licenses. It also receives and investigates complaints filed against appraisers. The Board can suspend, cancel, not renew, and revoke an appraiser’s license following a hearing that can result from a complaint investigation.

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