Whenever our car or bike suffers any damage in an accident, we often think about 'making a claim'. But have you wondered who assesses the extent of the loss for insurance companies? They are known as motor surveyors. Once the survey licence is obtained, motor surveyors can work anywhere in India. They can even open up an office at their own home and work.
» Who can become a motor surveyor?
Those who have a BTech/diploma in automobile or mechanical stream can become motor surveyors. First, they need to complete one year of training. For this, they need to contact those who are working as surveyors at present.
After starting training with them, the job aspirants can visit the website (https://irdai.gov.in/) of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and register as surveying students. Every three months, the self-prepared training report should be submitted to the IRDAI via online.
» Appear for the exam
After the training period is over, the job aspirants can apply for the exam along with the certificate. An objective examination will be held on the subjects - insurance principles and motor insurance (100 marks each). No negative marking. If the aspirants clear both the subjects, they will obtain the licence to carry out surveys anywhere in India. At first, they will receive licentiate membership. As they gain more experience, they would get associate and fellow memberships.
» Not just licence, you need
But what about the vehicle for carrying out the survey? For this, the surveyor needs to make it to the list of insurance companies. They need to pass the surveyor management policy (SMP) interview, which is conducted by major public sector insurance companies such as Oriental, United, New India and National. Along with this, take a membership with the Indian Institute of Insurance Surveyors and Loss Assessors (IIISLA). Once you make it to the companies' surveyors list, then you would not have to go looking for the vehicles.
» What is the job role?
After the vehicles involved in accidents are taken to the workshops, the insurance companies will be contacted for the claim. Only after the surveyor inspects the vehicle and assesses the loss, the repair works can be started. An approximate figure of the entire amount should be submitted in the report to the company. The insurance companies will decide on the final amount.
» Remuneration
There is no fixed salary for this job. The surveyor will get the fee for the report submitted to the company. The fee will depend on the extent of the damage sustained in the accident. For accident claims up to Rs 20,000, the surveyor will get Rs 850 fee and other expenses. For estimated loss of up to Rs 50,000, a fee of Rs 12,000 will be received. And if the loss is over Rs 1 lakh, a fee of Rs 2300 will be received. Beginners will get around 50 surveys in a month. At least Rs 50,000 can be earned a month.