PA APPRAISERS ACTUAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE
2026
▶ subrogation. Answer: transfer of rights that allows the insurer to recover
its losses after it has indemnified a policyholder
▶ full release settlement. Answer: all damaged paid at once
▶ no release settlement. Answer: signing and cashing a check substitutes
for the release form
▶ appraiser. Answer: writes damage estimates for insurance claims
▶ adjuster. Answer: investigates claims and prepares claimant statements
▶ duties of the insured after a loss. Answer: -report all accidents
-cooperate with insurer's investigation, settlement, and any court
proceedings
-promptly send the insurer copies of all pertinent legal papers
-submit to a physical examination if insurer requests
-submit to examination under oath and verify that your statements are true
and accurate
,-authorize the insurer to obtain medical reports
-provide proof of loss if insurer requests
▶ burden of proof. Answer: this means the must prove the loss to the
insurer
▶ annual depreciation. Answer: replacement cost / expected life
▶ accumulated depreciation. Answer: annual depreciation x years used
▶ conventional full frame. Answer: made up of separate steel frame with
vehicle body's bolted to it, usually used for trucks and larger autos
▶ unibody construction. Answer: sheet metal panels welded together,
crumple zones designed to absorb impact, control points used to fix
alignment during repair
▶ constructive total loss. Answer: cost to repair damage to vehicle is more
than vehicle's value
▶ appearance allowance. Answer: monetary compensation written into the
estimate for cosmetic damage that the owner agrees to live with, rather
than repair
, ▶ direct repair programs. Answer: network of repair facilities set up by
insurance company to ensure cost-effective repairs and customer
satisfaction
▶ anit-steering laws. Answer: laws that protect right of claimants to choose
their own repair shop and have repairs done reasonable close to their
home
▶ VOIL. Answer: Vin, odometer, instrument panel, and license plate
▶ Point of impact number system. Answer: think of clock :)
▶ vin 1st position. Answer: where is was produced
▶ vin 2nd position. Answer: tell who made manufactured vehicle
▶ vin 3rd position. Answer: indicates the type of vehicle
▶ vin 4th-8th position. Answer: tell vehicles, model, engine type and body
style
▶ vin 9th position. Answer: vin check digit
▶ vin 10th - 17th position. Answer: tells when the vehicle was made, which
plant, model year, options, and production sequence number
QUESTIONS AND COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE
2026
▶ subrogation. Answer: transfer of rights that allows the insurer to recover
its losses after it has indemnified a policyholder
▶ full release settlement. Answer: all damaged paid at once
▶ no release settlement. Answer: signing and cashing a check substitutes
for the release form
▶ appraiser. Answer: writes damage estimates for insurance claims
▶ adjuster. Answer: investigates claims and prepares claimant statements
▶ duties of the insured after a loss. Answer: -report all accidents
-cooperate with insurer's investigation, settlement, and any court
proceedings
-promptly send the insurer copies of all pertinent legal papers
-submit to a physical examination if insurer requests
-submit to examination under oath and verify that your statements are true
and accurate
,-authorize the insurer to obtain medical reports
-provide proof of loss if insurer requests
▶ burden of proof. Answer: this means the must prove the loss to the
insurer
▶ annual depreciation. Answer: replacement cost / expected life
▶ accumulated depreciation. Answer: annual depreciation x years used
▶ conventional full frame. Answer: made up of separate steel frame with
vehicle body's bolted to it, usually used for trucks and larger autos
▶ unibody construction. Answer: sheet metal panels welded together,
crumple zones designed to absorb impact, control points used to fix
alignment during repair
▶ constructive total loss. Answer: cost to repair damage to vehicle is more
than vehicle's value
▶ appearance allowance. Answer: monetary compensation written into the
estimate for cosmetic damage that the owner agrees to live with, rather
than repair
, ▶ direct repair programs. Answer: network of repair facilities set up by
insurance company to ensure cost-effective repairs and customer
satisfaction
▶ anit-steering laws. Answer: laws that protect right of claimants to choose
their own repair shop and have repairs done reasonable close to their
home
▶ VOIL. Answer: Vin, odometer, instrument panel, and license plate
▶ Point of impact number system. Answer: think of clock :)
▶ vin 1st position. Answer: where is was produced
▶ vin 2nd position. Answer: tell who made manufactured vehicle
▶ vin 3rd position. Answer: indicates the type of vehicle
▶ vin 4th-8th position. Answer: tell vehicles, model, engine type and body
style
▶ vin 9th position. Answer: vin check digit
▶ vin 10th - 17th position. Answer: tells when the vehicle was made, which
plant, model year, options, and production sequence number
