CAIA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CAIA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which type of vehicle damage would most likely require a unibody pull to restore structural geometry? → Collapsed quarter panel from a side-impact collision
2. What is a 'salvage value' in the context of total loss settlement? → The amount the insurer receives by selling the wrecked vehicle
3. If an insured decides to retain their vehicle after it has been declared a total loss, how is the settlement amount typically affected? → The salvage value of the vehicle is deducted from the ACV settlement.
4. A total loss vehicle has a salvage value bid of $4,200 and an ACV of $14,500 with a $1,000 deductible. What is the insurer's net settlement to the insured? → $9,300
5. Under HIPAA, an adjuster requesting medical records related to an auto injury claim must: → Secure a signed medical authorization from the claimant before requesting records
6. Which paint system layer is applied directly to bare metal to prevent corrosion before topcoat application? → Epoxy primer
7. A vehicle is submitted with alleged hail damage but the roof shows indentations only on horizontal panels. What does this pattern suggest? → Possible staged damage using a tool
8. A delivery driver uses a personal auto policy vehicle for commercial pizza delivery. The insurer denies a collision claim. What is the most likely basis? → The vehicle was used for business purposes excluded under the PAP
9. What does 'salvage value' represent in automotive insurance claims? → The estimated market value of a totaled vehicle in its damaged state
10. A collision repair shop invoices for 'setup time' on a frame pull. What does this charge cover? → Time to anchor the vehicle, attach pulling equipment, and configure the measuring system
11. A claimant demands payment for 'loss of use' while their vehicle is being repaired. What does this typically cover? → Rental car expenses or the daily value of being without the vehicle during covered repairs
12. Which of the following losses is typically EXCLUDED under a standard comprehensive auto coverage? → Mechanical breakdown of the engine
13. Under what circumstance may an insurer be required to pursue subrogation on behalf of the insured even if the insurer does not want to? → When the insured demands it and state law requires the insurer to do so
14. Under the Unfair Claims Settlement Practices Act, what is the maximum timeframe most states require for acknowledging a claim after receipt? → 10 working days
15. An insured's custom stereo worth $2,000 is stolen from the vehicle. The standard auto policy pays only $200. Why? → Non-factory installed equipment often has a sub-limit under standard policies
16. An adjuster is handling a claim in a comparative negligence state where the insured is found 40% at fault. How is the insured's recovery affected? → The insured's recovery is reduced by 40%
17. Which policy condition requires the insured to promptly notify the insurer after an accident? → Duties after an accident condition
18. Which exclusion prevents a standard auto policy from covering a vehicle used in a street race sanctioned by no official body? → Racing or speed contest exclusion
19. In a multi-vehicle accident where both drivers share fault, how does comparative negligence affect the insurer's subrogation recovery? → Recovery is reduced proportionally to the insured's percentage of fault
20. Which type of subrogation arises from policy language rather than common law principles? → Conventional subrogation
21. What is 'soft fraud' in the context of auto insurance claims? → Exaggerating a legitimate claim to recover more money
22. A claimant submits $8,000 in medical bills, but the adjuster finds that $2,000 reflects charges for unrelated dental work. What is the correct course of action? → Deduct the $2,000 and evaluate only the $6,000 related to the accident injuries
23. An insurance adjuster notices a shop applied a skim coat of body filler over 1/2 inch deep. What concern should this raise? → Body filler applied too thick may crack and indicates inadequate metal repair
24. Which tool is commonly used for vehicle damage estimation? → A computerized estimating system
25. When investigating potential fraud, an adjuster should obtain a recorded statement primarily to: → Lock in the claimant's version of events for comparison against evidence
26. An independent adjuster working for multiple insurers receives a claim involving two of their client insurers on opposite sides of a dispute. What must they do? → Disclose the conflict and decline one of the assignments
27. What is the primary purpose of an Examination Under Oath (EUO) in an auto insurance fraud investigation? → To compel the insured to provide sworn testimony about the claim under oath
28. What does the principle of 'utmost good faith' (uberrimae fidei) require of an automotive insurance adjuster? → Acting honestly and disclosing all material facts relevant to the claim
29. Which of the following best describes 'index bureau' resources used in claims investigation? → Shared databases where insurers report claims to identify patterns across carriers
30. What does the 'other than collision' coverage in an auto policy cover? → Losses from fire, theft, vandalism, and weather events