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Little bit of advice

I am seeking a little bit of advice from some experienced adjusters. I currently sell Cadillacs and Hummers as everyone prolly knows the car business has not been the best. I have several friends that are adjusters and have done very well for themselves. I am wanting to know what is the best way for me to get into the business. I live in mobile al, and pilot is stationed here but you have to go through an evalution process to even be considered for employment. I am currently looking at several all lines online courses. Does anyone suggest a good company to get licensed with? I think the one I have been looking at is 1st choice training. I am not really looking to make a career out of this as of right now, but I have hear the success stories of people including my friends working these big storm and making a lot of money. I am very interested in doing this to pay off some debt. Does anyone suggest a good way of doing this for this storm season. I could have gone last year w/out a license for Gustav but i did not want to go unexperienced. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
Thanks,
David Lyon

Typical Phases of Claim Pmt First 3 Years of an Adjuster's Career

CADO Forum Archive

Just a little insight to all new adjusters on what I have witnessed to be the progression of practice among new catastrophe adjusters in their first three years of claims work.

Stage # 1:  Demonstrated during in the first twelve months of career

Mindset: “Conservative” Not comfortable with allowing for large dollar settlement. Willing to ignore scope of damage in order to keep settlement amounts low to avoid perceived internal conflict with employer.
 
Consequences:  “Poor Production & Quality of Work”  30-75% of all claims returned by Team Manager to rework, 5-10% (which accounts for all random claims pulled for review) of closed claims returned by Reinspector to correct omissions, All estimates will require major reconciliation effort before any repair professional can begin project.

(The above is a post from the forum.)


The Facts About Your First/Next Storm Claims Assignment by CCS LLC

Source: Prior Forum Post

Hello,

My name is Kevin Kramer and I am the owner of Catastrophe Career Specialties LLC (a storm claims training company located in Houston Tx) . I am posting this information today in response to several questions that  are asked of me quite frequently with the sincerest hopes that it will help all of those waiting for their first or next storm claims assignment.

A Little Bit About Me:  Eleven years experience as a catastrophe claims adjuster w/ State Farm Ins Companies (5 yrs staff & 6 yrs Independent). During that time I have worked in 21 states on 56 initial cat coded  assignments and will be the first to admit that I a still have a great deal to learn about the industry. I am a staunch opponent to politically correct Prozac speak, especially when it comes to decisions as important as starting / investing in a new career. Everyone who is considering entering the storm claims arena in entitled to hear the realities of what this industry has to offer.  I believe that a person’s true  success story can be found on top of the spot where their talents and passions intersect for this is the very place where all others cannot compete.

(The above is a post from a prior forum that is no longer available but you click on the title to read the complete post.)

 


How to write a Resume.org

Subject: How to write a Resume.org
Description

Comments from the site:

"Site offers free cover letter, thank you letter, and resume writing tips. Research how to write a resume, distribute your resume to hiring managers, and tips for how to get an interview."
 


URL: http://www.how-to-write-a-resume.org/


Newbie Adjuster Advice

Subject: Newbie Adjuster Advice
Description

Greetings! My name is Zach and I recently got my GA adjusters license in August and I'm looking for a little advice on how to get started and get more involved in the industry. I know a couple of independent adjusters here in Athens and they are assigned a couple of claims here and there but I'm thinking I want to start out working for a company for the first couple of years until I get some experience under my belt. I know that Crawford looks for experienced adjusters but unfortunately I don't have it at this point.

Is there anything I can do to connect with other adjusters that are willing to train me and show me the ropes? I have scoping pretty much down.My next step is to take a class and master Xactimate. Have a great day everyone and I look forward to your responses!

Best Regards,
Zach


URL: http://www.catadjuster.org/Forums/tabid/60/afv/topic/aff/67/aft/10970/afpg/1/Default.aspx
Source: Active Forum Post by Zack - 40 Replies (so far)


E&O Coverage

Subject: E&O Coverage
Description

 I don't see anything regarding E & O insurance mentioned. As independent adjusters do folks carry this type of protection as do most Realtors?

Thanks...


URL: http://catadjuster.org/Forums/tabid/60/aft/9334/Default.aspx
Source: Forum Past by 2roadrunners - 15 Replies


S.C. Private Flood Insurance Act Enacted, Aims to Make Flood Insurance More Accessible

Source: SC DOI Press Release

From the September 30, 2020 Press Release

"Columbia, S.C. – Monday, Governor Henry McMaster signed the South Carolina Private Flood Insurance Act into law (S. 882). This Act aims to foster innovative flood insurance coverage in South Carolina, allowing insurers the ability to test products in the market and offer consumers greater choice for flood insurance coverage. "


Bad Credit Disqualify New Adjuster?

My credit was perfect until 2009, Then I was out of work for a while, and my credit record tanked bad.  I was 60,90, even 180 days late reported for a long time (years) before I caught up. Never defaulted on my mortgage or car loans but the payment history is bad until about 2 years ago. Two collection accounts I was unaware of are on my credit report.  They did not have my contact information so I was never notified.   When I found out and contacted me, they had offered a 50% payment settlement offer.  I declined but paid 100% of what I owed.  Now my negative record shows two small credit cards that were closed and sold as a charge off to collection companies.  Only one collection company is on my record.  I paid the collection companies in full, will this type of negative record disqualify me from being an adjuster?  I already have a TX License, but Pilot's website said those with record of financial irresponsibility need not apply. 


Becoming an Adjuster

From the Forum Archive

Subject: Becoming an Adjuster
Description: Fourm Archive Post by Clayton Carr

Came across something the other day that maybe has some relevance in this thread.
"10 habits of Highly Effective Adjusters", it is on the web version of Claims Mag (August 2001), but I'll summarize the points.

(1) Reading - An effective adjuster can actually read and comprehend a policy. That is, they know the coverage, they what the policy says. Also, an effective adjuster must be able to read and comprehend the technical correspondence related to the claims they handle. For property adjusters that would include engineers and fire investigators reports. A liability adjuster to be effective must be able to read and comprehend court documents and medical reports. To be effective, you must be able to understand and convey to others the technical details of a claim.

(2) Writing - "Check-off" and short forms reports as well as email have eroded this skill. The effective adjuster has the ability to prepare professional correspondence.

(3) Keeping a diary - a suspense diary is just about the most basic tool one can use in handling claims. When our peers review an open file that shows no activity for two months, one of three things is happening; (a) the adjuster is not using a diary, (b) the adjuster is not keeping notes, (c) the adjuster is doing nothing. What's the alternative to a diary? You must wait for something to happen and react to it. An effective adjuster does not do that.

(4) Keeping activity notes - One of your greatest challenges will be the first day you sit for a discovery / deposition, or find yourself in the witness stand of a court room; and try and remember with clarity what you did on a file four years ago. Adjusters notes are the only way to tell what is happening on a file. Activity notes provide the history of how a claim was handled and effective adjusters always make an entry each time they "touch" a file.

(5) Keeping others informed - Communication is key to an effective adjuster. Consider being a DAPIST - detailed as possible, in simpliest terms. Communicating regularly with all concerned parties is critical to success.

(6) Learning - A great deal of adjuster training is task oriented. That sort of training taught you how to fill out forms, how to measure a building, how to estimate damage, how to photograph and how to take a statement. If all you learn are "tasks", then you will only be capable of doing tasks. An effective adjuster never stops learning. An effective adjuster will learn about human relations and how the claim adjustment process fits into the insurance "big picture".

(7) Don't beat a dead horse - or "dog files" by another name; those files that just seem to linger on and don't get closed. There comes a time in every claim where an effective adjuster must be an "adjuster", and use the skills of an adjuster to negotiate and bring the file to a resolution. The effective adjuster knows when to fight a battle, and when to concede.

(8) Don't burn your bridges - An effective adjuster is reasonable and fair in dealing with others, not stubborn and unyeilding. An effective adjuster knows that being reasonable and fair will make the job easier, but they al


Seven Newbie Questions

Subject: Seven Newbie Questions
Description: Forum Past By Alex

 OK. Here I am. Just got my Georgia license (god, what a drag that was!) and ready to make millions   I've been in construcion for a few years (roofing estimator)  and dealt a lot with claim based construction work.  So, I just wanted to hear some advise from you guys, hardened in battles veterans....

 
So, here we go.
 
  1. How do I get in? What should my strategy be? Should I try to get hired by a large insurance company to gain some experience? State Farm? Allstate? Or should I just get on the rosters of as many independents as possible and wait for a lucky day?
  2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a staff adjuster vs independent?
  3. Is there enough work right now? I hear a lot of older guys are leaving the field. Does that mean, it would be easier for me to find work?
  4. How much you all guys make? Honestly, is it worth doing what you are doing?  How much a typical staff adjuster makes? Independent? In storm situation? In  a slow year?  In an average year?
  5. What is better residential or commercial claims? How can I get to work commercial claims?
  6. Flood and earthquake certifications?  Do I need them? Are they beneficial to me at this stage?
  7. How many licenses should I get? In which states?

NFIP General Property Form

Subject: Policy: General Property Form
Description: The General Property Policy Form may be issued to owners or lessees of non-residential buildings or units, or residential condominium buildings that are uninsurable under the RCBAP.


NFIP Dwelling Form

Subject: Policy: NFIP Dwelling Form
Description: Quote from FEMA;

The Dwelling Policy Form may be issued to homeowners, residential renters and condominium unit-owners, owners of residential buildings containing two to four units.

In communities participating in the NFIP Regular Program* or Emergency Program** the dwelling policy provides building and/or contents coverage for:

  • Detached, single-family, non-condominium residence with incidental occupancy limited to less than 50% of the total floor area;
  • Two- to four- family, non-condominium building with incidental occupancy limited to less than 25% of the total floor area;
  • Dwelling unit in residential condominium building;
  • Residential townhouse/rowhouse
  • Manufactured mobile homes

Commissioner Lara urges insurance companies to cover reimbursement costs for those displaced during wildfires

California Department of Insurance

News: 2020 Press Release

For Release: September 3, 2020

Media Calls Only: 916-492-3566

Email Inquiries: cdipress@insurance.ca.gov

Commissioner Lara urges insurance companies to cover reimbursement costs for those displaced during wildfires

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — To assist Californians displaced by the current and recent wildfires throughout the state, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued a Notice to all California property and casualty insurance companies urging them to cover Additional Living Expenses (ALE) for those policyholders who remain under mandatory evacuation or whose homes are otherwise inaccessible or uninhabitable due to the wildfires.


Quick Tip - Xactimate v25: Adjusting O&P Per Claim

In this quick tip we cover issues related to Overhead & Profit (O&P) that you may encounter in the field.  Some clients may request that you handle O&P in a different way then what your current default settings allow.  In those cases you may only wish to change the settings on a selected file instead of changing your system setup. 


CEA Homeowners Policy

Info from the CEA website

With a CEA homeowners earthquake insurance policy, you can choose the coverages and deductibles you need. We offer two policies for homeowners:

 

  1. Homeowne​rs Choice offers coverage for your house, building code upgrades and emergency repairs. We also offer optional personal property coverage for your belongings, and loss of use, which can pay for additional living expenses if you have to live elsewhere due to earthquake damage. Homeowners Choice is flexible—you choose the coverages and options you need.
  2. Standard Homeowners bundles all of the coverages we offer into one package: home, personal property, building code upgrades, the additional costs to live elsewhere due to earthquake damage (Loss of Use), and emergency repairs.
     

 


New Guidelines for NFIP Adjusters

FEMA Bulletin w-16005 – Authorized NFIP Adjusters and 2016 NFIP Claim Presentations

A note about the use of the term “Authorized NFIP Adjuster” rather than “Certified NFIP Adjuster”: It is FEMA’s position that certification requires a more formal course of study and the successful passing of a series of examinations before certification is awarded, such is the case with Certified Public Accounts. Also, the FCN will now be referred to as the Flood Control Number.


Questions about getting a reciprocal license in Florida

I have a question about getting licensed in Florida.

I currently have my Texas All-Lines Adjuster license and want to get licensed in Florida. After reading Florida’s website, I am a bit confused.  As a non-resident of Florida, the license requirements are as follows:

Step 2 - Qualifications for license:

 Hold a company or independent adjuster license (resident or non-resident) that Florida has a reciprocal agreement with. [Exempt from State Examination]
[Click here to view the reciprocal list]

OR

If you do not hold one of the prerequisites above, you will be required to take the state examination. [Requires State Examination]

Texas is listed as a  reciprocal state.

Does this mean I can get a Florida license without taking the state examination? Because as I was filing out my Florida license application, it indicated that I would have to take the exam.

So, can someone tell me if, as a licensed Texas independent adjuster, I am exempt from taking the Florida examination? This is probably a very stupid question, but I wanted to make sure before I signed up for the exam.

Thanks in advance.

Chad


B-0033-15

ALIGNMENT OF LICENSE EXPIRATION DATES

"The Texas Department of Insurance is implementing the provisions of SB 876, 84th Legislature, Regular Session (2015) that concern the alignment of license expiration dates.  TDI will align individual licenses on January 14, 2016; entity licenses have already been aligned.  During the alignment, licensees may renew through Texas Online; however, Texas licensing services from Compliance Express and NIPR will be temporarily unavailable."

The Texas Department of Insurance is implementing the provisions of SB 876, 84th Legislature, Regular Session (2015) that concern the alignment of license expiration dates.  TDI will align individual licenses on January 14, 2016; entity licenses have already been aligned.  During the alignment, licensees may renew through Texas Online; however, Texas licensing services from Compliance Express and NIPR will be temporarily unavailable.


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NFIP Claims Adjuster Presentation Webinar – April 2, 2024

NFIP Claims Adjuster Presentation Webinar – April 2, 2024

  Webinar Opens:  8:30 AM Central Time Start Time:  9:00 AM Central Time Lunch Break:  30 Minutes End Time:  3:30...
Read more
34
NFIP Claims Adjuster Presentation Webinar – April 4, 2024

NFIP Claims Adjuster Presentation Webinar – April 4, 2024

  Webinar Opens:  8:30 AM Central Time Start Time:  9:00 AM Central Time Lunch Break:  30 Minutes End Time:  3:30...
Read more
56

FAQ

Listed below are some links to other blog post and articles on other sites.

Dimechimes ClaimSmentor Adjuster Information Blog 
 Organization Chart for the Claims Handling Blame Game- A Humorous Graph -A Serious Look at Claim Bad Faith Issues
 On the page the above link takes you to you will find links to some of her other articles at the end of the above article.
  

WHAT MAKES A GREAT CAT ADJUSTER?
Article written by John Postava
On the Ryze Claim Solutions webite

You can find additional post from John and Dimechimes in the CADO forums, they have made many post over the years contributing to the community by sharing their knowledge and experiance.

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