Sketch My Roof - V3

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Just got 58 new claims, what do I do now?

Newt, here is a new thread for you or whoever else may be interested. Again, I emphasize that each topic like this should have its own identifiable thread, so as in the event that it develops into anything, and as a result has some future value, it can be found.

Here is the scenario - stick within its framework - consider it 'real' and start to develop your own 'flow' as opposed to relying on others, and offer it up for critique and refinement if necessary. Maybe by the time it has gone through the grinder, if there is sufficient participation, it will evolve into a useful general template.

A fairly significant hail storm ('hail' used because it is the least cumbersome peril regarding the effect the damage has etc) passed through ClaimCity on Thursday May 1/03.

Saturday May 3rd at 9.00AM a vendor called you and after a 'know before you go' chat (which is not part of this thread) you agreed and were deployed by the vendor.


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.)

 


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


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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