| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
 Posted - 05/13/2003 : 19:03:40
|
The link below may be of interest and value to new people wanting to enter the insurance claims industry, at any niche, including cat claims.
The U.S. Department of labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, has an online "Occupational Outlook Handbook". It is a basic but good primer on many aspects of the claims industry, which could produce 'thought for food' (as I say it) for those considering a journey into the claims profession.
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos125.htm |
|
|
hookmeistr
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 00:42:34
|
Clayton, this is my first post. I've been in the computer hardware/software support industry my entire working life with a couple of small exceptions (since 1984). I am seeking a career change. My interest was piqued a few months ago by a neighbor. He, his brother and a close friend all went to Abilene, TX to attend a school to get their certifications (not sure of the specifics). My neighbor has been talking to me about being an adjustor, specifically, a "storm chaser." I've been thinking, suffice it to say, a LOT about this. My interested is no longer just piqued but highly focused on this career possibility. I obviously have no background in the insurance industry. I would be what one would truly call a novice and a virgin in this industry. I've spent this evening pouring through many many interesting posts though various threads. I've read thru the various threads concerning the unfortunate deaths of your colleagues and friends to lawyer "bashing" and am even more intrigued now than ever. I see that this site has brought together a community of people in a very inspiring way, a way in which was probably never considered when it began. As a side note, I would like to thank those who put this together. I will be meeting the brother of my neighbor tomorrow night either via phone or in person up in Santa Fe, NM (60 miles N of Albq) to discuss this business and his recent start.
I apologize for this long rambling post. Anyway, to continue.... I have been following many of your posts in particular and get the fact that you have been doing this kind of work for quite some time and are very knowledgable in this field. I value your thoughts, suggestions and opinions. I've talked this over with my wife, who is a very successful business owner (graphic designer) and she is in full support of my making this career change. My biggest block right now is raising the funds to get to the school and get my certification and licenses. Once that block is removed then I full intend to jump headfirst into this endeavor.
If you have any advice or direction for me to follow, I'm all ears (or eyes in this case). I would gladly pay you for your time to speak to me via the telephone as well. I know that you are a professional and your time is limited and valuable and would not expect to take up that time for free. Please let me know your thoughts and whether or not you would be willing to discuss my most most probable upcoming career move.
As a side note, I've been talking to a close friend in law enforcement and his father, who was a prison/jail inspector for MANY years and is now retired about this profession and my interest in it. They are both interested as well and want to know more as I learn it. I read on a few posts about working as a team. Specifically, I read a post from Janice Toll (02/08/2003) that talked about her start with her husband (I think) and how they formed a team. I loved this concept. The team concept is something that my friend and his father and I have been talking about and are all very keen on. Is this something I should even consider early on or am I just getting too anxious too quick? :)
Well, thanks for indulging my rambling thoughts. In case you couldn't tell, I'm really excited about the prospect of jumping into this. Thanks again for anything you have to offer me.
Patrick Massengale,
Albuquerque, New Mexico |
P@ |
 |
|
|
hookmeistr
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 00:46:52
|
| Oh, Clayton, a follow-up.... A little about me. I'm a people person (never meet a stranger and talk to a wrong number for 5 minutes). I'm all about entering data into forms and am an extremely fast and accurate typist (now I know someone will find an error or two in my ramblings from above! <g>). I've spent hours dreaming up all the possibilities of this work with respect to what I'll need/want to buy to do this work. Have thought about buying an RV at some point with radio headsets for myself and another along with our laptop to enter data, cell phones, internet connectivity, lots of clothing for various areas of the country and weather conditions, equipment equipment equipment...what to do...too many things to think about. Okay, I'll stop now. Sorry... :) (not really) |
P@ |
|
|
|
ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
|
|
CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 05/14/2003 : 08:58:42
|
Goodness Patrick, that was quite a post(s) you made to the forum. First, thank you for your kind words of encouragement; there are days when I wonder if my comments are of value. It is posts like yours, that are heavy with enthusiasm and interest, that strengthen my resolve to continue to contribute.
Next most important thing for you to note is that I am not a career "cat" adjuster. Although I have had an insurance and claims career since 1969, "cat" adjusting does not encompass much more than 10% of the wonderful journey down the 'claims trail' that I have tried to navigate. There are many within CADO who are much more experienced than myself on many of the important "ins & outs" of the cat adjusting niche of the insurance and claims world.
Your excitement, enthusiasm and interest, is a real pleasure to read about. To varying degrees, I've felt that way during my journey. Back in the early 70's, as an unweaned young claims pup, I first heard about those 'other people' - "stormtroopers". They were spoken of with respect and admiration back then, and although my career advanced through a carrier, you couldn't help but think; "maybe someday I'll be able to do that".
When my career path took me directly into that direction, some 25 years later, I was like a kid again; and I can mirror much of what you have said.
Now, it is time for you to have a careful look into your "personal mirror", and ask yourself some important questions; and be very honest in privately answering those questions to yourself and your wife.
(a) aside from your neighbour's enthusiasm, what exactly has peaked your interest in this profession?
(b) why has that exceeded the interest in the career I currently have?
(c) repeat, and repeat again - I understand my eyes are not wide open!
(d) If I want to make a career change, why did this chat with the neighbour excite me so much?
(e) why can't I channel, re-focus or find this level of renewed excitement and interest in my current career?
(f) repeat, and repeat again - I'm a reasonably intelligent adult, who will not make a compulsive career change; without weighing all the facts with my eyes wide open!
This is just a start Pat. But for you or others contemplating a career change, it is mandatory that you reflect carefully on these types of questions; before you let the 'bug' itch you too much.
I suggest you study CADO further. You have to be aware of the "dark issues" affecting this niche, and plan how to manage accordingly to avoid or overcome the pitfalls. Go to the CADO "Resources" section, absorb the many good articles concerning the cat profession. Thoroughly study each topic in the two page "Getting Started" forum. From that forum, make a list of recurring themes or issues, and address each according to your specific current situation and your future plan. Email Chuck Deaton and get a copy of "Cat 101", and study it thoroughly.
That is about the best I can offer at this point Patrick. If you choose to explore some or all of these points and later have any specific questions, bring them on back to CADO to share with others who are considering the journey you have in mind.
Although I have a need for money, like most common folk, this is not the kind of specific thing for which I seek compensation for two reasons; first as said earlier I am not a career cat adjuster, and secondly the ancillary information that I can give is my way of paying back to an industry that has taken care of me - or as I express it "pay it forward". |
|
|
|
PBMAX
11 Posts |
Posted - 09/07/2003 : 17:17:45
|
thank all of you for caring about others..
thats why we do what we do..
we do not pray for a storm ,, and please Lord do' nt let it my home//
WE ARE LIKE little BOYS AND GIRLS READY TO HELP OTHERS
BE READY AND GO , IT WILL MAKE OR BREAK YOU...
IF YOU GET INTO THIS FOR THE MONEY..IT WILL NOT WORK .. IF YOU CARE ABOUT OTHERS .. THE MONEY WILL RUN OVER YOU
GOD SAID LOVE OTHERS AS YOU LOVE . YOURSELF
IT'S TOUGH TO LOVE YOURSELF
IT IS FUN TO BE GOOD''' |
paul brosch |
|
|
|
Mannon
1 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2003 : 09:16:01
|
Greetings everyone. Well I just finished my first class in Adjuster-Property & Casualty Training and am awaiting my Texas License. I now know enough to be dangerous but not enough to really know anything. This is a real career for me. I have been in the Industrial Maintenance Field for over 20 years with most of it in management most of which was in the Steel Industry in one form or another. After the latest plant closing (in December) I've been sitting and thinking (between all the Honey do's) about what to do with the rest of my life. One day we had some heavy winds and several trees caused some damage to my garage and fencing. I called my Insurance Co. and an adjuster and his wife came out. We got to talking and about an hour and a half later after him telling me about the field he was in and giving me lots of information about it he told me to look into it. Well, evidently I did because here I am. The 2 things that intrigued me the most about this field was that 1. I could travel pretty much all I wanted , and 2. was that I would meet new people and help them at the same time. I know it sounds a little corney but so am I. Hey I still say -cool, far out, and neat.
Ok enough of that. What I need next, besides more schooling, is to team up with someone to teach me the ropes, get my feet wet/ muddy and perhaps guidence on the particular fields within this field that I might be better suited for. Any brave souls willing to take on a challenge like that???
I apologize for the length and ramblings but I thought I'd give you some idea of what you might be getting into.
Also... CCARR..Thanks for your post. I did all that and still think this is a good move.
|
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
"Claims Adjuster" - an occupational primer
Forum Locked
