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collins
1 Posts |
 Posted - 08/03/2003 : 23:58:28
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i'm the new kid on the block. oops, i'm not even on the block yet. i am scheduled for the claims adjuster course at leonard hawes in a couple of weeks. when i pass the state exam, then what? how does one move on to the next step of becoming a catadjuster with an insurance company? how does this whole thing work? thank you.
collins |
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Ghostbuster
476 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2003 : 08:07:57
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Okay, just this once, I'll field this one.
Iffen ya really, really, really want to enter this mysterious path, please cancel your trip to Leonards and go get a haircut and put on your wedding & funeral suit with the wide tie from 1975 and apply at one of the carriers for a property adjusters job.
The journey of a thousand steps begins with the first step down the yellow brick road where you must pay your dues at the toll booth.
(How's that for jamming three expressions into one?) |
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stevendemars
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2003 : 09:54:21
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Please don't take this wrong, I'm sure you mean the best . . . but!
Should I conclude from your reply that the "only" proper way to enter this business is the way "you" did and that all other methods are inferior. What if "new Guy" does not have a degree, all the big boys want degrees for thier newbies! What now, go to school for 4 years get a degree in something that has no relation to property adjusting, then work at low wages as a company adjuster for several years, then and only then should he consider entering the world of CAT adjusting.
I disagree strongly . . I have been in 3 different "niche" professions in my life and found that determination alone works wonders . . .
Steve
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Steven DeMars |
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olderthendirt
USA
370 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2003 : 10:32:55
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| Ghost had a point, do you want to be a one peril wonder, make some quick money and move on, or are you looking for a career. The main purpose of a cat adjuster school is to make money for the people running the school, of the warm bodies produced, not all will get a chance to work, and many who work will only work once or twice, a few will become cat adjusters. Go to the school by all means then , if you want to become an "insurane professional" work company and really learn this business |
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goose
57 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2003 : 10:38:02
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I have been an adjuster a little over 2 1/2 years and have been working steady until this week.
Is staff really that bad? What do they make, benefits, how hard is it to get hired? Most of the ones I see ;briefly, when dropping files off, don't look that sharp. I am figuring how hard can it be? Is being a staff adjuster something to consider until the next big thing hits? It sounds like a way to get paid while learning how to be a better adjuster. Enlighten me. And yes, I have the sheepskin from the university. |
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KileAnderson
USA
875 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2003 : 11:02:29
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As one who learned the Cat Adjuster trade on the job I feel I can give some insight into this topic. I started in Hurricane Floyd in 1999. I worked 6 weeks and did OK for someone who walked in never having handled a claim or seen an adjusting program. Believe me, it was tough and I am glad that I didn't have many complicated claims. It was almost all SDBU and where I was working they had just implimented the new policy where it was building only with a $10,000 limit and $1000 deductible. I just had to measure the basement and replace the floor covering and some drywall and painting. Pretty easy stuff but a great way to learn the claims process.
Had my first storm been handling "real" hurricane losses with wind and flood and contents and ALE and all the other things associated with those claims I probably would have had a nervous breakdown.
After those first 6 weeks I didn't work again for 6 months and then I got a hail storm that I worked for 2 months. Then It was almost 9 months before I worked again and in that time I attended training to learn about other aspects of adjusting, flood and auto.
Today, almost 5 years later I am making a comfortable living at this job, but it took alot of hard work and sleepless nights to get to this point and if I had it to do all over again, I'm not sure I would have the stamina for it. I love the job and I am glad that I went through all that I went through, but my advice to anyone who wants to jump into it with no experience I would strongly suggest that they go the staff route if possible. That way they can get 2 or 3 years of experience while someone else foots the bill and have the added benefit of a steady paycheck and benefits.
Just my 2 cents, take from it what you will. Good Luck. |
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ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2003 : 11:47:06
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| Cat 102 remains free for the asking, email me. |
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stevendemars
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2003 : 12:12:06
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Kile . . .
I agree with you and everyone else as to the route via comapny adjuster being primo . . . The point I was trying to make, is this is a "niche" profession with constantly changing requirments for entry . . .They are dictated by licensing, vendors and carriers and seem to change constantly. Years past I was very much interested in becoming an adjuster, but met close door after close door due to not having a degree. I now see another way in that is somewhat of a gamble along with a lot of work and self investment.
Definitly appreciate the info in your post. It gives someone like myself an idea of what lays ahead. . . .
Thanks again,
Steve
P.S. Thanks very much for the reply last night. |
Steven DeMars |
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new kid on the block
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