Dave, notwithstanding whatever Joe was trying to say; your questions are not a laughing matter.
What you heard, ".... that there is a big market for independent estimators ....", is correct.
This is the evolutionary resulting wave following the maturing of the preferred vendor concept in the contractor niche of property damage.
The idea eveolved in 2001, started to catch on in 2002, and is now perceived as a money and time saver. I am only aware of this type of vendor usage on day to day claims.
I think that you find that there are a number of companies aligned with carriers to supply the service you speak of. In essence, the adjuster deals with cause and coverage, and at the appropriate time calls in the estimating vendor to scope and estimate using agreed templates. The concept is based on the belief that the adjuster can do more "real adjusting" having one more element of the process handled by a specialized vendor.
It is a fee basis arrangement, with services ranging from simply a scope and estimate to project management of reconstruction.
I suggest you canvas some larger carrier regional offices in your area (those utilizing Independent Agents as their distribution source) to see what vendor may be supplying this service in your area. |
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Posted - 09/04/2003 : 14:09:32
