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Yes, another wannabe....I recently got my Texas license and I am looking to ride someone's coat tails 

for a few weeks just to get a little more educated and some hands on experience...any advice, or

direction would be appreciated...

                                                        Shawna C.

                                                          Whitesboro, Tx

Well I'll give my 2 cents worth for your consideration. As for working for a company as a staff adjuster, that is a viable option. I can only relay my own experience. WIth Farmers, I was trained, equiped, and given a company car along with a steady salary. Of course with that comes dealing with a corperate hierarchy that is sometimes unpleasant. But in all it was a good start.

As far training courses, each individual is different, as are the courses. I had some experience, so I took a 1 week course in Dallas, and it was enough for me, but some in the class needed a lot more help. A friend took a three day course and retained nothing. Another took Vales 3 week course and said it was great. I don't know if there is a screening process, that would be for CADO to answer, but I'm sure if a shyster is found, the ad would be pulled.

Hope that helps, and good luck

JWG

I'd say got the staff route as well. Spent some time there and then make the jump when you feel more comfortable.

Thank you, guys, for the input. It does lead me to one other question, though: How do you get on as a staff adjuster when they all seem to require X years of experience but one has NO experience? How do you get the experience when you can't get going?

         Shawna

Shawna and others . Unlicensed people will be hired  as independant contractors(FICUS) to inspect and photo damaged homes- buildings this year. You will need a laptop computer, a digital camera , a folding ladder, a high speed internet card. This work will be for licensed adjusters who will scope the loss before you become involved. You will transmit the furnished tic sheets back to the adjusters office to be input into the computer programs.

You will pay your own expenses to travel and live at the storm site. This is piece work and you should be able to gross $300.00 per day each day you work..

I have my Texas license,laptop, internet, etc...but NO JOBS.......Maybe I am over anxious, but I'm just really ready to get out there and get going. I guess I'll do what you suggested and apply for every adjuster position I come upon...maybe something with come through eventually...  I know once I can get going it'll be OK. I learn quick, I retain the info, I have a good base knowledge ( I think..), and I am very determined to make this work. I just need the opportunity to prove it...

Thank you for the advice

Shawna

I will chirp up. If you do not have a 4 year degree do not apply to any insurance company. If you have a four year degree apply and do not spend any $ on any school. They will train you at their expense for several months.By the way the starting pay is around $32,000. per year with some insurance coverage.

Look at it another way. If you can make about $30.00 per hour now working 40 hours per week just multiply that time by 150% and the $30.00 by 150% and that could be your pay if you are a top notch adjuster.

Now if you will work as a non-licensed FICUS TREE person for about $300.00 per day and  pay all your expenses you can find a job this year, if a big storm hits the US.

I do not want to call it a "ploy", but that same offer is being made to every adjuster on the roster. I get call like that every week, "if I take the class I'll be in the top 25 list.....". If you are looking for work from a "CAT" company you'll have to wait for a storm. Typically I've found that cat vendors do not handle daily claims, or if they do they are handled by the folks they want to keep busy.(their long time adjusters). You will have to look for local companies that handle daily claims for small companies that do not have field staff to handle claims.

JWG