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Last Post 10/10/2008 10:11 AM by  Tom Toll
Looking for advice.
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katnib
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Posts:4


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09/09/2008 10:19 PM

    Hello, I am a residential new home and re-modeling contractor with over 25 years of experience. Over those years I have worked a couple of storms i.e. Andrew and Hugo, and from there worked for companies such as Belfor International, in insurance paid restoration capacities. A freind of mine recieved his Texas all lines licence this spring and has done some claims through a company I beleive is called Ameriprise? During this time there we're 2 hail events in our part of Ohio and I have been  able to go with him on all of the hail claims and a couple of the other residential claims.During that time I personally scoped and prepared damage reports, using Xactimate25, on 60 residential properties. I really enjoy the work and have since begun a course for my all lines as well. This is an entirely new venue for me,so, and after the licensure process is complete I am not sure where the next educational level is. I am not really interested in getting a lot of work immediately but I would like to get some "certifications",extra courses ect. Ihave read posts in this forum and found most of them quite helpful. Thanks for any direction that you can provide.

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    Ray Hall
    Senior Member
    Senior Member
    Posts:2443


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    09/09/2008 11:00 PM

    David if a major storm hits the USA you could go to work, TODAY as a helper for an adjuster that does not have stick guide lines about helpers. Just keep your eys open on the private mail section as someone will will contact you. Be wary , be reasonable you will need a about one week to get in the swing of thinks and become valuable. Dont ask for more than about 1/5 of the pie and many people will take you on. You can expect more raises, but never think you can get 50/50 on your second time out. A FULL PARTNER IN A MATTER OF WEEKS..... No way. IT takes about 5-7 years to be a 50/50 partner.

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    Roy Estes
    Member
    Member
    Posts:155


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    09/09/2008 11:39 PM

    DAVID, I AGREE WITH MR. HALL, IT IS MORE A MATTER OF WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE AND NOT SO COOKIE CUTTER ANYMORE. LEARN BASIC POLICIES, LEARN YOUR ESTIMATING SOFTWARE PROGRAMS, BE WELL VERSED IN YOUR KNOWLEDGE. KNOWING CONSTRUCTION AS YOU CAN SEE BY THESE FORUMS IS A SMALL PART OF GENERAL ADJUSTING.

    "Each of us as human beings has a responsibility to reach out to help our brothers and sisters affected by disasters. One day it may be us or our loved ones needing someone to reach out and help." RC ESTES
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    katnib
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    Posts:4


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    09/10/2008 7:27 AM

    Thanks for the info, as  I stated in my previous post this is a new ballgame for me, but I have already seen adjusters working for contractors who have a "write it all and see what sticks" attitude. Ihave built my construction business on integrity and educating my customer as to the true nature of their need and the actual steps required to do the job right, over the years this has cost me some jobs but I keep my peice of mind. I am approaching this career change with the same attitiude,so I hope I dont ask too many seemingly obvious questions. Mr.Hall, when you say 1/5 of the "pie" I have no point of reference, I would like to be able to put the hammer away but with 3 children and a wife my cash flow can not entirely cease until I am taken into the fold. That being said, could you perhaps give me a range of income possibilities? Again, my knowledge base is from contractor-sided adjusters and unfortunately their work ethic is not one that allows them to be forthcoming with any useful knowledge. I also physically still do most of my own installations so my knowledge of the construction industry is quite extensive as pertaining to the actual scoping of damage done by fire, wind, hail, and other natural perils. I understand the need to fully understand policy, and that it will take time,but what are some guide lines as to the nature of that understanding and are there any courses beside on the job, that may help accelerate my ability to becomeing a valuable asset? Thanks again.

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    Ray Hall
    Senior Member
    Senior Member
    Posts:2443


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    09/10/2008 9:30 AM

    send a PM and I will discuss this with you on the phone

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    DM1438
    Guest
    Guest
    Posts:1


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    10/09/2008 2:52 AM

    My wife and I are very interested in changing our careeres towards the IA direction.  We have yet to take the course but are willing and ready to aquire all training offered.  We are a God loving couple looking for an honest living with honorable ethics where we can help people recover there lives from unexpected events.  Is this possible or is it cut throat and is the market already too flooded (slight pun intended)?

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    okclarryd
    Veteran Member
    Veteran Member
    Posts:954


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    10/09/2008 8:43 PM

    David & wife,

    The best advice I can give is..........................................

    Look twice before crossing the street.  And,............................

    Never..........Never fry bacon while naked

    Larry D Hardin
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    Tom Toll
    Moderator & Life Member
    Senior Member
    Senior Member
    Posts:1865


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    10/10/2008 10:11 AM
    Posted By David Nance on 10 Sep 2008 07:27 AM

    Thanks for the info, as  I stated in my previous post this is a new ballgame for me, but I have already seen adjusters working for contractors who have a "write it all and see what sticks" attitude. Ihave built my construction business on integrity and educating my customer as to the true nature of their need and the actual steps required to do the job right, over the years this has cost me some jobs but I keep my peice of mind. I am approaching this career change with the same attitiude,so I hope I dont ask too many seemingly obvious questions. Mr.Hall, when you say 1/5 of the "pie" I have no point of reference, I would like to be able to put the hammer away but with 3 children and a wife my cash flow can not entirely cease until I am taken into the fold. That being said, could you perhaps give me a range of income possibilities? Again, my knowledge base is from contractor-sided adjusters and unfortunately their work ethic is not one that allows them to be forthcoming with any useful knowledge. I also physically still do most of my own installations so my knowledge of the construction industry is quite extensive as pertaining to the actual scoping of damage done by fire, wind, hail, and other natural perils. I understand the need to fully understand policy, and that it will take time,but what are some guide lines as to the nature of that understanding and are there any courses beside on the job, that may help accelerate my ability to becomeing a valuable asset? Thanks again.

    Its not easy, but with your attitude, you will become one of the best and sought after by the vendors. Go to Vale Tech and get as many policies as you can accumulate and start reading them. Good luck with your venture.

     

    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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