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I've never worried about it before, but things change in this business and I need to adjust with the changes. There were a couple of months between Denver and Phoenix storms. I got a little rusty and it cost me time at the beginning of the storm. Now I've got a great new single page scope sheet, so I plan to re-write a couple of old claims each week (minis the private info which I no longer have) to keep sharp and hone my methods.

In the two hurricane months that I didn't work, a lot changed. Guidance decisions were different, text notes had changed, and there were major changes in depreciation schedules that resulted in a few kickbacks. All of these things cost time, and there is no time to waste on a storm. We can't stop the changes but we can keep our skills sharp.

I have been hired as a consultant based on some background in the industry/or as an adjuster. READING files were used. Always keep some of your most complex-difficult files to close.

Jerry,

I was off recovering from my accident for around 9 months or so and didn't even look at anything from XM8 as my long time employer had provided my XM8 subscription. Obviously since I wasn't working I didn't purchase a scribe.

When I did go back to work, I was extremely rusty.

I found out a great way to get my chops back up was to purchase the XM8 25.5 manual, downloaded to my desktop for reference anytime I get stuck on something. Less than 100 bucks and was crucial in helping me get reaclimated. My new employer does in fact pay for my scribe so I am able to practice hands on anytime I want. 

The problem I see out there now is with XM8 27 giving folks only 1 demo copy of 27  for a single 30 day period would pose an issue on keeping your skills up without actually paying a monthly scribe.

Another bad part on the demo is you can't download or upload anything and the only price list you have is the training price list.
  I just completed a while back a 6 session video live on your laptop type class thru Pilot and it was a great help because you could pause it and try their ideas on the demo. But you are right in that there is nothing better than using it on real claims.i will look into the xactimate 25.5 book and will try that. I just want to be able to hit the ground running and the xactimate is the only area I feel needs improvement .

Xactimate has a workbook for 27 at their site for about $50. I used that book when I took a five day course with Pilot here in Mobile and it is extremely helpful. I found it to be more user friendly than 25.

Can you tell me are these the same books they give you when you attend their classes on each of these xactimate programs . Or are they different?

Another useful activity to keep sharp on xactimate is to go through all the line items available in the price list category by category. Knowing what is available helps prevent choosing something close when the actual line item could be used. Read the information to know what is included and what is not.

Posted By Montana Goldust on 05 Nov 2010 04:03 AM
Another bad part on the demo is you can't download or upload anything and the only price list you have is the training price list.
  I just completed a while back a 6 session video live on your laptop type class thru Pilot and it was a great help because you could pause it and try their ideas on the demo. But you are right in that there is nothing better than using it on real claims.i will look into the xactimate 25.5 book and will try that. I just want to be able to hit the ground running and the xactimate is the only area I feel needs improvement .

When your ready to purchase a scribe, I can offer you 155.00 a month with no contract and start and stop whenever you want

That's a good deal! The vendor I work for offers a nice discount, but they will not consider an adjuster for deployment that has an inactive XM8 account. From standby to deployment there is sometimes only a few hours of time. Claims are sent immediately after deployment and there is no time for reactivation. A month seldom goes by without some kind of standby. I wish I could say that about deployment! I had some pre-paid months from a concurrent subscription when I took advantage of the annual discount. That was a couple of years ago; I have no idea how long those pre-paid months will stay in the bank.

Well that is my Quandry. if I go to work for pilot they give you a substantial discount on X while working for them but have not been deployed yet. Then if you work for them thru statefarm you use their computer. But and this is the big thing is being deployed first.Right now can't see activating for that kind of money every month .

The carriers & vendors should pay for the estimating program and take it out of your first paycheck. If they want you to be up to speed, THEY should get you a discount, or just keep you on the reservation by paying 100% of the annual tag cost.

I know its supply and demand and supply is full up to tilt and demand is about 1% of all the licensed adjusters who work storms only. TWIA and a few others pay their dedicated adjusters who can pack and leave the SAME day as they get the call. Or, the carrier could let you add $10.00 per file to use exactimate, when you are deployed. TWIA pays this for Integra, that has the TWIA logo.

 Why don,t you charge your vendor/carrier for this "security blanket" that only works; when they work it?

If you are a "good adjuster", is your promise/commitment.....worthless....I think not ! Make some changes in 2010 or get out off this squirrel cage.