Well as we start a new year I thought we could take a look at and maybe discuss the issues that adjusters may be facing in 2011.
In 2006 we had a discussion on the "Important Issues" at that time. Below are some of the post from the discussion. Have we may any progress on the issues in the four years? Are we as adjusters faced with the same issues today? Do we have new issues?
PORTASATGUY who started the thread in 2006 also provided the following summary of the issues that came up.
- Better training, and a more comprehensive course
- An Association Representing the voice of the Claims adjuster
- A way to Qualify An adjuster based on his/her Qualifications Via a designation something like Intern Adjuster, and Independent Adjuster and Have Pay Scales associated with these types of levels
- Make testing, and field training mandatory to Hold a certain Designation and EARN the Insurance Adjuster Designation
- CODE OF ETHICS! That would include a Professional Appearance!
- A Marketing Effort to make the Designation or those that Have the Designation Qualified to be allowed to work in States that require Testing, For Emergency Claims as Needed. In other words, Lobby the NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) and Get it Passed On the State Level, The Accreditation of the Designation Of the Professional Association to be allowed to work these states As members of the Professional Association
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Bruce also added the following comments.
Important industry issues:
In my opinion, the key issue is making sure our industry is able to survive.
To that end, I think we have to examine what is important to our customers i.e
Do we add value?
What is our attitude?
How is our communication with our customer (the carrier)?
How do we interact and communicate with their customer (policyholders)?
Is our reporting timely?
What is the quality of our reports/estimates/photographs?
Does the person we report to have more questions than answers after reading/reviewing our reports?
Is the fee charged for the product/service reasonable for what was delivered?
I could go on and on. The point is we are independent business people. We are professionals offering a product. I believe the product has stayed the same for the last umpteen years. The only difference is we are now being utilized when severity is the issue and when the frequency overwhelms the carrier. In day to day claims handling, why spend $500.00 to have an IA inspect and write an appraisal on $1500.00 water loss when "preferred contractors" are available? Our customers have had to offer their product "cheaper, faster and better". It is certainly reasonable to think we have to do the same.
In addition to my "cat work", I work claims in the "off season" for several large carriers. In talking with staff adjusters, examiners, and management, I find the biggest issue has to do with getting "bang for the buck". VALUE ADDED. Some of the "horror" stories I hear about IA's is embarrassing. As a professional, I get very angry, as it has an impact on our industry's survivability. Unfortunately, we all get painted with the same big brush.
I have no problem with business making a profit (especially mine). BUT, I don't have to make ALL my profit off of 1 file. Which leads me to the next point which is billing. Having spent 26 years as a staff adjuster, examiner and manager, I always ask myself: "If I were sitting in a cubicle in a Home Office or a Regional Office, would I pay my fee?" Does the final product justify the fee charged?
The last thing I want is for some adjuster, examiner or manager to call and challenge my bill. Do I give away my service? NO WAY!!!
BUT, I take billing very seriously.
Quite frankly, if we are not adding value, then the day will come when we become extinct. Back to my 1st sentence. Survival of our industry is the number one issue.
A lot of individuals have entered the field in the past few years. They have been somewhat lulled into thinking this is "easy money". In my opinion, only those who avail themselves of continuing education courses, emphasize customer service, remain flexible, utilize available technology and ADD VALUE value to the process or product will survive.
This is an area that is very near and dear to me. I have a passion for this industry. It has been very good to me in so many ways and I want it to survive. WE ARE IMPORTANT AND THE LION'S SHARE OF US DO ADD VALUE. |
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