Forums

Posted By floridaspicycracker on 26 Sep 2011 02:29 PM

I am a licensed general lines agent in Florida, I just obtained my all lines adjusters license and will be going to LA for the Worley Co State Farm Certification course. If anybody who has been through the Worley Co process can let me know what to expect that would be great! Looking for some insight on the testing and also on Worley in general.

Just by reading the other posts I will get it out of the way now:

I'm athletic, I can walk for more than 10 hours a day. I know how to type and I live in southern Florida where the humidity and temperature averages around 100 degrees daily. I know what I am doing and yeah I'm looking to make some cash on the side while my insurance agency is running back at home.

You can send me a e-mail if you like to fernandez_f@comcast.net

 

Thanks!

Frank

...............................................................................

You just received your all-lines adjuster license, and you know what you are doing?

I am sorry my friend but you do NOT have a CLUE as to what you are doing! The industry that has supported me and my family for the last eight years is NOT the type of work where a failing agent(you) can make some easy cash on the side. I may be mistaken but I don't think you can hold and agent and an adjuster's license at the same time.

All the answers you seek will be found in the CADO archives, you should really do your own research. Once you have done that, then bring your questions to this forum.

CatAdjusterX,

Assuming that I'm failing and not knowing if a agent can have both the agent license and the adjuster license just shows the little knowledge you have. I was asking for some help from the more "seasoned" professionals on here that actually look to lift people up instead of breaking them down. Don't be jealous just because I'm actually able to have my agency income and the income from adjusting at the same time. As in all walks of life, to learn from the best is a sure fire way to get a better grasp of the situations you are put in.

This is why these forums are created and encourage participation. I recommend you go back to taking care of, providing for and building your family up instead of wasting the time of others and "try" breaking down every one else.

Do me a favor and don't post on this discussion again.

Loser

I too am looking into taking the State Farm Certification through Worley but I would be giving up a lot and a very sucessful career. Thank you for your comment as I am seriously thinking twice about not going to this because of bad things I have heard as well as I am not expierenced. I would like to know is this the only way into claims adjusting (becoming State Farm Certified) or what other options are out there that doesn't required so much risk?

Thank you for your help!!! Have a great day!

Posted By Indeep1979 on 30 Sep 2011 11:11 AM

I too am looking into taking the State Farm Certification through Worley but I would be giving up a lot and a very sucessful career. Thank you for your comment as I am seriously thinking twice about not going to this because of bad things I have heard as well as I am not expierenced. I would like to know is this the only way into claims adjusting (becoming State Farm Certified) or what other options are out there that doesn't required so much risk?

 

Thank you for your help!!! Have a great day!

So much risk? It is definitely NOT the only way into the business, but any way you cut it, it will involve alot  risk and much more cash than any other industry and all the cash does is put you on the same level as 10's of thousands hoping to get a shot.

In any case, if you have a successfull career where you are now then my best advice is to stay there. If a person doesn't have a family member in the biz(a successfull one) or a friend, then it is gonna be difficult (but not impossible). Stay away if you have a family to support because in the first year or so, work will be inconsistent at best.. 

 

Acquiring State Farm Property & Auto Certification is vital in my opinion, as they're the largest writer of P & C policies in the nation.  Having this certification would then seem to only benefit the adjuster's credentials and increase their odds of deployment.  Unfortunately, there are only 4 Independent Adjuster Firms nationally which offer these periodic series of "Live Desktops" & Exams to the adjuster (along with various other insurance carrier certification classes).  The cost is relatively average and within a few dollars of one another depending on the firm and whether or not they pop for lunch.  The time and cost of travel and accomodations are all on the adjuster and if you're not in close proximity to the sponsoring firm, this can add up quick.  For example, Eberl's, headquartered in Denver CO, occasionally provides this certification training & exams, however living in or near Colorado is of no value as they only conduct these classes in Dallas, go figure.  It's unfortunate that one has to take the time and expence to travel great distances to, and then sit through an online webinar that should be available from any location.  If you've ever endured one of these "Live Desktop" presentations you know exactly what I'm talking about.  Like Beevis & Butthead from State Farm will take several hours rambling on and yucking it up about various policy terminology, estimate techniques and rapid exercises that are questionably accurate and painfully boring.  But this is the only way to get the certification, like it or not.

So anyway, this job is all about risk and I doubt you could do it effectively as a part time hobby.  It just amounts to how much you want to commit and what you're willing to tolerate while building your business foundation.  Just a thought.  Thanks, BH

Posted By Bholdson on 03 Oct 2011 02:45 PM

Acquiring State Farm Property & Auto Certification is vital in my opinion, as they're the largest writer of P & C policies in the nation.  Having this certification would then seem to only benefit the adjuster's credentials and increase their odds of deployment.  Unfortunately, there are only 4 Independent Adjuster Firms nationally which offer these periodic series of "Live Desktops" & Exams to the adjuster (along with various other insurance carrier certification classes).  The cost is relatively average and within a few dollars of one another depending on the firm and whether or not they pop for lunch.  The time and cost of travel and accomodations are all on the adjuster and if you're not in close proximity to the sponsoring firm, this can add up quick.  For example, Eberl's, headquartered in Denver CO, occasionally provides this certification training & exams, however living in or near Colorado is of no value as they only conduct these classes in Dallas, go figure.  It's unfortunate that one has to take the time and expence to travel great distances to, and then sit through an online webinar that should be available from any location.  If you've ever endured one of these "Live Desktop" presentations you know exactly what I'm talking about.  Like Beevis & Butthead from State Farm will take several hours rambling on and yucking it up about various policy terminology, estimate techniques and rapid exercises that are questionably accurate and painfully boring.  But this is the only way to get the certification, like it or not.

So anyway, this job is all about risk and I doubt you could do it effectively as a part time hobby.  It just amounts to how much you want to commit and what you're willing to tolerate while building your business foundation.  Just a thought.  Thanks, BH

Mr. Holdson,

It's not to much a stretch to think you probably in some way are connected to State Farm. No shame in that and your information is spot on.

Will having the State Farm cert increase a new adjuster's odds of being deployed? Without a doubt it will !! I am a huge proponent of new adjusters staying OUT of the "get as many certs as you can game". Whilst most certifications indeed have a place in the industry, that place is NOT with new adjusters. However a carrier cert is a different animal and said certifications are a necessary evil to work for those carriers that require them.

My thing is that whilst a SF cert will increase a new adjusters odds of finding work, I have heard from many adjusters(a whole lot more than if it were simply "sour grapes") that SF and the paperwork burdon over and above any estimate is far from efficient and borders on the ridiculous. I mean still using DOS, wow. I just read from Chuck that SF is retooling the paperwork burdon and I sure hope so because it can only make the process much more smooth and efficient and will benefit the insured and the adjuster and by default will increase SF's bottom line.
 

Newguy74 - I hope you did it. I took the SF class in March. 

I got hired as an IA for a daily claims company in Illinois. I cut my teeth on the hailstorm in St. Louis. Most nights I get to sleep next to the woman I love. Some nights I'm pounding estimates until the wee hours in the Sleep Inn in O'Fallon, IL. I've put 24,000 mile on my truck since March. 

I for dang sure use everything they taught me in the SF class on every claim. The class is not easy but the whiplash of classroom to 'here-are-your-first-20-claims' is much, much tougher. I'm glad I invested the money!

I don't know if I'll ever be a full on Cat Dawg. I get calls to update my status with all the big cat companies (which is flattering, in a way) but if there's a hurricane and all the experienced guys get pulled out of northern Illinois, who's going to inspect the vandalism claims, the drive-bys, the wind claims, the sewer claims, etc? Well, that'd be me!

If you want to get into adjusting, why not look at daily claims? 

Posted By rediron96 on 05 Sep 2012 06:13 PM
To those starting adjusters in flood claims have to be prepared for tight imput schedules and a series of letters,form that must be processed in FEMA's timely manner, not an easy project if you a new adjuster. Should you be an experienced catastrophic adjuster with good xactimate estimating skills then the transformation to flood is easier. There is a difference between adjusting for FEMA and Insurance companies. Not trying to scare anyone but there is more pressure doing flood claims, my personal experience. Final suggestion---- choose a company that is prepared to monitor you and give you assistance in case you get overwhelmed in handling the claims allotted to you. GOOD LUCK< >>

.......................................

I suppose whilst in theory that is a worthy caveat, but the reality is not many rookie adjusters are going to be doing many NFIP flood claims(on their own). Sure there are some private flood carriers, but outside the big 4 (which it is my understanding that they do have an NFIP mentor program some of my rookie adjusters actually have an FCN#. Even with that FCN# they are beholden to working only under the supervision of an NFIP certified adjuster from the firm participating in the mentor program) not many rookie adjusters doing any NFIP claims.
Now when you say there is a big difference between FEMA claims and insurance company claims, Are you talking about NFIP vs. private carrier claims or are you talking about FEMA claims vs private carrier claims. When I say FEMA I am talking about PARR Inspection and other firms like the SHAW Group, that AIN'T claims adjusting.

NFIP claims are what I consider easier to handle in that everything is black and white, everything from coverage and exclusions is in the manual. Granted there is a great deal more paperwork generated but once you have done a few, it ends up a smooth process 

I truly appreciate your candor and straight forward comments and insight...At this time I am very new to the industry and appreciate your comments regarding:

State Farm Certification

Additional Certs

Best ways to procure placement on Rosters

HAAG Insurance Cert

Thanks, Bud Nystrom

Posted By ChuckDeaton on 26 Feb 2013 10:06 PM
You are talking thru your hat again, Robby, how long has it been since you worked flood in a storm like Super Storm Sandy?

Chuck, I am sure no matter what my response is, the NFIP claims you are doing now are going to be bigger, more complex than any flood claim in the CONUS's recorded history.

Make NO mistake, I am fully aware Chuck that New Jersey storm surge is MUCH wetter than the surge that inundated southern Louisiana/southern Mississippi  in 2005, The Cumberland river in Tennessee (2010) and hurricane Irene in North Carolina.

Let me guess, access to most risks has been washed away. As such, you are required to swim (against the current of course) over a mile (through shark infested waters) to write up these claims.

All in good fun my friend