In 1961, I was hired by Southern Farm Bureau Casualty of Arkansas. I did not know squat about insurance claims, or insurance. I just knew you had to pay premium to be protected against losses. When I was hired, the claims manager, who was also legal counsel, told me that it took a minimum of seven (7) years to become an adjuster, which I doubted. After being sent to a number of schools, practical experience, and the school of hard knocks, I determined that Gerald was right. It took time to become a good property and casualty adjuster. Like Ray and many others to numerous to mention, we had to compile our own data base of prices on property and used Mitchell manuals for prices and labor on collision claims. We had to write reports, and estimates in long hand on triple carbon paper. Our photos were of the old Polaroid era. Take the photo, (black and white) and coat it with some sticky goo to preserve it. These were all mailed to the central claims office via the US Postal service.
We had yearly meetings to network and make suggestions. All of us worked together to make things run smoothly, efficiently, and honestly. Adjusting was fun and exciting, making many friends in the business along the way, many of whom are no longer with us. We continuously attended meetings and schools to learn how to become better adjusters. Farm Bureau was a wonderful company to work for. We were provided hospitalization, a nice company vehicle, camera, and typewriter. Training included, but was optional, being sent to law school free of charge if you maintained a certain grade point, of which I took advantage of, as did some others. Unfortunately that program was discontinued when some adjusters decided the law practice was better for higher income. I chose to stay in this profession due to my dealings with some practicing attorney whose values were less than acceptable to me.
Now enter the Catastrophe adjuster of this century. Many with three days training and sent to the public with little or no knowledge of policy or construction. Many are nothing but warm bodies to help the masses with their claims. Most were conscientious about their new chosen field, but some were not, as they saw mounds of income possible. Some of them heard that from vendors who wanted them to work. Some made a decent income and some fell by the wayside.
Does it still take at least seven years to become an adjuster? YES, nothing has changed and certainly with litigation the way it is, more years need to be tacked on. Whose fault is it? It is the insurance industry who is to blame. When a major event occurs, they want adjusters out taking care of their clients and they want them visibly present with shirts on and placards on their vehicles. Some vendors call too many people to a sight and then have to send some home and that is usually based on what the carrier has said their claims count would be, so often times, it is not the vendors fault. Is there an answer to this problem, of course not? Accept the fact that you may be sent back home, but make sure you have an understanding from the vendor that they will pay you for your trip expenses and time before leaving for a cat sight. If you want to stay and not be sent home, learn your trade, work your files properly, return phone calls, obtain the appropriate knowledge, and keep yourself highly organized. Continue to educate yourself everyday, via classroom, internet, or mentor.
The carriers nor the vendors can afford to have adjusters on their payroll year around, so we are considered a necessary commodity, called upon only when a national or local disaster occurs. If this looks like something you wish to do, move forward and obtain proper training, not three days in a room to learn all that is needed in this profession. It can be done with the proper training and a good positive attitude. Good Luck!
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.