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Reprehensible! - That's about as bad as it can get! Okay... but - what Mr Cook outlined was in regard to acting as an unlicensed advisor to the public. ESTIMATES are all that was done. Again, the original concern of the newbie regards the adjusting and claims communitys opinion on the newbie having done that.

As far as "turning" a $5K claim into $65K...here's how it works. There are 100 dominoes set up in a row. Storm comes and blows first one down. First one hits second...and so on. Adjuster (who may or may not have even gotten out of car) writes up first domino. Homeowner is not happy. Thru word of mouth asks neighbors - "Do you know anyone that knows what this damage costs?" Enter the independent estimate and walla!...add 99 more dominoes. No smoke and/or mirrors were even used.

I understand that the adjusting community is sort of fraternal in nature, but face it folks - there was a lot of incompetence going on out there, which brings back the prosecutor/defence analogy - is not fair and complete compensation of the "insured" the primary goal?

Feel free to use "hubris" all you want. You probably should at least look it up first. It's a noun, not an adverb. In the traditional understanding of the fall of Lucifer, hubris is considered to be the grievous sin that caused his fall.  It is appropriate for many people who frequent drinking establishments.  I have been guilty of it myself while frequenting such venues in the past.  You can also use "heinous", "reprehensible" and "veritable plethora" while you're at it.  They're all great words.  When spoken with a drunken slur, they are particularly cogent.

This has been brought up in this topic; so hear this: An adjusters duty (staff or IA) is an agent for your principal (carrier).

I have seen this post for years and its incorrect, "its my job to get the insured as much as I can" that is not your job. Thats an attorney or a PA job. Now dont flip out. Your job is to be fair, compatent, ethical and not to break or violate any insurance laws, and when you have done this your job is complete. Your first duty is always to your principal.

Ms. Bonnano:

I'm not sure what exactly your goal is here.  You've asked questions and have been answered by some of the most qualified and professional adjusters in the industry.  Your statement about "Estimates were all that was done here" makes me wonder, Are you seeking absolution or approval in some way? 

What has not been answered to your satisfaction?  What is your relationship to this scenario anyway?  Are you an insured, an adjuster, the girlfriend of the newbie adjuster, what? 

As far as the adjusting community being "Fraternal" and the statement you made about incompetence, I feel that is out of line and I personally am somewhat insulted by that comment.  All professions are somewhat "Fraternal".  Doctors, Lawyers, Businesspeople, etc all tend to gather together with their colleagues to share knowledge, meet peer groups, learn from others within the industry, and that's not unusual nor is it unethical.  You have received answers from some of the most qualified and intelligent adjusters within the industry, yet you still seem to be seeking another answer.  As far as incompetence goes, that is in every industry or profession. What are you seeking to gain by making that kind of comment?  Why would you come onto an adjuster web site, ask questions about whether certain behavior is unethical, receive competent answers and continue to defend the questionable behavior and then toss out an insult to the entire industry?  

(added with edit)

Oh, and by the way,  the second paragraph of your narrative wasn't amusing in the least, regaling us with your story starting with "here's how it works".  To even suggest that the adjuster, any ADJUSTER, would write up an estimate of damages and not get out of their car is ludicrous.  You clearly have no clue what a professional adjuster is or does.

  ~M~

 I absolutely agree with Megs comments, very well thought out and hits the nail on the head. Our duty to our principal is to compensate THEIR insured for any  losses within the language and coverage of the contract.  A policy is a contract between two parties, the insuror and the insured. They should never be paid more than that which they are entitled to or no less than they are entitled to. That mean no inflating an estimate, not paying for old damages unrelated to the current claim. Some insured's are very good at trying to get old damage paid for on the existing claim presented. Sad, but true. I have seen it for many, many years.

We must always follow the instructions, as set out by the carrier, which is usually passed through to the vendor. If you disagree with the instructions, seek work elsewhere. If you want to write estimates outside of the insurance industry, seek a Public Adjusters license. There are some excellent PA's out there and some low lifes, but all in all, they are great to work with.

After reading this entire thread, I see where Ms. Bonnano says in her original post that the "newbie" was promises 65% of $1000/day and only got $464/week. As a result, it set the "newbie" back on building a house. That sounds like the question was intended to be a fishing expedition.  To see if the answers given by some very knowledgeable and long term adjusters could be ammunition for some kind of legal action against the person who promised the 65%.  To date, it seems like she has not gotten to her satisfaction a clear cut yes or no as to the legality of what she alledges was done. Perhaps she should call the Department of Insurance where this occured.for clarification. No names have to be given when speaking to the department. Or speak to an attorney if this really bothers her.

Seems like the same situation a while back when plaintiff attorneys were monitoring this site . They crusied it  for comments made that could be used in their cases.

Take a dozen adjusters from either side, go to the same site and you will bet a dozen different totals for the damage. Granted some adjusters on either side will take shortcuts. Those that want to make sure the insured is compensated per policy provisions will take the time to prepare a proper estimate. Like Mr. Toll and Ms. Watts have said, there are poor examples in every profession, not just in the insurance field.

Rocke hit theoriginal post on the head. I ask mistywater in a PM to answer some questions I posed to her. No response. This is a law firm looking for a witness. Let,s lock it out.