| Author |
Message |
mark salmon
Registered User
Username: Olderthendirt
Post Number: 209
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2002 - 10:59 pm: | |
And then they still expect us to leap tall buildings stop speeding trains and catch bullits in our teeth. After three weeks of wandering arround Texas I understand why we see so many texans on the road. The heat and humidity are amazing. But then so is the bar b que. |
Ghostbuster
Registered User
Username: Ghostbuster
Post Number: 331
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2002 - 10:08 pm: | |
Let him be Superman for awhile so he can enjoy the memory after the carriers fit him with a kryptonite chastity belt like the rest of us have. |
JackCash
Registered User
Username: Jackcash
Post Number: 28
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 18, 2002 - 12:13 pm: | |
I met a New adjuster the other day, he thought he was Superman  |
D Wong Whey
Registered User
Username: Dwongwhey
Post Number: 164
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, August 16, 2002 - 9:44 pm: | |
Amen Kelley. Amen.
|
Kelley
Registered User
Username: Kelley
Post Number: 29
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 14, 2002 - 5:23 am: | |
Chuck,
Since I have lived over seas before there was no cultural shock, many ppl who have not ever "lived" on foriegn soil had trouble.
Companies assume that if you speak Spanish you will have it made in countries such as this. No true, you are still a "foriegner", understanding is on a "trust" level.
You must not be afraid of the people or their ways, embrace their life style as much as you can.
When in doubt, draw pictures, even bad artist can work through the language barrier.
Even if they don't admit it these ppl know English as well as any of us.
KNOW the company you are working for.
When traveling outside of the normal FedEx/UPS circle it is best to have two of all of your equiptment.
You will learn "adjusting" is not the same as estimating.
You are the "outsider", deal with their ways.
It is not what you know, it is he connection that the Insured has that counts.....
If you don't know how to blend & live within other cultures don't go to their country. Again, it is not how you "do it back home" it is how "they" do it there. You don't want their Insuracne Com. asking that you be relieved of you assignments.
Yes, I would go do it all again. |
Chuck Deaton
Member
Username: Chuckdeaton
Post Number: 43
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 7:12 pm: | |
Please, share with us what it was that you learned from that experience. |
How Juster Will Travel
Registered User
Username: Kelley
Post Number: 27
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Friday, August 09, 2002 - 12:27 am: | |
Know a group of adjusters their first storm was Hurrican George in Puerto Rico. Even Delorme did not help there Mr. Deaton ! |
Ghostbuster
Registered User
Username: Ghostbuster
Post Number: 326
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 4:24 pm: | |
Did it come with a ladder????
You jest wait while I'zns pour some of Grannies rhuematiz medicine in the tank then we'll run right up and over your ol' hoopy wagon!
I swear! These young whipper-snappers are always being downright insultin' about my rigs! Now, what did they do with my AARP magazine that was just here? Oh, yeah, I'mma sittin on it here in the rockin chair. |
Lee Mushaney
Registered User
Username: Red
Post Number: 18
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 3:51 pm: | |
No CatAdjuster, ghost just knows as all of us that have been in the business a LONG time, that if there is anyway for something to go wrong with your vehicle it is ALWAYS when on a storm when you can't be without one. I've been there, even when the vehicle was almost new, on storm things go wrong. You then have to rent a vehicle while they fix it and then of course you have to reschedule you appointments that you missed.
That ALWAYS makes the insured happy since you have scheduled appointments well in advance. It also makes for wonderful tension you have to cut with a knife when you do go for the inspection. |
Cat Adjuster
Registered User
Username: Catadjuster
Post Number: 2
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, August 07, 2002 - 2:31 pm: | |
Geez Ghost that vehicle of yours sure does require lots of work!
I was wondering who bought Uncle Jed's truck off of e-bay!!!
Did it come with a ladder? |
Todd Summers
Registered User
Username: T4summ
Post Number: 22
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Monday, August 05, 2002 - 9:33 pm: | |
Here is my Houston Office. |
joseph m lombardo jr
Registered User
Username: Jlombardo
Post Number: 40
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Monday, August 05, 2002 - 9:20 pm: | |
Chuck, We're sharing with newbees......Joe L. |
Chuck Deaton
Member
Username: Chuckdeaton
Post Number: 42
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Monday, August 05, 2002 - 7:34 pm: | |
who goes to any storm without at least one inverter and DeLorme? |
joseph m lombardo jr
Registered User
Username: Jlombardo
Post Number: 39
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, August 04, 2002 - 5:54 pm: | |
If you are really concerned in operating in an area with no electrical power and the area has been hit by a cat 4 or 5, then lets not forget about a power inverter that can be hooked up to you vehicle---get one that can handle the computer and the printer--and a GPS may not be a bad idea either.... |
Todd Summers
Registered User
Username: T4summ
Post Number: 19
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 04, 2002 - 2:38 pm: | |
Wow, if the power is out, you'd better have an RV with a generator, especially if the hotel rooms are flooded. My Dad tells a story about showing up on a storm somewhere on the Texas coast and there was no power. He was staying in a motel and there was like 4" of standing water in his room! Said he used a lot of candles and bug spray. Had to keep the windows and doors open. What a mess !Good thing they didn't have to rely on computers back then. |
Dave Dehlinger
Member
Username: Davey
Post Number: 6
Registered: 1-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, August 04, 2002 - 11:12 am: | |
Having all of the tools of the trade and the appropriate amount of backups ready to load into the truck, SUV or whatever you drive. Is your ladder clean and checked? Two good tape measures and probably a tape dolly as well. A couple of good flashlights with extra batteries for each. Lots of film if you still use a 35mm. Enough paper, print cartridges and laptop batteries to last a month. It's tough to find a Sam's, Walmart or Office Depot when you want one, especially in a place like the FL Keys. A good cell phone as well as the best calling plan you can get. You'll need a headset and extra batteries for the phone as well as both car and home chargers. There are many more, but I'll let the rest of you chime in. |
Ghostbuster
Registered User
Username: Ghostbuster
Post Number: 325
Registered: 12-2000
| | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 8:31 am: | |
Numero Uno Grande:
Prior to the storm, you have to be a real anal orfice about the preventative maintenance on your car/truck. The ol' cayuse must be absolutely reliable to make it thru the going to, the storm itself, and the coming back. And, we're not talking just about oil changes. We also include; transmission fluid, differential oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windsheild wiper fluid, grease in the ball joints and wheel bearings, leak repairs, tighten up all squeaks, groans and rattles, fan belts, double coat wax job, an extreme detail cleaning of the interior, and how old is that battery? The tread on the tires are getting a little thin. Shock absorbers? Why is my check engine light on, do I need an oxygen sensor, too?
Oh my Gawd, I forgot about all those filters! Air filter, fuel filter, oil filter, transmission filter, PCV valve, and spark plugs, wires, and distributer cap with rotor. Then there's the U-joints and the bearing in the fan belt tensioner...When was the last time the wheels were balanced and the front end aligned?...What have I missed? Oh, yeah, the state inspection and license plate stickers. Nothing like being pulled over for those fun little items being past due.
Like the old brown boot Army used to say, "You take care of your horse before you take care of you, and then IT will take care of you!" |
Jim Flynt
Registered User
Username: Jimflynt
Post Number: 395
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, August 03, 2002 - 7:42 am: | |
Since it has been a long time since anyone has been out on a really big hurricane or large cat, and since we have had many NewBee adjusters join our ranks, perhaps it is time for the seasoned pros and old timers to share some helpful hints with these 'youngsters' to help them prepare and ready themselves for what can be an overwhelming experience.
No matter what background or certifications or training, nothing fully prepares a new adjuster for going to a catastrophe location where power is out, street signs are down, chaos rains, and insureds are looking for you even before you show up. Nothing adequately prepares anyone for that first time experience when you suddenly realize a 100 insureds are looking to YOU to handle their claims, answer their every question, hold their hands, return their every phone call within 5 minutes, inspect every nook and cranny of their now demolished abode, write the fairest estimate right down to the last nail, and put insurance checks in each of their 100 sets of hands: AND, DO IT ALL NO LATER THAN YESTERDAY!
It would benefit our newer adjusters if our seasoned professionals would share their hints and secrets to making that first storm a success. Please share your strategies, your prior planning, and the shortcuts you have learned from experience which make it easier to survive in such trying times.
With most cat adjusters sitting at home currently, right now is the time to hone our catastrophe skills while helping our newer adjusters to find the right path as well.
(Message edited by jimflynt on August 03, 2002) |
