| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Newt
USA
657 Posts |
 Posted - 08/31/2002 : 17:13:56
|
I did not expect to be castigated when I joined this organization.
It is a very interesting concept, blow your horn and put down the new people. I got some news, most of the new people are not in the field yet. By the attitude of many of the self proclaimed storm troopers, if they have any thing to do with it ,we wont be.
I got another wake up call, if you think that the saying" No good deed goes unpunished", is a wise saying,I say think about it. This is not a wise saying but a fact, not even an evil thought goes unpunished.
I read a couple of remarks about the new adjusters on the huricane page talking about the "quality" and training of the new adjusters not being good, a real put down. Hello, where did you start, from the top. Maybe with time you are getting better and maybe some are not. It concerns me that these remarks are made by folks we look up
to. I hope it was not directed at all of us who are trying under adverse conditions.
It concerns me that this forum is used to cast remarks at each other when all pay the same dues. Maybe our training is not what it should be, has it changed that much? Some have more certifications than others, and from where I stand it is an ongoing process, you train when time and resources permit. I went into this with both eyes open, I seek nothing and so far I have not been disapointed. I have been disapointed in this organization's membership. There is just a few members that go out of their way to find out who this new guy is. Most make the determination he is an ignorant piece of trash that doesn't deserve to be here. This is the impression you folks are sending out. If we are not welcome to this org. ,as much as I would like to see Roy's idea of a group come to pass, I can go elsewhere.
I know what you are thinking, "thin skin", don't believe it.
I retired from the service ,July 1971. I was in Presidential comm. and was in the control tower when AF one landed or took off. I was in Veitnam when we evacuated the French Foriegn Legion in the early
fifties,I was in Turkey evacuating the Greeks in 57, Korea, and Veitnam with the 3d marines on the dmz. I spent 3years with special activities group,Langley,Va ,6 years with the Air University. I joined the marines at 15 during world war II , got ratted on and kicked out on an adm. disch.,because I had just turned 16 . Waited a year and enlisted in the AF. I was born on flag day 1927, so that make me 48. Now to be serious folks we need to get along, watch the remarks, this is an open forum and whether you believe it or not we need each other or will. Whether we are ten or ten thousand a united group is better than a splinter. When you talk about new people you are including me , and when when you talk about the old timers, you just may put me in that group. And if you don't like my grammer, get over it, don't read it, get a plaboy or playgirl.
|
|
|
Kelley
USA
26 Posts |
Posted - 08/31/2002 : 20:27:40
|
Every "old timer" was a newbie, they too wer abused, called names, put down, many felt unsupported & hated old timers at that time in their life.
Many got their start in Andrew when if you were bold enough to show up someone would hire you.
I have come to think of Catorg as a proving ground. Make it through the fires of this bunch & you can take anything any insured can give out. If you can't take the mouthing this bunch gives out there are many insureds out there who while eat you alive. Oh, did I mention the storm managers........
The old timers have "proved" themself in this career, past lives don't count to much.
I do welcome you, I am not an old timer, but I survived & made it past the "newbie" stage. |
One persons dream is another persons nightmare. |
 |
|
|
Newt
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 01:00:50
|
I understand the situation, and if it is approved by the people here so be it. I appreciate your honesty and welcome. I do not share this type of thinking. My past is what developed my thinking, treating people with respect is just one of the products and will remain so in the future. I do not require verbal abuse to be educated, so the best thing for for me is remain on the side lines.
I know what my capabilities are and will continue getting my education through the schools and correspondence courses availble.
I have in the past four months finished the Tx Lic. course,Farmers prop and auto cert.xactimate,FWUA Dwelling/condo/commercial,Ala lic,
and applied for my Fla Lic. I hope to attend Vale in the near future
and start my AIC courses. I am lucky in that I have the time and resources to do this. I have already bought the equipment I need, in duplicate. So, Kelly thanks again and I wish you the best. I always get along with people I work with so I don't worry about getting eaten alive. I wouldn't advise anyone to try I may leave a bad taste. |
|
|
|
CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 01:07:42
|
Newt, great post and great personal bio. I stared at a number of the world events you mentioned and some of the dates you gave, and still I'm amazed after doing the math of your age - good for you!
I almost wrote you a couple of times, first deciding not to address you via CADO, then deciding not to send you a personal email.
However, your current remarks in this thread have itched me again; that's not a bad thing - it just raises my propensity to speak while trying to keep my boot out of my mouth.
I think it was late 1999 when I made my first post to CADO and was quickly and rudely splashed with tar and feathers for what I thought and said, later to be told I'd been initiated into the "burnt tail feathers fraternity". That almost put an end to my posts and more importantly my viewing of CADO. However, fortunately for me, I peeked a couple of times later and one day found another topic I felt I wanted to comment on; and that has repeated itself many times since.
I don't care anymore what the rebuttals may be by a very specific group of individuals, nor do I care to ever meet them nor talk to them. However, there is a growing and much larger list of people who frequent CADO that I really wish I could meet and spend quality time with. That is all that matters, and in the meantime if I get the notion to comment on something I do so to share with that growing list of those I respect on this site and those that I have been priveledged to meet so far.
Kelly's comments are sound - don't turn your cheek on those that choose to repeatedly be negative - and you have won 1/4 of the battle, because this abrasiveness is common with Joe & Jane Insured on Policyholder Avenue.
The other 1/4 towards success is getting all the training and certifications you can, even those that seem repetitive from another carrier. This includes a pre-requisite of developing a sound understanding and ability to read and interpret insurance policies.
The other 1/4 to achieve success is to get as much field claims experience as you can. Find a shirt tail to hang onto for a week or a month. Follow and work with them from "A to Z" on as many files as possible. Listen to all conversations and read and understand all reporting and how it relates to the specific loss and policy.
The final 1/4 is convincing a vendor to deploy you on a storm, where you will find yourself alone late at night with a large handful of files - which means anxious people anticipating your help and expertise. Be honest with yourself and that vendor regarding your capabilities, and work hard for them. Quickly take some of your first files in for a personal review with the storm manager, to make sure you are on the right track.
Each piece of the above pie is essential to reach success, but it is only the beginning. |
|
|
|
GLB
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 01:12:08
|
Newt
There are several vetrans working as Cat Adjusters, and have paid their dues of time devoted the the adjusting professional, experience in the damage estimating field and determining coverage. A lot of people have come through the ranks as a staff adjuster, independent adjuster, or experienced contractor working in the insurance field.
If you have fifty years experience in the military, and have gone to all the two week schools,, for the purpose of helping people pass the license exam. This will not prepare you for the profession of a true cathastrophe adjuster.
Most of the new licensed people ( they should not be called adjusters) think if they have passed the exam for a state license, they are ready to began working claims. I have been working storms, and regular claims since 1971. I can tell you, that by just passing a test, that you have studied the answers for two weeks, does not mean you are ready to accept and work claims. This is a never ending learning process.
If you continue the attitude that everyone is against you, you will not suceed. You must depend on the people which have been working in the field for a time, for advise and assistance, and most of us will be glad to help. We will help with any problem, but if being called a rookie, newbee, trainee or old as dirt, offens you a change in profession is recommended. An experienced Cat Adjuster tells it like it is. If you are a rookie, then expect to be referred to as rookie, regardless of your age. After the adjuster calls you rookie he will then spend most of the night helping you complete a problem claim. |
|
|
|
Newt
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 09:12:03
|
Thanks Clayton, you have always been a gentleman,and offered good advice.
Next, to GLB, I think you are distorting my words, I didn't spend 50 years in the military,
I didn,t say everyone was out to get me. What I did say we should try getting along. It serves
no purpose to snipe each other, an irate adjuster is no good to an irate insured. I didn't expose my plan for training in the field,
I only stated that I would continue my studies
and when I am ready I will do just that. What little I have gotten as you say don't make you an adjuster, I know that and when I am ready for the field I will probabably go to a cat center and get some help or help them. Go where the action is, and help someone. I am not affraid of work and I don't expect pay while training. I have my own transport, and even as inexperienced as I am I could be of help to someone. I have experience in graphing mold and other construction defects. Completing miles of paperwork for EPA,Dept Of AG and the state. So with this post I hope you will understand, I am not trying make an enemy, I care about those people I work with because who knows what happens tomorrow.
I stated in my post that I retired in 71,since then I went to work,mostly self employed, 12 years as a builder, commercial, 3yrs as a foreman in a mobile home factory, 2yrs Purdue Univ studying wdo(mold Among other things) and
founder of An environmental pest control company with 3 branch offices. Ten years I provided service to people with problems and after I sold
to retire(again) these folks are still like family, even though I may have only met them one time. I don't go to Wal Mart without meeting a few. One thing I have learned, if you think everyone is out to get you, its likely they will. My intent in this post is not to fan the fire , it is just to get facts out in hopes that
you will understand me and I understand you. I
think Carlton made some very good points and understand more of the situation, and although I may not agree with every thing and know the things that I don't like, I cannot change, so be it, I know the difference. No hard feelings I hope. |
Edited by - Newt on 09/13/2002 16:39:22 |
|
|
|
TomToll
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 09:23:27
|
January 7, 1960 was my start date with Farm Bureau of Arkansas. There was a group of oldies at that time that looked down their noses at the new guys, but that did not bother any of the new adjusters. Farm Bureau sent us to Farm Bureau Tech, Ark. Law School, and Kennedy's school of arson investigation and many other training areas. I have never been thin skinned and would not allow the attitude or behavior of any other person to affect my goals. I loved adjusting some two weeks into the endeavor. I learned many years ago that allowing an individual or a group get under my skin was my fault, as I allowed it. I don't allow anyone to get under my skin. Janice and I love this work. We maintain a very positive attitude and love helping others. This reduces the stress of the job.
I don't particularly like the term NEWBIE, as this is a label and I don't believe in labeling. We were all in training at one time or the other. In this line of work training and learning is a constant. I earned my GA status 30 years ago by hard work, learning, and pursuing every element of adjusting that I could. I investigated aircraft accidents for 27 years, starting with Gay and Taylor. I opened my own company and did very well, despite the comments by the former company that I would never make it. Their office closed, mine stayed open until I decided to sell. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are in a club. We need to cry together, laugh, and stand by each other. We can make this a wonderful occupation by standing up for each other and helping the folks in training. They are not newbies, they are in training adjusters. Sure, they make mistakes, as we all have done. I have made many, but I formed my opinion that upon making that one mistake does not make me a bad adjuster, only if I make the same mistake twice.
The internet has opened a door that many of the old timers did not have. I am told that my wife and I are good adjusters. We make ourselves better adjusters by learning our estimating system, (MSB/Integriclaim), taking good photos under adverse conditions, knowing policy, knowing coverages, understanding that the insured needs help, and covering the butts of the people we are working for. In some storms we are not paid what we are actually worth, but most of them we are. You are not going to retire wealthy in this business. If you want to get rich, be a CEO of some major corp.
Roy Cupps has made a very positive move by providing this site for all of us. I admire him for this and will be forever thankful that CADO. ORG is out there for all of us. Be wise, study, be frugal with spending, keep up your equipment, make sure you ride runs, and smile. |
Tom Toll |
|
|
|
Newt
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 10:23:28
|
| Tom and your lady, thanks so much, I have no intention of being offended only concerned. We do need friends, we need moral support and sometimes we need a kick. There is a wrong way and a right way, sometimes we don't always get it right but we try. Just like our marriage, today is anniversary number 53, and I don't know if it is going to last, but we'll try.:) |
|
|
|
olderthendirt
USA
370 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 12:15:36
|
| Newt, I find that it isn't new adjusters that are willing to learn that gets people upset here, but new adjusters that have learnt it all. And this is not a problem only found in cat adjusting but in all areas of adjusting. But all the book learning cannot replace a real storm, that's when you find out if this is for you. It can be fun and it can be frustrating. Meanwhile like the rest of watch those storms, looks like the east coast has a chance of seeing a storm named Eduoard this week. |
|
|
|
Newt
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 15:48:58
|
Mark, I hope I didn't give that impression. I will be the first to admit I got a long haul ahead in policy,laws,regs and the vast array of
problems you folks have run into on the sites that are not in the books. And you people that have come to the front and made your welcome comments have boosted my morale. I have not had many one on one debates with until now. I don't have to tell you it is inspirational. At one time you probably were where I am at now. Jim
Flynt said adjusters were not as knowlegable or didn't seem as knowlegable as they use to be. The first party said new adjusters ,thats when I got concerned. Jim is probably right, he tries to conduct or convey his wealth of information
to the group and very few participate. I would love to participate however his debate is not always a place for people with out some policys or books to research and I just do not have the knowlege commited to memory yet. I am searching the internet for some stuff I can print out. Maybe one of these days I will be able to join in. Clayton I'm sorry about getting the name wrong. Have a good day.... |
|
|
|
Cecelia
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 18:12:49
|
I am currently going through an auto PD course at ICTC (Insurance Claims Training Center) in Abilene, TX. I have worked auto claims before, but haven't written an estimate for about 5 years. I wanted to "brush up" on my skills so that I will be more marketable.
Granted, I have 25 years in the insurance industry, however, this is the first course I've attended that actually works at teaching one to handle a claim. Not only are we working on estimate writing (both manual and by computer - Pathways is the program), but we are learning paperwork, organizational skills, communication skills, what is expected by a lead and HOW TO TALK TO PEOPLE.
I'm sure that everything one needs to know to handle a claim will not be taught during this course. But it is one of the best I have been through in teaching all-around information as well as specific information.
I'm glad to see that there are some courses that actually teach how to handle a claim and not just the necessary estimating skills. |
|
|
|
Newt
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 19:23:15
|
Cecelia, I also found those folks are doing a great job. I hope to be back out to visit soon.
five of us from this family attended there this year ,a son,daughter and two grandsons and myself. Tell all, the Alabama bunch send their regards. Goodluck to you. |
|
|
|
ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 21:50:54
|
Newt here is a quote from Dr. Phil that may help,
. “It’s not about what you tried to do, it’s about the results. Life is a full-contact sport, and there’s a score up on the board.”
Any experienced adjuster can tell you that adjusting and "storm adjusting" in particular is one of the purest forms of contact sport. The real test is when you show up for an Andrew, get thru it and leave sane, healthy and with money in your pocket, your personal relationships intact. |
|
|
|
ChuckDeaton
USA
373 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 21:54:09
|
| By the way Cat 101 remains free for the asking. |
|
|
|
zebraman
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 09/01/2002 : 23:50:42
|
Mr. Deaton,
I am new to the forum.
What, exactly is Cat 101?
I guess I'm asking. |
|
|
|
Newt
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2002 : 08:15:24
|
Chuck, I am not sure if I got 101 or not , you did send me several pages to down load and I made up three copies of it. Zebraman ,its got a lot of information in it,well written and makes a good reference guide.
Seems like I have been in contact sport all my life,and always done pretty good. There were times when I would have liked to walk off. Theres nothing like getting phone calls from customers in the middle of the night. You have to be available to answer questions and communicate. What seems un-important to us might have the customer panic stricken. You have to know what you are talking about, sell a point and ease the customers mind. Then you got to please the boss with quality work, and pleasing my self was an impossible task. I always think I could have done better. I am not trying to make a point, except what you do in the field is always something new and you will never do that job again, you may do it over, or if you fail someone else may. If someone else had to do my work over I think that would be the ultimate humiliation. Thats why I think all us new folks should have all our ducks in a row before we even attempt confronting a customer to solve his/her problem. A lot of customers I assume have read their policy and if you try to pull answers out of the air, well you know the rest of the story. This is not an insurance scenerio, and when I refer to policy in my past experience it was a contract. I assume you have some of the same type situations. I realize no two are the same. I may have to change a lot of my thinking, however I don't think I can change the way I deal with clients, honestly with respect for their situation. I am not telling you anything you don't know, and more. What I am trying to get accross to you guys is my mind set and if you see it differently, and have any comments , I am open for business. Ya'll take care........ |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
|
|
Quality of Adjusters,Remark
Forum Locked
