What does an adjuster need to know?

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Some more great questions about training and certifications and...

 what does an adjuster need to know? 

1.  After the licence (license) what is the three most important training, knowledge base or certifications a CAT adjusting firm would want to see on a resume’?

 As stated in Adjuster’s Life, the important things on a resume are 1) Construction background 2) People skills 3) Ability to work with adjuster software (Xactimate is most popular).

If you want to spruce up your resume some certifications that can be added easily and for free are:

NFIP (Flood Certification) is a free one day event. Available via webinar.

Citizens Certification also a free one day event. This certification will help in the event of a major storm in Florida where Citizens is prevalent.  Available via webinar.

Haag Engineering. Haag does seminars all over the place, usually included as a guest presenter with a vender putting on classes (usually a fee is involved) and they last a few days. They do things like: Water mitigation; Comp. & Wood Roof damage; etc.

2.  If you had these three things and were deployed to a hurricane catastrophe what would be your chances of success?

Knowledge and Certifications listed on a resume may get you deployed, but has little to do with success at a storm. 

Success comes from you. Two factors are invaluable during a CAT: Your ability to stay calm and work with people and your ability to manage your time.  All the knowledge in the world won’t help if you can’t get along with the folks.

Remember as stated in the book—at the end of the day you’re in the people business. Knowledge only goes so far. I’ve written complicated claims for industries I’ve known nothing about, but with the ability to work with engineers and contractors, I’ve sounded like an expert. (or at least—I thought I did.)

But…I caution you not to over-think everything because it will stall your progress in claim writing. You must be able to view and decide repeatedly throughout the day. Remember you are submitting a recommendation for the carrier to review. It doesn’t have to be the only and best way. It is your opinion of what should be done.

Remember, it’s your recommendation because it’s not your check book. 

Many times new adjusters act like it’s their money and are afraid to spend it, thinking the carrier will be upset with them for paying claims. Of course the carrier doesn’t want you giving-away-the-farm but the important thing is to settle the claim fair and efficient.

In this day and age one upset insured can be broadcast to the world in a matter of minutes. The carriers don’t want their name blasted all over the world as a company that is unfair or won’t pay their claims.

So, bottom line is; turn-and-burn. Submit your best recommendation regarding the claim on time. Don’t worry if it gets kicked back for edits. You’ll learn how they want it done and you weren’t late.  Claims are like ticking time-bombs and if they aren’t shut down in a timely fashion they’ll explode. And the longer they tick the bigger the explosion.

Let me replay a few dougism’s that help in a CAT:

Take yer time you’ll get there faster

Just cuz you can—don’t mean you should.

Thanks for the questions, keep ‘em coming. And let us know what you think by adding your comment below.

God bless & be safe,

Doug

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***UPDATE: You put Adjuster's Life in the Top Rated Best Sellers list at Amazon in four categories!

thank you!

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Remember, if you have any questions or just want to shoot the breeze, send me an e-mail or leave a comment.