These courses, developed in partnership with a top insurance company, were created to teach the practical knowledge and estimating skills adjusters use while in the field working insurance claims. The discounted bundle includes courses that review different components and materials, as well as how to estimate damages to these systems and structures:

• Estimating Cabinets, Countertops, & Trim: Components of a residential kitchen, cabinets & countertops, materials, quality, & terminology
• Estimating Commercial Damage: Roofing, framing, exterior finishes, storefront windows & glass, plumbing, electrical, flooring, & fire-rates systems of small to mid-market commercial structures
• Estimating a Home’s Internal Structures: HVAC systems, electrical & plumbing systems, attics, and insulation
• Estimating Foundations, Framing, Windows, & Doors: Basic concepts in foundations and framing, windows and doors, materials, how to calculate damages, and tips on how to talk to contractors
• Estimating Interior Walls & Floors: Interior wall finishes, drywall, paint, plaster, different flooring materials, and shower tiles
• Estimating Mitigation & Remediation: Basics of estimating claims involving water, mold, smoke, hazardous material mitigation and remediation, water extraction, mold testing, equipment, smoke and fire cleanup, and pack-out and storage costs
• Estimating Roofs & Exterior Walls: Types of residential building roofs, siding, and veneers, identifying styles and materials, installing and repairing roofs, exterior wall finishes, and masonry veneers

In 2020, 97% of all homeowners insurance claims were property damage claims. Whether those involved fire, flood, or other perils, an insurance adjuster needs to understand a property’s basics before they can estimate any damages for the claim.

Who Should Take These Courses

We’re often asked, “Ok, I got my adjuster license, but what’s next? How do I actually do the job? What can I do to make myself stand out to employers?”

Our Estimating Property Damage package takes insurance claims training to the next level, giving adjusters the ability to correctly identify construction materials and building components so they can write accurate damage assessments in Xactimate.

If you’re a new or relatively inexperienced insurance claims adjuster who is planning on working property claims and you’re familiar with Xactimate, these courses are perfect for you. We do highly recommend you have a working knowledge of Xactimate or take our Tactical Xactimate Training before moving on to the property damage courses. You will be working in the software on simulated claims, so it’s vital you understand and can operate Xactimate.

Knowing your way around construction materials and building basics is vital if you want to write claims efficiently and accurately. These courses will give you the knowledge and skills to walk into a property damage claim settlement confidently.

You can purchase these courses individually and some are approved for CE credit in certain states. However, we recommend the package since it will give you the most complete skill set and save you money. If you have questions about these courses or need help deciding what training you need, get in touch with us. We’re here to help.

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We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Florida 6-20 Certified Adjuster Course in Spanish. The original course has helped thousands of people obtain their Florida insurance claims adjuster license over the past 15 years.

Like the English version, the course will include the Florida adjuster exam so students won’t need to purchase any additional courses or exams. Simply complete the pre-licensing training and pass the included exam and you’re ready to apply for your Florida insurance adjuster license.

The Florida Certified Adjuster course also works for those who live in a non-licensing state and want to get a Designated Home State (DHS) license.

Bi-lingual insurance adjusters play an increasingly important role in the insurance industry. We’re excited to offer a course that will help increase the number of claims adjusters ready and willing to help a large group of policyholders.

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Retiring Talent Opens the Door

According to Property & Casualty 360, approximately 50% of the current workforce will be entering retirement by 2028. This mass retirement will open up thousands of jobs in all sectors of insurance. That means Millennials, Gen Z, and others looking for a new career have an almost unprecedented opportunity to join the insurance industry.

The job openings expected to hit the industry by 2028 range from entry-level to the C-Suite as an entire generation moves into retirement. These positions will require various levels of skills and experience. Sources cited computer and math literacy, communication, customer service, analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills as highly desired.

Potential future insurance job openings include insurance claims investigators, loss control consultants, brokers, actuaries, customer service representatives, adjusters, regulators, processing clerks, claims examiners, and junior and senior underwriters. The wide range of these positions gives people of all backgrounds and experience levels an avenue to enter this dynamic industry. This is exciting news for those (Millennial or not) interested in a new career that offers growth, stability, and great compensation. 

While we have seen some carriers laying off over the past few years, a recent Labor Market Study found that only 10% of insurers are planning to cut or lay off employees in the next 12 months, while others reported these goals:

• 72% of insurance companies expect to grow their revenue in 2024.
• 63% of carriers reported expected increases in hiring.
• 65% of property and casualty insurers plan to boost staff numbers.
• 56% of life and health insurance carriers plan to expand.

Attracting New Talent to the Insurance Industry

One of the biggest challenges for employers is the younger generations’ lack of interest in insurance careers. For example, Gen Z will make up 75% of the workforce by 2025, but according to The Pew Research Center, only 4% are interested in careers in insurance. To put it very unscientifically, that is a whole lotta jobs, and not many folks who want to fill them.

Insurers are beginning to understand that they will need to ‘sweeten the pot’ to attract the talent the industry will need in the coming years. Many are revisiting their compensation packages, benefits, and work flexibility to entice new entrants. Mentorship programs and educational initiatives are also being emphasized to guide aspiring professionals through their career trajectories.

Perhaps one of the biggest, but most important challenges to overcome in attracting new talent, is getting the word out on the benefits of a career in insurance. Insurance is a stable industry, even during a stagnant or declining economy. People will always need protection from risks. In fact, we are insuring more today than we ever have.

Employment in the insurance industry also provides more job security than many other career fields, such as the volatile tech or construction industries. That stability provides a safety net for employees so they can build a nest egg, invest, or pay off debts sooner than their peers.

Insurance also offers a variety of positions not seen in many industries. No matter what you are interested in: marketing, customer service, IT, finance, artificial intelligence, education and training, forensics, cybersecurity, climatology, and data analytics, there is a job for you in the insurance field.

Starting an Insurance Career

The ways to enter the insurance industry are as varied as the fields we listed above. But if you’re interested in an insurance career, becoming a licensed insurance claims adjuster is a great way to get started. (We are, admittedly, a little biased.)

You don’t need a college degree, years of training and education, or tens of thousands of dollars to become an insurance adjuster. You need to get your home state license, and you can begin applying for positions. You can read more about the process in How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in 5 Steps or check out the AdjusterPro blog for more articles and information.

Once licensed and working as an adjuster, you’ll learn about the insurance business and likely figure out where your skills lie. Adjusters can work in the field after a disaster, from a traditional office, or even from home. Some work directly for the insurance carrier, and others are independent contractors.

The insurance industry is on the cusp of a very transformative period. The changes will offer ample opportunities for those seeking stable and rewarding jobs in a thriving business arena. We hope you’ll consider the insurance industry if you’re looking for a new career. Opportunities are opening up every day, and companies are ready to hire talented and dedicated individuals to help fill the gaps left by a generation of talent.

If you have questions, we can help.

REFERENCES

Property & Casualty 360

Forbes

Insurance Business Magazine

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Learning styles are general categories that most people fit into when it comes to absorbing new information. In this article, we’ll look at the four types of learners, where you fit, tips for studying, and how our courses can be tailored to work with you.

Visual Learners

Visual learners prefer graphics, diagrams, and all things visually stimulating. Infographics, charts, and mind maps are their trusty sidekicks on the journey of discovery. If you are a visual learner, you like to “see” what you are learning. To recall information, these learners will often use the “picture” they have in their head. Those who find themselves doodling or making “art” out of information are often visual learners.

Tip for Visual Learners: 

YouTube tutorials, documentaries, and visually-rich presentations are your go-to resources. If nothing visual is presented, create your own!

How our courses help Visual Learners: 

We add charts, graphs, art, and images to all of our courses to illustrate concepts. We even have some illustrators in-house to create custom drawings for us.

Auditory Learners

These individuals absorb knowledge through the power of sound. Whether it’s lectures, podcasts, or engaging discussions, auditory learners have their ears tuned to the frequency of wisdom. They understand and remember things best by hearing it. Auditory learners store information by the way it sounds, and they have an easier time understanding spoken instructions than written ones. You often learn by reading out loud because you have to hear it or speak it in order to know it.

Tip for Auditory Learners: 

Grab those headphones and explore the world of educational podcasts and audiobooks. If you’re an auditory learner, you have to hear it or speak it in order to know it. If no audio is present, we recommend reading aloud. Simply hearing the information, even if it’s in your own voice, will help you understand and retain knowledge.

How our courses help Auditory Learners: 

All of our courses are narrated so students can listen to the information. You can pause and rewind the audio if you want to take a note or listen to a topic again.

Reading-Writing Learners

Reading and writing learners are like sponges for information, soaking up knowledge from textbooks, articles, and good ol’ fashioned written content. If you’re a reading-writing learner, you likely enjoy reading for both educational and entertainment purposes, and have a knack for finding the main concept in a big block of unruly text. These learners often organize information by tagging or underlining in bright colors.

Tip for Reading/Writing Learners: 

Dive into well-crafted literature and keep those matching highlighters and post-its handy.

How our courses help Reading/Writing Learners: 

The information included in every course is presented in written form. Our platform also allows you to disable the audio that reading learners sometimes find distracting. We offer downloadable and printable PDFs of our courses, including transcripts of the audio. Your online classroom includes a space to type notes, as well as additional resources like our fast facts and glossary.

Kinesthetic Learner

These learners thrive in the realm of action, using their hands to grasp new concepts. If you find yourself needing to “do something” to learn, you might be a kinesthetic learner. Kinesthetic learners understand and remember things through physical movement. They are “hands-on” learners who prefer to touch, move, build, or draw what they learn.

Tip for Kinesthetic Learners: 

Engage in interactive learning experiences and experiment with hands-on projects. If possible and appropriate in your environment, move around, chew gum, or rock in a chair while learning. You also might need to take more frequent study breaks.

How our courses help Kinesthetic Learners: 

We include interactive activities in our courses, like matching activities and digital flash cards to practice concepts. The online classroom also allows you to move, walk, rock, chew gum while you are learning. And, of course, with a digital class, you can take a break whenever you need to.

Most people find they don’t fit perfectly into one, and only one, category. You might have a primary style or a mix of a few of them. Understanding what works for you and embracing your unique strengths can unlock the door to more effective and efficient learning and knowledge retention. Whether you are studying for an AdjusterPro course, trying to learn a skill, or training at a new job, understanding and applying your learning style will get you farther, faster. Good luck!

Want more tips on how to set yourself up for successful online learning? Check out our Succeeding as an Online Student blog series.

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Recently, I’ve gotten quite a few text messages from independent adjusters and other claims-related professionals asking, in a panic, “Are IA’s going away? Will I be able to find work? What is going on?! What is the future of independent insurance adjusters?!”

I wanted to address the topic, the current employment situation, and what you can do to best set yourself up for success, no matter what tomorrow brings.

This all came to a head when one of the biggest insurance carriers in the U.S., let’s call them Top Insurance, recently indicated that they won’t be using independent adjusters moving forward. To be clear, I don’t work for Top Insurance. I am certainly not in their boardroom or a part of their executive meetings, but it is clear they are lowering their dependency on independent adjusters.

Couple that with the rumor that they are hiring and yes, it would appear that Top Insurance is hoping to move forward keeping things in-house.

First things first: This is the 4th time in my thirteen years in the industry that I’ve seen Top Insurance make a switch like this. While the fluctuation or change in tactics can sound scary, rest assured: it’s normal, healthy, and not the first time.

Top Insurance is doing whatever is best for Top Insurance. Most large corporations do. My advice to you is that you should do the same. 

Industry Changes

Insurance claims is a steady business. Claims happen year-round, in every location, regardless of the economy or budgets or forecasts. However, the ways in which carriers deal with claims can fluctuate depending on a lot of different factors.

For the past few years, Top Insurance has employed a large number of IA’s with desk work. Many of those positions were entry-level IA opportunities, which was great for those looking to break into independent adjusting. New adjusters gained experience and were often able to grow their salary while learning valuable skills. 

On the flip side, these positions can be a grind. Long hours, six days a week, mostly sitting at a desk. It wasn’t what a lot of independent adjusters envisioned when they joined the industry and certainly not what they were hoping for long-term. 

Top Insurance lowering their dependency on independent adjusting firms and their contractors will have an effect on the industry and the employment landscape. The companies that built their business on mostly Top Insurance contracts will struggle the most. But that doesn’t mean you, as an independent adjuster, have to struggle as well. 

Surviving the Shift

Just to reiterate, I’ve seen shifts like these before. The relationship between carriers and IA firms will continue to change and evolve based on current industry needs. So how, as an insurance adjuster, can you best navigate these shifts?

Diversify your skill set!

In other words, learn how to handle different types of claims in a wide variety of states.

Excel at handling FIELD and DESK claims

Top Insurance didn’t use independent adjusters for most of their field work. They have an in-house team to handle those. But that does mean that Top’s desk jobs will become much more sought-after. If you can handle both types of claims, you’ll be a much more attractive candidate for both staff and independent jobs.

Learn to handle multiple types of claims

If you know how to do property claims, learn how to handle auto claims. If you know auto, learn heavy equipment or property claims. When a company or firm can assign you whatever type of claim comes in, you become incredibly valuable.

Be flexible

Only focusing on one type of work, or refusing to assist with anything that isn’t your ‘preferred’ contract, is the fastest way to work yourself out of a job. If you are used to getting deployments, focus on breaking into daily. If you are used to getting daily claims, you probably aren’t as affected by this shift, but explore the idea of deployments this upcoming cat season.

Whether you are an independent or a staff adjuster, being versatile enough to handle anything thrown your way establishes trust with your employer. And being trusted is the key to surviving in this industry.

Independent adjusters will continue to be needed. But I recommend learning how to handle different types of claims and diversifying your skill set so that you are prepared today, and in the future, for whatever changes come our way.

AdjusterPro has insurance adjuster licensing courses for every state, as well as courses to help you elevate and expand your skills.

• State Licensing Courses
• Xactimate
• Customer Service
• Career Success Course
• California and New York Licensing Courses (These states do not offer reciprocal licenses – you must pass the states’ exams to adjust claims.)

If you need help diversifying your skill set, IA Path can help. Mentorships are available for:

• Level 1: Auto Collision Damage CCC One Software (Daily Auto Field Claims)
• Level 2: Auto Flood & Hail Damage (Catastrophic Auto Field & Desk Claims)
• Level 3: Heavy Equipment, RV, & Semi Trucks

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Sunday Afternoon Orientation: Your Welcome Mat to the PLRB Hustle

Picture this: You walk into the conference venue and feel like you just stepped into a huge, bustling city…but you don’t have a map. That’s where the Sunday afternoon orientation comes in clutch for first-timers. Going to the orientation is like getting handed the insider’s guide to PLRB city. They spill the beans on everything from must-attend sessions to the best coffee spots (essential intel).

It can be tempting to skip the orientation and go straight to the action, but resist the urge! This pre-game huddle will help you plan, navigate, and execute your goals for the show. BONUS: you’ll be able to meet and network with other newbies, and maybe even find yourself a solid conference wingman!

Interactive Sessions: More Than Just a Front-Row Seat

Sure, you could attend sessions and play it safe in the back row, but why settle for a spectator seat when you can dive into the action? Interactive sessions are your backstage pass to everything PLRB has to offer. Think of them as engaging workshops where you can throw your thoughts into the mix, ask burning questions, and, most importantly, learn by doing.

Don’t worry about looking like a fish out of water or let yourself get caught up in imposter syndrome. These sessions are designed for participation, not perfection. It’s the ideal space to connect with fellow attendees, share your unique perspective, and maybe even discover that you’re not the only one with a burning curiosity about how to get a Certified Adjuster Designation or why you would want one.

Belfor Party: Where Networking Meets a Good Time

One of the most talked about parts of the PLRB Conference is the Belfor Party. You might be wondering, “What’s the deal with this Belfor Party?” Well, let us tell you, it’s not just any soirée. It’s the ultimate networking extravaganza with a side of laughs. Imagine a room filled with professionals who’ve mastered the art of blending business and entertainment. The Belfor party is where connections are made over anecdotes, meeting mutuals, and perhaps a few cocktails. The kind of party where you share a chuckle before swapping business cards.

PRO TIP: Attendees tend to loosen up a bit here, so it’s the perfect opportunity to strike up conversations with folks you might not encounter in a formal setting. Scan the conference attendee list and see who you’d like to meet. Laughter is the universal language of breaking the ice, and the Belfor party is the perfect place to make it happen.

In a nutshell, your first PLRB conference might feel like stepping into a whirlwind of information and faces. But fear not! Embrace the Sunday orientation, dive headfirst into interactive sessions, and let loose at the Belfor party. The PLRB universe is vast, but armed with these tips, you’re sure to conquer it like a pro. We hope to see you there!

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While it may be tempting to put off getting your adjuster license until the next hurricane season, I recommend getting started while things are calm. This allows you to really create a plan and focus on courses that will give you a head start (and the best chance) of getting work when it becomes available.

And it will become available.

Insurance Adjusting is more than just Hurricanes

We often think hurricane season is all there is to insurance claims, but nothing could be further from the truth. Every day, all over the country, people are submitting their first notice of loss for a claim. Perhaps it’s for a simple issue at home, or a fender bender, or maybe it’s damage from a host of weather-related events that, while not as big a hurricane, still affect families year-round.

As we write this article, massive flooding is taking place in the Pacific Northwest. A bulk of the country is enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures that will result in spring-like storms come this weekend as the cold front moves through. Those storms may result in snow and flash floods and, in some cases, ice. We are just getting into winter storm season which brings its own set of challenges and insurance claims.

All this is to say, don’t put off your goals while waiting for the perfect time. Making the decision to get your license now means that when the time comes, you’ll be ready. You won’t be waiting on the state to approve your license or your reciprocal license applications. It will allow you to prepare your vehicle and gear. You can spend some time learning Xactimate which is vital if you want to be field-ready and start making money immediately.

Additional Training & Certifications

If you’re in a bit of a work lull or still waiting for that first opportunity, this is also the perfect time to jump into some of those more challenging certifications and licenses.

New York & California Adjuster License

As we’ve discussed in other articles, neither California nor New York offer reciprocal licenses to out-of-state insurance adjusters. If you want to adjust claims in those states, you must take and pass their state exams. That makes these two licenses incredibly valuable for adjusters to have. IA Firms and insurance carriers are always looking for people who can work in these states so obtaining one or both of these licenses will really make your resume stand out from the crowd.

NFIP Flood Certification

Thankfully, the NFIP has finally started offering online training courses for this certification online. This is great for adjusters, but more importantly, it’s great for the industry. Flood claims that fall under FEMA’s control have skyrocketed in recent years. And rarely have there been enough certified adjusters to handle claims from these events. There are a host of requirements and steps to getting this license, but again, those who hold it are always in demand.

Please note that training webinars are not listed on FEMA’s website. You must sign up for FEMA’s email updates to be notified of available classes.

Xactimate Certification

Knowing your way around Xactimate is a must for any adjuster. If you haven’t worked in estimating software previously, learning to operate efficiently and effectively can take some time. If you want to hit the ground running in claims, don’t wait until you’re in the field to learn Xactimate. Use the time you have today to really understand the program so that once you’ve been assigned claims, you can input the information and close them fast. Our 5-star rated Tactical Xactimate Training course was designed for and hosted by insurance adjusters. It’ll help you learn what you need to know.

Pro-tip: There are official Xactimate certifications you can obtain through Verisk (previously Xactware.) These are only offered by the manufacturer, but our webinar will give you the skills you need to pass levels I and II. The certifications aren’t ‘required’ by employers but having them will get their attention so dedicating some downtime to mastering estimating software and gaining official certifications is well worth it.

Everyone’s journey to becoming an adjuster is different, but if you’re committed to the path, don’t wait to get started. Getting licensed and prepared today means you will be ready the moment you get the opportunity.

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History Flight is a privately operated Non-Profit organization dedicated to researching, recovering, and repatriating America’s service members back to the United States of America. These individuals have been listed as Missing in Action (MIA) or deemed non-recoverable during the past American conflicts of WWII, Korean War, Cold War, and Vietnam War.

There are currently over 81,900 missing American service members around the world. Recovery operations of this magnitude are only successful through the contributions of dedicated organizations and individuals doing their part to ensure that the heroes of our past conflicts are not forgotten. Since 2003, History Flight missions have recovered the remains of over 160 missing service members, in both the European and Pacific theaters of war, and helped return them to their families.

“We’re pleased to be able to give back to a cause that is so close to our hearts,” says Melissa Brittain, CEO. “Rachelle Shoemaker, Air Force Veteran, and our Chief Product Officer, brought the incredibly valuable and often unknown work that History Flight performs to our attention. Her brother, US Marine Corps distinguished veteran Coleman “Rocky” Kinzer, works for the organization and recently walked the 3,365-mile journey across the United States in honor and remembrance of our nation’s Prisoners Of War, Missing and Killed In Action, and their Gold Star Families. AdjusterPro & All-Lines Training are proud to be able to support History Flight in bringing our servicemembers home.”

The 2023 Thanksgiving Giving Campaign donated to History Flight on behalf of AdjusterPro & All-Lines Training’s customers, corporate clients, and valued partners.

ABOUT COR ENTERPRISES, LLC.

AdjusterPro and All-Lines Training, under the entity COR Enterprises, LLC, are education companies specializing in online courses and training for the insurance industry. AdjusterPro offers pre-licensing, exam prep, continuing education, and Xactimate courses for individuals in, or entering in, insurance claims work. We also service insurance carriers and industry partners, training teams of adjusters for 8 of the nation’s 10 largest insurers.

All-Lines Training specializes in producer pre-licensing, exam prep, and continuing education. All-Lines Training also provides unmatched customer service and an extensive product catalog within the insurance producer market.

COR Enterprises is headquartered in Tempe, AZ, with a nationally distributed workforce. To learn more about our company, visit https://adjusterpro.com/about/.

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We’re picking up where we left off in Abbie’s journey and letting her tell you the story in her own words.

At this point, I had obtained my adjuster license, applied for reciprocal licenses in my priority states, purchased most of the gear I knew I’d need, and gotten key certifications to boost my resume. So, what was the next step?

Because I was on a lot of rosters, I received an email from a well-known IA Firm informing me of a 5-day Field Adjuster Kickstart training course they were holding in a few months. They were offering the program with a deal: if I completed a successful deployment within 90 days of completion, they’d refund me the cost of the course. It wasn’t a guarantee of employment or work, but it would be a great opportunity for me to meet trainers, network, and have face time with members of the firm.

Luckily, I had been saving funds for a while because it was going to cost money upfront. It was another investment…but I knew I had to go. 

Field Training for Insurance Adjusters

The 5-day Field Adjuster Kickstart program consisted of policy training, learning to do inspection and scoping, and Xactimate training on wind and hail claims. The last day would include a rope and harness course.

I booked my Airbnb and drove down to Texas for the Monday morning start. Before the session started, I met some of the other new adjusters and a few of our trainers. While some may approach this by looking at other adjusters as competition, I enjoyed meeting others in my position and sharing stories.

It was also wonderful to meet and visit with the program trainers. These are experienced adjusters with a wealth of knowledge. They are great teachers who answer questions and observe your work while offering valuable feedback.

On Thursday while we were in the midst of practicing inspections and scoping, a person from the Firm’s HR department called our instructor out of the room. When he returned, he called a few of us out into the hall. (I had flashbacks of getting in trouble at school but thankfully, we were pulled out for a great reason!)

He explained that a huge wind storm had gone through Kentucky over the weekend and they needed adjusters in Lexington ASAP. The group he gathered in the hall were those of us who already had our Kentucky licenses. Then he simply asked us, “Are you ready to go?”

One of the biggest takeaways I had from reading AdjusterPro’s blog articles was to say “YES!”. Say yes to the first opportunity because getting your foot in the door is often the most challenging part of starting a career in insurance adjusting. Without hesitating, I said yes! He said, “Great! This is a two-story steep, wind, and hail deployment. We’re going to get you guys trained on rope and harness now. They need you in Kentucky in two days.”

The next few days were a whirlwind! We got a full crash course in rope and harness training, finished up at the training facility, and then ran back to the Airbnb to gather our things before heading to wherever home was before leaving for Lexington. I drove back home with some other “Okies,” and while en route, we ordered rope and harness equipment to be shipped to the war room in Kentucky so it would be waiting for us upon arrival.

Six of the 14 people in our training program already had our Kentucky licenses, our gear, and the training necessary to take advantage of this opportunity. In my first blog, I mentioned that timeliness is everything in claims. I said, “You can’t wait to get ready. You need to BE ready when you get the call.” This experience exemplifies that perfectly.

My First Deployment as an Adjuster

On a deployment, you are usually given anywhere from 20-40 claims when you arrive onsite. It can be really overwhelming so you learn to take things one step at a time and rely heavily on tracking everything and staying organized.

This is especially important when working catastrophe claims. After a big storm or catastrophe, a massive number of claims get filed. By the time you arrive onsite, some homeowners may have already been waiting days or weeks with broken windows, leaking roofs, or downed trees. They’re frustrated and past ready for an insurance adjuster to contact them. It’s important to approach claimants with patience and empathy.

After arriving and reviewing my claims briefly, my first job was to contact the policyholders and start scheduling inspections. Ideally, you want to schedule at least two a day. It’s good to have an idea of what you are walking into and how long it may take although that’s never an exact science. For example, if you schedule 2 inspections for heavily damaged properties on opposite sides of town where the clients are talkative and some of the issues may be hidden, it can take you all day (and more!) to get your work done. Remember, you will still have paperwork to do on the claim after inspection so scheduling to be as efficient as possible is vital. As with everything, you get better and faster at all parts of the process the more you work. But those first claims are a real testing ground for most new adjusters.

In the beginning, I struggled to close one claim a day. It’s so easy to fall behind, which you never want to do as an insurance adjuster. This is where so many new folks start to struggle and eventually give up, especially if they aren’t trained in Xactimate. The carrier we were working for required two claims closed a day. Those that fell behind began to drown, and fast. After the first couple of weeks, adjusters who couldn’t meet the requirements were released from the deployment, i.e., sent home. If you wanted to stay, you had to learn quickly and keep up.

I closed 87 claims over the following seven weeks. It was incredibly challenging but very rewarding. In the first four weeks, I would work as much as 20 hours a day, 6 or 7 days a week just trying to get the hang of it. When people say being a claims adjuster or a claims adjuster’s lifestyle “isn’t for everybody,” this is what they’re referring to. But if you can make it through the initial bumps in the road and long hours, it’s well worth it!

Personally, I enjoyed the challenge! The intensity and pressure, while stressful, created an environment where I thrived. I loved working hard and at the same time, helping homeowners during a difficult time in their lives. On that deployment, we were given the authority to close claims quickly and pay onsite. Being able to hand the claimants an estimate and a check on the same day they got their inspection made all the hard work worth it.

The camaraderie I developed with other adjusters, both new and seasoned, was a welcome surprise. We became a true team – working hard toward the same goals. I was impressed by the adjusters’ willingness to help one another. Our managers were also fantastic, knowledgeable, and worked every bit as hard as we did. Last, but definitely not least, the trainers on our deployment were amazing! These men and women worked long hours and went far out of their way to help us close our claims. From coming out to help inspect a crazy difficult roof to answering question after question about estimates, they really were there for us every step of the way. Candidly, I don’t know if that is typical for all deployments, but that was my experience working with Eberl.

After that initial deployment, I was able to travel to different states adjusting claims, just like I had wanted. Every deployment was a learning experience, and I got better, faster, and made more money every time I took on work.

I feel strongly that my initial preparation and willingness to take advantage of that first opportunity that led to success. I would encourage you to do the same. Getting your foot in the door can be challenging so I echo AdjusterPro in advising you to say “YES!” when an opportunity presents itself.

The Best Path to Becoming an Insurance Adjuster

AdjusterPro has a ton of great resources and blog articles, like 5 Steps to Become an Adjuster, that walk you through the process. Our team is also available to answer any questions regarding the career, licensing, our courses, or finding work.

In my opinion, there is no one best path to getting into claims. I’ve known adjusters who read an article about how much money you can make on a hurricane deployment and bought a course the very next day. I’ve also talked with people who spent months or more determining whether they wanted to pursue this career. My personal journey landed somewhere in the middle. Once I knew I wanted to become a claims adjuster, I took my time and approached the whole process step by step. With a family to support, I needed to continue earning money, start saving money, and get everything in order so that when my opportunity came, I could take it without hesitation.

Every person’s journey is different, and that’s okay. One of the advantages of online courses through AdjusterPro is that you can do everything at your own pace. If you’re currently not working and looking for a new career, you can speed through training and be licensed and working in a matter of weeks. If you have a job, a family to support, or a crazy hectic life and it takes you a few months, that works great too! YOU get to decide what works best for your life.

And if you need a little help or have questions, we’ll be here. Every step of the way.

The post Abbie’s Journey Part 2: Training Equals Opportunity appeared first on AdjusterPro®.

We’ll let Abbie, a mom of 3 and an Oklahoma resident, tell you more about her journey in her own words. 

Finding My Path

I was lucky to be able to stay home and raise my kids for 14 years. As many of us know, it’s an extremely tough but very rewarding job. And I do mean job! Once my kids were all in daily school, I decided to rejoin the workforce. 

I began working outside of the home in the medical and dental fields as an administrative assistant before moving into the orthodontic field, where I managed a practice for five years. After some time, I found myself going a little stir-crazy being in the office every day. I wanted to travel and see more of the country. I wanted to find a career where I felt like I was helping people or making a difference. And I wanted a job that was more financially rewarding.

I didn’t have a specific job or career in mind, so I started researching job listings that required travel. Then I ran across a posting for an Independent Adjuster. The position immediately grabbed my attention, listing descriptors like “travel,” “help others,” “investigate,” and “make a great living.” It sounded so exciting!  Those job details sounded perfect, but frankly, I had no idea what an independent adjuster actually did. I googled, “What is an adjuster?” 

It was the first of many, many searches. 

The more I learned, the more intrigued I became. I began reading everything I could get my hands on about insurance adjusting. I watched a ton of videos from AdjusterTV with Mathew Allen. I listened to Chris Stanley from IAPath’s podcasts. I attended AdjusterPro’s free webinar course, and listening to Pablo really got me excited about the opportunity. I decided then and there that this was the career I wanted. 

During the webinar, Pablo was honest with the attendees about the licensing process, what it would take to find employment, and how to set yourself up for success. I knew I couldn’t dive into this headfirst tomorrow. I needed a plan.

Although I knew this was what I wanted to do, I still had a lot of questions. I settled in to do some digging and a lot more research. Over and over again, the questions I googled were answered by AdjusterPro’s website and blog posts. By then, I knew the first step to becoming an adjuster was getting your home state license. So, in October of 2022, I made the leap.

Setting Myself Up for Success

During my research, I had grown to trust AdjusterPro, so I purchased their Oklahoma Total Adjuster Package. I felt like if I really wanted to do this successfully, I needed to start with more than just the license. It was more of an investment upfront, but the extra courses and knowledge were worth it. 

At this time, I was still working full-time because I had a family to support. I knew I couldn’t start the courses thinking I’d ‘study when I had time.’ I would have to find a way to take care of my home duties, my current job, my kids, AND still prioritize making this dream come true. 

It took some experimenting, but I found that it worked best for me to get up early in the morning and study when my brain wasn’t so tired from the hectic day. I would also study and review the week’s material again on the weekends. The course itself is only 40 hours long, but juggling working full-time and home life meant it took me a bit longer to complete.

Meanwhile, I began saving as much money as I could. During my research, I learned that independent adjusters who work catastrophes often need to be able to pay their own way until that first paycheck arrives. I’d need to potentially pay for adjusting gear, hotels, gas, food, etc. So, in so much as I could, I started cutting extra costs here and there to set aside my ‘adjusting nest egg.’ My goal was to pay upfront for these items and not start my career in debt.  

I completed my exam prep course at the beginning of December and then spent two weeks reviewing material and re-taking the practice exams until I was consistently making 90% on them. I finally took and passed my state exam in mid-December!

I was thrilled and relieved, but a big part of me knew it was just the beginning.

After passing the exam, I applied for my Oklahoma license and scheduled the Tactical Xactimate part of my package. I had waited to take this course, as well as the Construction 101 course, until after I received my license so I could use them for continuing education hours. (Something I highly recommend!) 

I saved the Adjuster Success Method course until last, which was perfect. It covers a lot of information about IA firms, how to find work, and how to handle a claim. I felt better equipped for that knowledge after taking the other three courses.

After Licensing

When you are first starting out, getting certifications and attending additional training is really important. The knowledge and experience look great on a resume, plus the networking opportunities of in-person events are really beneficial when it comes to finding a job. So I wanted to be ready and able to attend those types of trainings when I had the chance. 

I heard from many of my sources that independent adjusters are usually independent contractors. This meant I needed to treat this as if it were my own small business. It was up to me to do the research, the work, make a plan for my business, and be ready to market myself to get work.

I gathered all the information I learned about licensing, reciprocal licenses, training and certificates, and gear I needed to purchase in an outline. I made multiple to-do lists to tackle each piece of the process. I wanted all the pieces laid out in front of me so that when the time came, I had everything covered.

And since I had been saving money, I was better prepared to handle some of the upfront costs. 

In the meantime, I began applying for reciprocal licenses. I started with the wind and hail states since, as an “Okie,” I knew spring storm season was around the corner. After that, I moved on to licenses for the hurricane states. Lastly, I applied for a few additional licenses for states I wanted to travel to and work in. I finished with a total of 16 licenses. While you don’t need to take a course or exam to get a reciprocal license, you do need to apply and pay fees, so it can take some time and planning.

Next, I reached out to AdjusterPro for their resume guide and the Independent Adjusting Firm directory. These are great free resources that really help with starting your applications! I put together my resume with my previous work history, state licenses, and AdjusterPro courses. 

I began applying with the IA Firms to get on their rosters. I followed up, ensuring they received my application and spoke with their HR staff about any next steps they recommended. Once I was on their rosters, IA Firms notified me of additional training they offered. Classes about damage ID, ladder safety, wind and hail claims, policy, more construction basics, auto classes…all offered for free through the IA Firm. 

This is why it’s so important to get on rosters and follow up! You won’t get notified about the trainings they offer without being on rosters first. I was able to get key certifications for State Farm Property & Auto, Texas Wind Insurance Association (TWIA), and Allstate Property & Auto through the IA Firms. 

In the meantime, I bought the gear I needed and prepped everything so that should an opportunity arise, I’d be ready to go at the drop of a hat. Field ladders, tape measures, camera, clipboard, BullyBag, Cougar Paws…I had it all. Timeliness in claims is everything so you can’t wait to get ready. You need to BE ready when you get the call. 

I received an email from an IA Firm informing me of a 5-day Field Adjuster Kickstart training course they were holding in March. They were offering the program with a deal: if I completed a successful deployment within 90 days of completion, they’d refund me the cost of the course. It wasn’t a guarantee of employment or work, but it would be a great opportunity for me to meet trainers, network, and have face time with members of the firm. It was another investment…but I knew I had to go. 

Attending that training was more than I hoped it would be. Not only was it a great learning experience, the training led directly to my first job opportunity. Thankfully, all the planning and research I’d done, plus the advice I was given, meant I was ready! 

Are you interested in reading more about Abbie and her experience? Check out Part 2 of Abbie’s Adjuster Journey.

*Disclosure from Abbie: I enjoyed my experience with AdjusterPro so much that when a job opening became available a few years later, I applied! I now work for them in the customer engagement department, where I can help new future adjusters on their career journey.

The post Adjuster Spotlight: Abbie’s Journey from the Office to the Field appeared first on AdjusterPro®.