9 Tips for Success as an Adjuster

Success as a claims adjuster takes time, hard work, and dedication. It does not happen overnight. Take a look at our suggestions below for how you can improve your skills as an adjuster.

1. Be Equipped with the Right Tools

You can be as prepared as possible by ensuring you have the right tools for the job. A field adjuster will frequently travel so they need reliable transportation. If you’re conducting a roof inspection, make sure you have the appropriate gear to keep you safe. Being equipped with the right tools for your inspections will allow you to accurately conduct your inspections, keep you safe, and save you time in the long run! Take a look at our previous blog post where we talk about the essential tools you will need as an adjuster. 

2. Practice Your Customer Service Skills

Providing the policyholder with excellent customer service is one of the most important things you can do. Many times, the policyholder is anxious and worried after a disaster to their home or property. A tool you can use in stressful situations is the LEAST Method.  

            L.E.A.S.T. — Listen, Empathize, Apologize, Solve, Thank

You want to make sure you are making the policyholder feel like a VIP. The LEAST Method will help the policyholder to feel important and taken care of. Our main goal is to help them become whole and provide them with a safe living environment!  

Read more about customer service as a CAT adjuster on our previous blog post!

3. Stay Organized

To stay organized as an adjuster is a huge advantage to working quickly and efficiently. This spreads into all areas of claims. Being organized with your inspections, with the policyholder, keeping your paper files in order, appointments, photos, etc. will allow you to be efficient in your work and prevent mistakes!      

4. Hone Your Time Management Skills

Being efficient with your time also plays hand in hand with being organized. Showing up on time to your inspections, planning an efficient schedule, and scheduling time for paperwork will help you in so many ways! Managing your time well can allow you to complete your claims on time and help you stand out to firms as a sharp adjuster.  

5. Understand the Software and Devices

Be ready to learn and adapt to changes in technology. You should have a good understanding of the software systems you use and be able to navigate your computer and programs.

You will likely be using Xactimate, a complex system to learn. You can enroll in a course on Xactimate to help you navigate this system, such as one of our Xactimate classes. We offer this training through our training program, CNCPro, found here. We also recommend learning Symbility.  

6. Be Responsible  

There is a lot of flexibility as an insurance adjuster. You make your own schedule and choose your days off, how many inspections you do a day, and your working hours. This much flexibility comes with the need for responsibility. You will find yourself doing a lot of work from home and on your own schedule. Create a schedule you can stick to and have a designated area for working in your home.

7. Be Knowledgeable

Present yourself as the expert, by being knowledgeable in all areas of your field of work. Keeping up with required training will allow you to stay proficient in the field. A general understanding of construction will take you far as an insurance adjuster. Your estimates will be accurate and will leave little room for mistakes! We recommend seeking out continuous education training at places like www.theinstitutes.org, www.haagcertifiedinspector.com, and/or www.xactware.com.

8. Be Determined and Self-Motivated  

Determination and self-motivation as an insurance adjuster is so important. If you’re a self-starter and have an inner drive to complete your work, this is a great field of work for you! Be determined to succeed as an insurance adjuster and be ready to serve. We find that having the heart to serve will give you the determination you need for success as an insurance adjuster.

9. Stay Calm Under Pressure

Insurance adjusting can be stressful and fast-paced during storm season. It is important that you’re taking measures to take care of yourself. Giving yourself breaks will benefit you in this field. When the claims start to flood in and your schedule gets jam-packed, remember to take it one step at a time and focus on the current task. Always remember that you can reach out for help if you need it. If things start to get out of control, ask for help before it’s too late and you're drowning in claims.

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