Saving Money on the Road

It’s true — money seems to leave your bank account quickly when you’re an insurance adjuster! Between the cost of licenses, training, tools, and necessities it can be expensive. But by far one of the most expensive items is the travel and everything included in the trip(s). Here are some tips to keep in mind while traveling as an adjuster.

Eating On The Go

Though eating fast food while on the road is convenient, it can rack up quickly! You work long days and the last thing you want to do is cook. Most likely you’re in a hotel without a kitchen which makes it even trickier. It’s not impossible though. There are kitchen appliances that are portable and easy to travel with.

Air fryer: We love these things because you can cook just about anything in an air fryer! Simple to use and they cook fast, you can enjoy your favorite things on the road at a much better price. Enjoy a steak, chicken, wings, eggs, bacon, veggies, and much more.

Electric burner: Another great appliance is a portable cooktop. There are single and double burners you can purchase. These will allow you to cook inside of your room and you’ll save money by not eating out.

Many grocery stores have a grocery pickup service. This can work with your schedule, letting you shop for food online, then go pick up your groceries at the time you choose. This is a huge money saver as you’re not roaming the store picking out things you don’t need!

Hotel Secrets  

Your living expenses will not be covered when you’re traveling, so finding deals is a must for any adjuster out on the road. Here’s an insider tip if you need to book a hotel room: call the hotel directly. When you book through a third-party app you’re paying a fee to that company. Most, if not all, hotels will match the price of the booking app OR even give you a better deal! They do not want to have the headache of dealing with these third party booking agencies and will do whatever they can to book you directly!

Another inside tip: when you book a prepaid room through a third party and need to cancel or adjust the reservation, the hotel you’re staying with cannot change those reservations and you will most likely have to pay fees to the booking agency and run the risk of not getting your money back.

The safest route is to call the hotel directly and negotiate to get their prices down.

If you’re planning on staying an extended amount of time, there is a chance they’ll discount your stay! You will save more money in the long run by doing this. And after 30 consecutive days of booking through the hotel, you might not have to pay taxes. State your purpose of serving the community as an insurance adjuster and this may help in negotiating not only a room that may be in high demand but a better rate.

Non-Hotel Options

If you’re able, haul a camper with you while you travel. Camp grounds do not charge you utilities and will discount extended stays. Campers do require upkeep and can be difficult to move around, but this is a great option if you want to feel like you’re at home!

Apartments are an option as well. This can be tricky since you never know how long an assignment can last. They can range from weeks to years. Some complexes do offer month-to-month leasing at a higher rate but we recommend talking with the complex as they may be able to make exceptions because you’re there on an assignment.‍

Pro Tip: invest in quality equipment because the lower-quality tools will not last for long and could even end up costing you more money! Do what you can to invest in the higher quality items like a nice ladder, camera, and  safety tools.

Schedule Your Appointments Strategically

You’re probably saying, “How can appointment scheduling save me money?” Well, gas prices continue to fluctuate. An adjuster has to have a vehicle to ensure efficiency. Try to schedule nearby inspections close together so that you’re not traveling 20–30 minutes for each inspection. Limit the back and forth as much as possible.

Inspect Your Vehicle

Be proactive in ensuring your vehicle is ready to go by completing an inspection before you start traveling. Any work that needs to be done should be completed before you leave for your assignment. Those last minute emergencies on the road can cost a pretty penny! Emergencies happen but inspecting your vehicle before you leave will decrease the chances of something popping up.

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