While many businesses spend the wake of a storm reeling, trying to put their business back together, a catastrophic event has quite the opposite effect for catastrophic (CAT) claims adjusters. You’re the unsung hero that’s there to help them get their claim closed so they can get back to work.
As a primarily seasonal business, prepping for catastrophes and using your downtime is key to your success as a CAT claims adjuster. Here are 5 simple steps to create more opportunities for yourself.
Who would have thought that the more licenses you hold, the more work you could get? Holding multiple state adjuster licenses is a great way to make sure you’re available for work, wherever catastrophe hits.
Start with your home state license. State Departments of Insurance are working towards better industry uniformity and will require adjusters to get their home state license first.
Non-Licensing States: Several states do not license independent insurance adjusters. If that’s the case in your state, you can take advantage of the Designated Home State (DHS) license. It allows anyone residing in a non-licensing state to designate a licensing ‘home state’ to obtain their license.
The Florida non-resident 70-20 DHS License is a good choice because it requires all the necessary items, making it easier to gain additional state licenses.
Reciprocal Licenses: Once you have your home state license, you’ll be ready to apply to additional states. It’s as simple as applying online, paying your fees, and a short wait until you’re approved - so long as the two states are reciprocal with one another. Otherwise, a bit more information may be required.
Emergency Licenses: These licenses are critical after a disaster strikes, allowing states to quickly license out-of-state adjusters who otherwise wouldn’t qualify. However, they’re only good for 3 - 6 months with available extensions and you must be sponsored by an employer to be approved.
So, which states should you apply for your adjuster’s license? The obvious answer is to ask yourself how far you’re willing to travel. Beyond that, consider the season and which catastrophes can be expected. Hail season may bring work to the midwest while hurricanes usually drive demand for CAT claims adjusters in the east and gulf coast.
Also, be sure existing licenses are up-to-date. A lapsed license in a particular state is all it takes to miss out on your next job.
Continuing education credits are important for keeping your licenses in good standing. Use the slow seasons to catch up on training and make sure you’re ready for work when the season hits.
Additional training is also a great way to stand out from other adjusters vying for the same jobs as you. Just knowing how to use the software isn’t good enough. Companies want to know that the adjusters they’re hiring know how the industry works and that they can get claims closed. An investment in yourself is the best kind of investment!
Also, consider auto or property training if you’re just getting started. It’s a great way to gain some experience and keep the assignments coming when work is otherwise slow.
The working adjuster tends to keep working. Adjusters who actively close claims are appealing to prospective employers. It shows you know what you’re doing and that you can get the job done. Yet another reason why diversifying from CAT claims can help you get more assignments.
Depending on the catastrophe season, some assignments can last anywhere from weeks to even up to a year in some cases. It’s not uncommon for assignments to last longer than expected. Know what you’re getting yourself into, what you can handle, and make that known upfront to make sure you take on the right assignments.
Equally, be wary of working multiple assignments simultaneously. Spreading yourself thin can limit your performance. Adjusters who do great work, typically get back-to-back assignments during the season.
Many assignments come as a result of knowing somebody. Spending time getting to know the right people is a great way to increase the number of CAT claims and assignments available to you.
Use the downtime to network with other independent adjusters and catastrophe insurance professionals. Facebook, LinkedIn, and other digital channels are an effective way to find more work opportunities.
If you want to get hired or recommended to a potential employer, people need to know, like, and trust you. Networking is a great way to accomplish all three!
Independent insurance adjusting companies are another great way to find your next assignment. Registering with these firms is a great way to increase your odds of getting a call.
However, applying to the top 4 or 5 firms is not enough. That’s where you may think the claims are, but when a catastrophe hits, it affects everyone - not just the states where it happens or the largest firms.
When adjusters get deployed to aid other states post-catastrophe, it leaves an adjuster vacuum in those states. Demand goes up and someone’s needed to pick up the slack. Large scale disasters often leave an impact on the industry, employers, and communities for months or years.
It’s been recommended that you onboard with at least thirteen companies. The more, the merrier. Don’t make the rookie mistake of expecting enough work by signing up with only one or two IA firms.
Well, since you’re already here, be sure to send us your resume to be considered for any future claims. And be sure to follow these 5 guidelines to get ready for when the next catastrophe hits, we’re always looking for talented adjusters to partner with!
Should you need assistance from our experienced adjusters, US Claim Solutions is here to help! We bring extensive knowledge and expertise in both field and desk adjusting. We’re here to service claim needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Email us at customerservice@usclaimsolutions.co or give us a call at (888) 701-1153.
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