The Road to Success: A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Career as an Insurance Adjuster
Vince Perri
Commercial Claims Advocate | Educator | Public Adjuster | Appraiser | Umpire | Claims Expert
If you’re looking for a career in the insurance industry that’s both challenging and rewarding, becoming an insurance adjuster might be the right choice for you.
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This week’s blog post is brought to you by??Black Diamond Housing Services ,?The Farber Law Firm ,?Iink , and?Noble Tax Strategies .
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As an insurance adjuster, you’ll be responsible for investigating claims, evaluating damages, and negotiating settlements with policyholders.?
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While this job may seem daunting, it’s a vital role in the insurance claims process and can provide a great deal of satisfaction knowing you helped people get back on their feet after a loss.
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In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at?
?? Different types of insurance adjusters
?? Licensing requirements to become one,?
?? How and where to find a job,?
?? And expert tips for success in this career.?
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Whether you’re just starting out or have a few years under your belt, you’re sure to find valuable insights and advice to help you succeed in the insurance adjusting industry.
What kind of adjuster do you want to become?
When considering a career in insurance adjusting, it’s important to think about what kind of adjuster you want to become.
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There are three main types of adjusters: company, independent, and public.?
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Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and it’s essential to understand what they are before deciding which path to take.
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A company adjuster works for an insurance company and is paid a salary. This can be a stable and reliable job, with benefits like health insurance and a 401k.?
However, it may not provide as much flexibility as other options, and there may be less room for advancement.
An independent adjuster is self-employed and contracted by insurance companies to assess claims.?
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They have more flexibility in their work schedule and may have the opportunity to work on a wider variety of claims.?
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However, they don’t receive benefits like health insurance and may have to cover their expenses.
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Public adjusters work on behalf of the policyholder?and are usually paid on a commission basis.?
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They’re responsible for negotiating with the insurance company to get the highest possible settlement for the policyholder.?
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This career path can be more sales-heavy, as?public adjusters often have to find their clients.?
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The commission-based pay structure can also be risky, as they only get paid if they’re successful in settling a claim.
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In addition to the type of adjuster,?it’s also essential to consider the types of claims you want to handle.?
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Homes, auto, boats, and commercial claims all have their unique challenges and require different skills. It’s important to find the type of claim that interests you and that you feel confident handling.
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Overall, there are many options for aspiring adjusters, and it’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons of each path.?
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Knowing what kind of adjuster you want to be and the types of claims you want to handle can help you make an informed decision about your career.
Why Getting a License is Essential for Insurance Adjusters
Getting licensed is a critical step in becoming an insurance adjuster.?
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The licensing process differs from state to state, but most states require some form of education, examination, and background check.?
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For example, in Florida, you must complete a pre-licensing course, pass an examination, and undergo fingerprinting and a background check.
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There are different types of adjuster licenses, and the license you need will depend on the type of work you want to do.?
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For example, a catastrophe adjuster license may be required for handling claims after a natural disaster, while a public adjuster license is necessary for those who want to represent policyholders.
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Getting licensed can be time-consuming and costly, but?it’s an investment in your career that will pay off in the long run.
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Furthermore, it’s worth noting that some states offer reciprocity agreements, meaning that if you hold an adjuster license in one state, you may be able to apply for a license in another state without having to complete additional education or testing.?
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This can be particularly useful for independent adjusters who work across state lines.
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In conclusion, getting licensed is an essential step in becoming an insurance adjuster, and you should take the time to understand the specific requirements in your state.?
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It may seem daunting, but it’s an investment in your future career that will pay off in the long run.
Where to Apply for a Job as an Insurance Adjuster?
Once you have determined the type of adjuster you want to be and obtained the necessary licenses, it’s time to start applying for jobs.?
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In the beginning, it is important to gain experience working for an insurance company or adjusting firm before striking out on your own.?
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While it may be tempting to start your own business right away, gaining experience working under?the guidance of seasoned professionals can provide valuable training and mentorship that will help you succeed in the long run.
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When applying for adjuster jobs, it’s important to find the right fit for your career goals.?
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Look for companies or firms that align with your values and provide opportunities for growth and development.?
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You can find job postings on job search websites, the websites of insurance companies and adjusting firms, or through industry associations.
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When applying for adjuster jobs,?make sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job and company you are applying for.?
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Highlight any relevant experience or skills that would make you a strong candidate for the position.?
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Additionally, be prepared for the interview process by researching the company and practicing common interview questions.
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Remember that it may take some time to land your first adjuster job, but persistence and determination will pay off in the end.?
Keep applying and don’t be afraid to?network with industry professionals to increase your chances of finding the right fit for your career goals.
Find a Mentor to Boost Your Career
One of the best ways to succeed as an insurance adjuster is to learn from those who have already made it in the industry.?
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Having a mentor or coach can provide valuable insight and guidance, helping you to avoid common mistakes and achieve your career goals.
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Finding a mentor or coach may seem daunting, but there are many different options available.?
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If you work for an insurance company, there may be opportunities to connect with experienced adjusters within your own organization.?
Many companies have mentoring programs in place to help new hires develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed.
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Another option is to seek out a mentor or coach outside of your company.?
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This could involve taking courses or reading books on the topic, or reaching out to industry professionals for advice and guidance.?
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Regardless of the path you choose, having a mentor or coach can provide invaluable benefits.?
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Ultimately, finding a mentor or coach is an investment in your future as an insurance adjuster.?
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By seeking out the guidance of experienced professionals, you can gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this challenging and rewarding field.
Don’t Forget to Go Above and Beyond
As an insurance adjuster, your reputation is everything.?
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Providing excellent service is not only important for helping the individuals you work with, but also for building a strong reputation in the industry.
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?When you consistently provide great service, you’ll find that people will remember you and will want to work with you again in the future.
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One of the best ways to provide excellent service as an adjuster is to?always go above and beyond for your clients.?
This can mean going out of your way to help them navigate the claims process, taking the time to explain things in detail, or simply being patient and understanding throughout the process.
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Another important aspect of providing great service is communication.?
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Keeping your clients informed and updated throughout the claims process can go a long way in building trust and establishing a positive reputation.?
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Respond to phone calls and emails in a timely manner and make sure to provide clear and concise updates on the status of the claim.
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Finally, don’t forget to follow up with clients after the claim has been settled.?
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This shows that you care about their satisfaction and can help to solidify your reputation as a dependable and trustworthy adjuster.
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Remember, doing your best as an adjuster isn’t just about providing great service for the individuals you work with.?
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It’s also about building a strong reputation in the industry and setting yourself up for success in the long term.
Conclusion
In conclusion, becoming an insurance adjuster can be a fulfilling and rewarding career choice.?
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Whether you choose to work for a company, become an independent adjuster, or pursue a career as a public adjuster, there are many opportunities for growth and success.
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However, it’s important to remember that becoming a successful adjuster requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement.?
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By getting licensed, gaining experience, doing your best, and finding a mentor or coach, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career in the insurance claims industry.?
So if you’re considering becoming an adjuster, take the time to research your options, set realistic goals, and always?strive to be the best you can be.