The Ultimate Guide to Becoming an Insurance Adjuster

Are you considering a career as an insurance adjuster? It’s a field with ample opportunities, especially if you’re prepared and credentialed. This guide will walk you through the essentials of licensing, credentialing, and making yourself an appealing candidate for deployments.

1. Licensing and Credentialing: The Foundation

Before you can start working as an insurance adjuster, you’ll need to focus on obtaining the necessary licenses and credentials. Begin with your home state license and aim to acquire as many licenses as possible for the regions where you want to work. This makes you more versatile and deployable across various states.

2. Types of Adjusters: Choose Your Path

Decide on the type of adjuster you want to be:

·  Virtual Adjuster: Handles claims remotely.

·  In-Office Adjuster: Works from an office setting, typically for a single carrier.

·  Field Adjuster: Travels to locations to assess damage and handle claims on-site.

Different types of adjusters may require different credentials and experience levels.

3. Specializations and Experience

Your focus on credentialing should be aligned with the type of claims you wish to handle, such as:

·  Daily Claims

·  Wind and Hail Deployments

·  Flood Claims

Entering into flood claims typically requires several years of experience due to their complexity. To gain this experience, consider joining mentor programs that can help you grow professionally and become qualified for more specialized claims.

4. Market Yourself: Establish Industry Contacts

Getting the credentials is just half the battle. You also need to market yourself effectively to get deployments. Establish industry contacts and build a network of professionals who can vouch for your reliability and skills. This networking is crucial to getting your foot in the door, especially when large-scale events create a surge in demand for adjusters.

5. Proving Yourself: The First Deployment

Your first deployment is crucial. Most new adjusters enter the industry during large events like hurricanes, where there is a high demand for fresh adjusters. However, it’s important to note that about 90% of new adjusters fail within their first deployment or year.

To avoid this:

·  Be Reliable: Show that you are a dependable worker.

·  Stay Visible: Be someone that companies and firms want to invest in.

·  Earn Trust: Make sure that you are seen as a valuable asset who can handle the demands of the job.

6. Timing and Preparation: Keys to Success

Timing is as important as credentialing in this industry. Always be prepared for the possibility of deployment. This involves being ready at a moment’s notice when a large claim volume event occurs.

New adjusters typically enter the industry in one of two ways:

·  Training and Rosters: Get on a roster, take multiple training programs, and prove yourself as a non-experienced adjuster.

·  Large Volume Events: Enter through events like hurricanes and prove your worth during your first deployment.

Conclusion

Becoming a successful insurance adjuster involves a combination of proper licensing, continuous credentialing, strategic networking, and proving your reliability during deployments. By preparing thoroughly and staying committed to your professional development, you can build a rewarding career in this field.