Claims Adjusting: How to Land Work as an Independent Adjuster
Claims Adjuster
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Benjamin Brown
Director of Sales Acquisition
Starting a business as an independent adjuster offers several advantages – including work autonomy, professional growth and high earning potential. But in order to be successful, you need to learn how to get regular work assignments. Here are a dozen tips to help you do just that.
1. Learn How to Specialize in Independent Claims Adjusting
Need some pointers?
See our previous post in this series: How to Become an Independent Adjuster
2. Prepare to Work Independently
After you have trained and equipped yourself to become an independent adjuster, it’s time to start thinking like a professional contractor. Get yourself mentally ready to:
Be a self-starter
Apply yourself with tenacity on a daily basis
Work an irregular schedule and be able to respond to emergencies
Spend a lot of time traveling to and from claims sites
3. Establish Your Business
This requires various steps:
Get in the mindset of being a business owner/operator
Develop a company name
Set up a business bank account
Acquire a post-office box if you plan to receive business mail
Plan how you will track and invoice your projects
Equip your computer and mobile devices with useful software
Get a federal EIN number, if necessary, so you can be a 1099 contractor
Learn about different types of business entities (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.), and then select one
Educate yourself on how to be a good business owner
4. Obtain Insurance
When you operate as an independent adjuster, you must be able to protect yourself from legal and financial liabilities. A major mishap or a business lawsuit could be costly if you do not have adequate coverage. That’s why you need various policies that cover common risks faced by professionals in your line of work. Here are four examples:
General liability insurance to cover basic risks
Worker’s compensation insurance that protects you from work-injury costs that your health insurance might deny
Errors and omission (E&O) insurance, in case you’re sued for negligent conduct or unsatisfactory work, such as an inaccurate appraisal
Cyber liability insurance to help you recover financially from cyberattacks and data breaches
5. Optimize Your Résumé
Make sure it positions you as a licensed independent adjuster with appropriate training and certifications. And list any work experience, skills and tools that help distinguish you from competing contractors.
6. Promote Your Business
You need to be able to convince potential clients that you know how to close a claim properly. That’s why you should work on creating a professional image and promoting your business actively.
Launch a professional website that showcases your credentials and experience, and will help you gain credibility as an independent contractor
Set up a business email account that is associated with your website URL
Create a custom email signature that includes your website URL
Order business cards
Create a LinkedIn profile
7. Build Your Reputation By Using Advanced Technology
Your ability to use high-tech tools will impress the people who can hire you. For example, if you want to land work investigating property damage claims, here are some tools you should consider using:
A Drone for Roof Inspections
You can improve the quality, efficiency and safety of your work by flying a drone equipped with a high-quality camera. This will allow you to examine and record footage of a structure’s roof condition quickly – without the danger of climbing up high and possibly falling. In order to operate your drone, you will need to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA. And you’ll want to get drone insurance as well to protect your investment.
A Bluetooth Laser Distance Meter
This is easier, faster and more accurate to use than a standard measuring tape.
A Floor Plan App for Interior Investigations
Look for one that syncs with your Bluetooth device, allows you to sketch properties quickly, and enables you to create and send detailed reports with sketches and photos that can be sent to Xactimate® directly.
8. Reach Out to Independent Adjusting (IA) Firms
Insurance companies commonly rely on IA firms to handle natural disaster claims, as well as other claims that are beyond the capacity of their in-house staff adjusters. And since IA firms work with independent adjusters, you need to get on their radar.
First, list all of the firms that interest you. Then introduce yourself, make yourself known and apply to get on their rosters. The goal is to get listed on multiple rosters – because the more you expand your client base, the more likely you are to land work.
9. Build a Network
In order to grow your contractor business, try to increase the number of people in your professional network.
Actively look for opportunities to meet potential allies within local and industry organizations. Also, review industry publications and insurance job boards to identify new contacts you can explore.
10. Capitalize on Previous Jobs
Once you get your business underway and land some jobs, remember this: Former clients can be a great source for new work assignments because you have already proven your capabilities to them. Regularly remind yourself to stay in contact with those key individuals.
11. Maintain Your License Through Further Education
Chances are, you will need continuing education (CE) credits to keep your independent adjuster license active. Fortunately, many CE courses are online and self-paced to make learning accessible and achievable.
12. Pursue Additional Training and Specialized Certifications
Increasing your knowledge about additional types of claims is a terrific way to expand your offerings and increase your marketability. So, explore your options and decide what other types of claims you may be interested in handling. Then get whatever training and certifications you need to succeed in those specialties.
The State Farm Adjuster Certification is One Example
This particular certification is one that many independent adjusters want to obtain. State Farm is the largest insurer of vehicles and homes in the United State. Therefore, being able to process State Farm claims may open up many valuable opportunities for you.
Conclusion
If you want to be a successful independent adjuster, you need to know how to land work in order to earn a decent living. By following the tips listed above, you should be well on your way to a lucrative new career!
Continue reading our guide on how you can easily sketch digital floor plans during property investigations.
Or find out how to enhance your floor plans.
