Attributes of a Successful Claims Adjuster (Part 1)
Welcome to the first of an 8 part series on the attributes of a good claims adjuster.
First, let’s talk about what it takes to become an insurance adjuster. An easy answer would be an adjuster’s license along with a few classes such as Xactimate.
However, as most experienced adjusters know, this just gets your foot in the door. Being a successful adjuster takes time, dedication, and skill.
We’re going to cover the 8 major attributes of a good adjuster and how you can hone your own skills to become more successful personally and in your career.
Being an Insurance Adjuster is a profession. It’s a great opportunity because of the low barrier of entry, but that doesn’t lessen the skill needed to be great. So let’s get started.
Attribute #1 – Can Do Attitude
Think of your circle of friends. We all know the guy who can’t seem to take responsibility or do anything himself. www.austinclinic.com.au The moment something goes wrong, the whole world is informed as he cries for help. His problems become everyone else’s problems.
Now think of that guy who always takes care of his own stuff. I guarantee you that he has problems and issues just like the rest of us, but we never hear his litany of issues when we get together. Why is that? Something inside of him believes that his problems aren’t yours. He takes care of them himself without bothering those around him with the small details.
Negative attitudes never fix problems. Having a Can Do attitude will open your mind to solving many of your own problems. If you have a Can Do attitude and still don’t know how to do something, then the natural result is to LEARN how to fix it. There’s a big difference in asking someone to fix your problem for you, and asking someone to show you howto fix the problem.
I’ve seen this when working storms. CAT companies always have help rooms because they know you will have questions and issues. So they create a place for you to go – the HELP room. The name says it all. This isn’t a place to come dump your problems. This is a place for you to learn to fix your own problems. As an adjuster, you need to make sure you adopt the attitude of someone who takes care of their own problems. Ask for advice and ask for guidance, but don’t dump your problems on someone else.
I’ve personally watched both mentalities at work in a help room and can tell you who won’t be invited back to the next storm. The principal is so basic that sometimes it’s overlooked or ignored. Take ownership of what is handed to you and LEARN how to deal with it YOURSELF.
You Can Do it! It’s a great feeling when you get this. It’s ok to be scared, nervous and feeling lost. Just don’t let those feelings overtake you and push you to the point where your problems become everyone else’s.
Step up to the plate and take a swing. CAT companies are watching you. Don’t think that no one notices. Our Can Do attitudes (or lack of it) are a point of discussion with the CAT companies.
Being properly trained before you go out will be your best line of defense. That’s why we at 2021Training take what we do so seriously. We are training individuals to become professional adjusters with the best possible chance of success. This career can be a great source of income for the person who gets the right training and adopts a Can Do attitude.
2021Training.com provides training and CE’s for adjusters, including licensing for the state of Texas. We create affordable online training and provide an interactive experience by delivering audio/video training that’s highly regarded by our students.