When making your first steps into a new career as an insurance claims adjuster, one of the first (and biggest challenges) you’re likely going to face is how to effectively manage various aspects of your day during a CAT deployment following a big storm. A call for deployment can come unexpectedly, and as the weather shifts in the next few months, the chances of heading out to the location of a recent storm goes up. At 2021 Training, my team and I are always looking for new and effective ways to give people the resources and knowledge they need to succeed as they get started in a new career.
With every new storm, there’s a possibility of problems like hail, wind damage, and other concerns creating an area where people will need the services of insurance claims adjusters. During my own deployment into the field, I have had the opportunity to work with a variety in the industry. While some claims adjusters were able to leap into the fray without any trouble, others immediately ran into problems and burned out quickly. Over time, I began to realize that a large part of the burnout that was happening for these new adjusters was coming from a combination of factors involving poor preparation and a lack of support to help them feel ‘ready’ for their first big deployment.
To help people who are getting started in their insurance claims adjusting feel more confident during their first deployment, I decided it would be very helpful to spend a little time going over a few important things a new adjuster can do on their first deployment. Following these steps (and other important best practices) can make a big difference between a successful deployment and an unexpected meltdown of frustration.
Start Slow and Build a Solid Rhythm
One of the most tempting traps for new claims adjusters is the lure of trying to handle as many claims as possible on their first deployment. Because of the understanding that more claims handled means more money in the bank down the road, beginning adjusters are very likely to feel compelled to try and handle as many claims as possible in a short amount of time. The reality is though, doing this is a terrible idea because of how many bad habits this will likely create.
A good rule of thumb is to try and limit yourself to no more than two or three claims in a given day. This may not sound like a big load, but it is a great opportunity to get used to all the different steps and processes involved in handling a claim including mapping, contacts, inspections, and report writing. Trying to juggle all the aspects of the job effectively right from the start is a tough challenge for anyone, so slowing yourself down and making sure that you understand every step of the process is a great way to make sure you are successful in the future.
Find a Point Person to Work With
As a new claims adjuster on your first big deployment, it is always important to make sure there is someone you can reach out to if you run into a serious problem. Whether it is a friendly manager from your firm or a more experienced adjuster that has been assigned to your team, having a real person you can work within an emergency can make a world of difference. At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that they will be busy with their own work too, so you want to make sure that you’ve done your homework, and covered your bases before reaching out to someone for a question.
Be More Thorough Than You Think You Need to Be
While it may not seem important at the time, keeping a thorough record of your decision process (especially as a new adjuster) is important. The best way to avoid problems down the road or disputes regarding your final reports is to be meticulous in your record keeping. This includes taking extra photographs of locations and potential damages to provide a clear idea for anyone looking at your work later on. While you may not end up needing any of these images, having them available is still better than wishing you had done more at the time.
Work with 2021 Training in Plano, Texas to Get a Head Start on Your New Career
If you’re planning on making the change to a new role as an insurance claims adjuster, the toughest part will almost always be the learning curve on your first deployment. By taking the time to study, prepare, and develop a solid pacing for yourself, you can get far ahead of the competition even if it feels as if other adjusters are handling more claims than you. To find out more about the resources we have available, or for even more advice for new claims adjusters, be sure to check out the blog!
