It’s the first part of 2013 and catastrophe companies are hosting their conferences. In the Dallas area where I live, there are several – Worley, Wardlaw, Legacy Claims, and Nomad to name just a few. Pilot is also offering their readiness classes preparing for the upcoming storm season.
January and February are usually slow times for independent adjusters, and we can slow down and catch our breath. But even this year, we still have people working Hurricane Sandy and with the large hail storm that occurred around New Orleans, there’s quite a bit of activity.
Why are these conferences important for the independent adjuster?
Most importantly, it’s a chance to meet the people you work for and with. As an independent adjuster, it’s all about who you know. Network,network, network. One of the best conferences this year was the NACA (National Association of Catastrophe Adjusters) Conference in Houston. It’s one of the few conferences that isn’t given by a specific CAT company. Instead, they’re a group of adjusters who are more like family.
They all work for various cat companies, but they help each other immensely out in the field. They help each other professionally and personally. It’s great to get to know other adjusters and hear the stories of how they run into each other out in the field and assist each other getting work. This is defiantly a group worth investing your time to be a part of.
CAT company sponsored events are not mandatory to attend, but if you’d like to work for that company, it is HIGHLY recommended. They want to put a face to the name and see who you are. Think about it. If you were in their shoes, who would you send first? The guy you’ve met, or someone you’ve never met?
Conferences are a great place to learn about the latest trends in both insurance and technology as it relates to the adjuster. Many offer certifications for the carriers they support. This is your opportunity to make a name for yourself.
Remember, you’re always selling yourself as a professional. Some adjusters attend these conferences wearing sloppy clothes or jeans. This doesn’t make a good impression and shows a real lack of effort on your behalf to be a “professional”. Clean up and show up! Get to know others in your field and be the one they call to their next assignment.
Bob Kramer has been an adjuster for several years, and shares from real property adjusting field experience. He writes for active and aspiring claims adjusters, sharing How-To information and stories from the field. His goal is to help adjusters become more effective and profitable.