Quite a few people have asked the question: “what does it take to be a good independent claims adjuster?” throughout the years. While there are already a variety of articles on our blog covering different aspects of this question such as time management habits or which tools to keep handy, that doesn’t directly answer this popular question. At 2021 Training in Plano, TX, my team and I have been helping people get ready for a successful career in the claims adjusting industry for years, and we know how important it can be to have a clear idea of what it takes to be successful.
Being an independent claims adjuster can be a challenging switch from the routine and structure that comes with any typical 9 to 5 job, and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or confused without a clear structure of guidance and direction that comes with
that kind of management system. To give our students, and our readers, a better idea of what kind of traits matter when it comes to being a successful independent claims adjuster, I thought it would help to go over the topic for a little while.
Communication is Important
Insurance claims adjusters need to have outstanding people skills to get through their day to day routine. Insurance adjusters handle all kinds of people with a wide variety of attitudes and mindsets. Some might be happy and grateful, but others could
be angry and suspicious. As a representative of an insurance company, the claims adjuster is often the only point of contact between the insurer and the insured. Customer service must always be a top priority, with an emphasis on warm, patient and professional communication.
Time Management Makes a World of Difference
Two enemies of every claims adjuster are lost time and stress, especially for an independent adjuster who handles disaster claims. Effective time management minimizes stress and maximizes profits. It is not uncommon for insurance adjusters to receive hundreds of claims. In a disaster situation, every applicant will want a corrector there faster than seems possible. Managing expectations, multitasking, and staying aware of the time of day are all very important to survive the “storm” of insurance claims.
Integrity is Vital
An insurance claims adjuster, especially an independent one, has great freedom and power and is therefore burdened with increased responsibility. There are temptations for violations such as bribes, kickbacks, and other shady activities that a good
adjuster must always be vigilant against. Crime can produce results in some professions, but not in insurance claims adjusting. Unethical adjusters are the most likely to find themselves without a job without warning.
A Drive to Always Push for Success
Sometimes claims adjusters are faced with situations that seem impossible. Difficulties such as language barriers, inappropriate claims, impassable roads, and software errors can make being an independent claims adjuster a challenge that pushes people to
yearn for greener pastures. This is especially true for disaster events. Some people take do the work and go home, others get lost in the event and may not ever return to the field. Others face down the challenges with creative innovation and the will to succeed. Proactivity and perseverance are the hallmarks of a highly efficient claims adjuster.
Trust 2021 Training in Plano, Texas
If you’re interested in becoming an independent claims adjuster, then the last thing you should be trying to do is to wade through all the information and guidelines on your own. Instead of trying to prepare for the field without any guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our team today to learn more about the services we offer or sign up for our online courses so we can help you get the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this exciting and rewarding career.
