Independent adjusters are seeing fewer deployments...

Yep... It's sad, but true!  Some of the larger insurance companies, such as State Farm, are in the middle of a complete overhaul of operations.  One of the reasons, is because independent adjusters are just too damn expensive!

An independent adjuster can make a whole lot of money on a typical 3 month long deployment.  I was bringing in $15,000.00 a month back when I was at it.  Mind you, this is before all of my own expenses; but that is a ton of cash to be giving a single adjuster for a deployment!  Insurance carriers know this, and that is why they are switching over to hiring more staff adjusters than independent adjusters.  They can keep their staff adjusters on a cushy salary all year long, and deploy them when needed.  The typical staff adjuster salary ranges from $32,000.00 to $75,000.00 per year (the higher salaries usually belonging to the senior adjusters or trainers).

If you think about the economics and business behind all of that, it is way cheaper to have a staff adjuster on your payroll than to constantly be deploying independent adjusters....

Don't let that discourage you though!  Just because some of the big dogs are restructuring their employees, work flow and office environment doesn't mean that the smaller insurance carriers are not deploying independents!  If you haven't already stopped by, please check out the Independent Firms page to see an extensive list of independent adjusting firms that are always looking to add people to their rosters.

Smaller independent firms might be a great starting point for you.  The smaller companies usually have more of a personal touch.  You aren't just another number in line waiting to be called into the office for a job opportunity.  If you can manage to score a great opportunity on a smaller adjusting firm roster; then you may very well see frequent deployment opportunities.  Especially if your manager will write you a good review!

Use these small, but frequent deployment opportunities, that a smaller independent firm can provide, to build your resumé.  A strong resumé with lots of practical deployment experience could lead to a potential staff adjusting job later on down the road.  Don't let the job application for a staff position scare you!  Lots of independent adjusters I know (who are looking to become staff adjusters) do not have a college degree, but got the job anyway.  Most insurance carriers will state that a college degree is a requirement for application.  In actuality, it is just a perk that they are looking for!  APPLY ANYWAY! Take it from me!  Insurance carriers are looking to hire based on experience.  If you are a good fit, it won't matter what your educational background is!  Put yourself out there!  Whats the worst that could happen?  Who cares if a few companies turn you down...  That is all part of a typical job hunt!  I turned down several job opportunities that didn't fit me; and I got turned away by several insurance carriers before I found a carrier that offered me a good job opportunity.

You won't know until you try!

Eberl Blog

There are alot of resources out there to inform yourself about what the weather is doing in the United States. Eberl is one of the largest independent adjusting firms in the country; and they just so happen to have a blog that provides weather updates. This is beneficial to an adjuster, because if you read carefully enough, you can figure out when mass deployments may go out. 

During big storms, such as hurricane Sandy, IA firms will often pre-deploy adjusters in preparation of immediate catastrophe work. Pay attention when companies like this make big postings! Make sure your contact information is up to date, you are listed as active on their roster, and all of your state adjusting licenses are current (and updated with your IA firm's records)!

You may find Eberl's blog here: http://www.eberls.com/blog/

If you are not on Eberls roster, it might be a good idea to apply while you are there. They work for the largest insurance company in the United States, State Farm. Which means more claims and more opportunities!