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!

What is Bad Faith Adjusting? Is my Insurance Company/Contractor Actingin Bad Faith?

Bad faith adjusting will end your career...

When you are adjusting in bad faith you are intentionally setting the claim up to be fixed (cleaned up) by another adjuster later on down the road.  In other words, you are being lazy!  Bad faith refers to breach of contract when dealing with all involved parties (including contractors) who will assume you are acting in good faith and fair dealing.  Acting in bad faith will end your career and can also put you in jail!

Bad faith involves being dishonest or fraudulent in a claim.  Examples of bad faith claim handling could be:

• Entering into an agreement without any intent of living up to the terms that have been agreed upon. (not fulfilling the contractual obligations to the insured based on what is written in their insurance policy)


• Knowingly misrepresenting the quality of an item you are attempting to settle with the insured.


• Intent to deceive or mislead in order to gain some sort of advantage.


• Failure to thoroughly investigate a claim.


• Failure to promptly investigate the insured's property.
  
  
  
  • Time periods that are deemed acceptable in reference to the above item will be defined in the insurance policy.


• Unreasonably delaying or denying payment.


• Refusing to settle the claim in its entirety. (intentionally providing a "less than fair/reasonable" settlement on an item)

Bad faith is also a two way street.  Insureds (policy holders) and contractors may also be found guilty of acting in bad faith.  It usually involves falsifying information in an attempt to mislead the insurance company.  Yes, this includes eating deductibles!

Would Insurance Cover a Meteorite Strike?

With the near earth asteroid  passing by this afternoon and the meteor that exploded over Russia, a sobering question has arisen that not many people have ever taken into consideration. "Would my homeowners and/or auto insurance cover damage by falling space debris?" It's not something that is typically discussed in many insurance meetings with your agent.  In fact, damage from such an event is extremely rare!



Over 3,000 buildings were damaged in Russia today when a meteorite exploded over the Russian city of Chelyabinsk.  The explosion from the meteor caused a supersonic sound wave that blew out the windows and doors of many buildings in the area.  At least 1,000 people have been reported injured from this event.  Thankfully, nobody has been killed.

The good news is that falling space debris, asteroids, meteorites and even falling satellites are covered under a standard homeowner and business insurance policy!  There is even coverage for your contents/personal property from such an event.  If a meteorite falls on your car, there is also coverage under your auto comprehensive damage endorsement.  You would even be covered in the unfortunate event that a meteor strikes a person.  Liability and life insurance would take effect from that point.

So you can rest assured that your property will be covered in the event of an unlikely meteorite apocalypse. :)