Which adjuster training class in Texas should I attend?

Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 08:00 pm Post Subject:

Here is my 2 cents on the subject. You will learn very little real world informatino when studing for the test. I can't really explain it in a post but what you learn when taking the test is _extreemly_ broad and far reaching. It teaches you insurance laws and procedures but it , for example, won't give you any information on determining liability. If two cars enter an intersection and both drives claimto have had a green light, how do you resolve the claim? The exam class does not teach you this.

Your taking the class in order to pass the exam... so this is what they are all aimed at. If they can get you to pass, then they have done their job. You _will_ obtain enough information to start adjusting claims.

Any company that hires you without any experience will offer training. It's _that_ training that will really help you do your job.

Xactimate is a very popular property damage estimating software program. I'd say that you are getting ahead of yourself. As an inexperienced adjuster you _probably_ won't be required to do that type of work. You probably want to pass the test and find a job as an adjuster. Most insurance companies will have you work in a specific area, automobile adjuster, property adjuster, commercial adjuster, etc. If your job requires using Xactomate, then you will be given training.

Some adjuster work as independent adjusters. But these people usually get paid for the work they do. So they need to already have experience adjusting claims.

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:45 pm Post Subject:

Hi,

Your plan to go through a course is not bad at all!
But as tcope has mentioned it would take you a few years' experiences to be able to handle claims that effectively. So, it would be better if you don't start your career as an independent adjuster.

ArindamSenIndies

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 04:02 pm Post Subject:

I guess now I am wondering...should I take the online and "just get licensed"....or should I go to a live classroom. Will I be given the same info? What would you do?

Here is a bit of my background...I am a very quick learner. I took mechanics in college, I'm a certified fireman, Emt-I, worked as a State Inspector with DPS (recently left to run my own business), I have restored and customized cars and motorcycles for about 12 years, I worked for statefarm for a short while (had lots of downtime as a fireman)...but I hated the 8-5 behind the desk--but I loved the knowledge, I have a salvage dealer license, and I have had plently of accidents(none my fault) and have helped friends and family deal with insurance co's claims thus avoiding lawyers.

I have always been interested in an adjuster job. Actually, long ago...before I had all these jobs and licenses...I asked a local adjuster what it took to be an adjuster...I had more smoke blown up my ...than all then years I fought fires. So I got discouraged.

It wasnt till here recently i discovered its not all that hard to become licensed....but...I want knowledge. I do understand there is nothing like on the job training. It is my objective to work as an adjuster...part time only...and a few natural disasters. I am only 30 something, so I do see this as a job a can do for years to come.

So...honestly...If you have have been to a classroom training, based on what you learned, would you do it again or take the online training if it saved time and money?

Also...how do most insurance companys start out adjusters? Do they pair you up with a veteran? Or how does that usually work? O few months behind a desk and a computer program or pushed out into the field?

thanks for the help folks.....

Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 05:46 pm Post Subject:

I took the Florida test which is quite difficult. From what I recall, if a person did not have any insurance experience they were required to take a class before taking the test and an online test was not available.

If you plan on being an adjuster, I'd recommend taking the class. You'd then have the ability to ask questions and hear the questions/answers from other students. I think you'd learn a lot more in class. If you took the class instead of the online course I'd certainly point this out on any job interview and even reference in-class training on your resume (include the number of hours).


Let me just say next, being an adjuster is 1% fun/interesting and 99% boring.

What your describing is not typical and might only be a small portion of an adjusters job. What you mention sounds more of what an independent or storm adjuster would be doing. These people almost always have years or experience sitting behind a desk handling claims. A person with a contractors/building background would understand what property damage there was and could probably write up an estimate but they would know nothing about insurance policies, what was covered, how it was covered, what insurance laws applied, claims systems, etc. I'd say the knowing how to handle a claim would be 80% of an adjusters job. Knowing the damages is a small portion of it but still helpful.

So I don't think it's going to be possible for you to simply pass your test, learn how to use property estimating software and run out and inspect property damage as an independent adjuster or staff adjuster. It's just not going to happen.

Also, independent adjusters who work storm duty work a LOT... and then they don't work. 99.99% of them work for independent adjusting companies and usually get paid only for the work they do. Also, a LOT of the work is paperwork. I can go out ans scope a property loss but then I need to come back to the office and spend a few hours writing everything up.

I'll add one more thing... people either _are_ adjusters or they are not. It's not something that you just do for awhile, stop and then maybe do again when he urge strikes. It also takes a certain type of person to be an adjuster. A little brain damage does not hurt.

Also...how do most insurance companies start out adjusters? Do they pair you up with a veteran? Or how does that usually work? O few months behind a desk and a computer program or pushed out into the field?

Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2009 05:22 am Post Subject:

Brain Damage.......Well I fell off a truck once....Does that count?

Thanks for the info....and for your honesty.

Well, what can i say...the endless pursuit of knowledge and happiness. Independant Adjuster might be the way to go. Takes a certain type of person huh? Well they dont make you run into burning buildings...imagine that...fire proof Xactimate laptop wrapped in Kevlar...hahaha

Everything is attitude and objectives. I got friends that worked for 2 or 3 months , then go to Chile or Ecuador for a few months and live like and help the locals...but there are happy. Yeah...no 401k, new car, health insurance...but also none of the worrys we have. I guess we tend to complicate our lives with things society has marked as necessary to be secure and happy...when in reality it takes very little to be happy. BUt I guess...there alot of people that like to complicate their lives and love to keep setting the bar higher.

Look at Obama...I bet alot of people told him "its just not going to happen". Sure he had to put twice as much effort as the "regular" guy. But look at him now. Amazing huh?

IN texas...its a 30-40 hour course...waam bamm your now a state license adjuster...no need to go to austin and take the "real test"...4 day course waam bamm your now a "learn-ned" man in Xactimate. (Sure...there is a saying...give me a pile of bananas and I will teach a monkey to do anything...but some monkeys you may only need one banana...others you need two piles and a cattle prod)

I guess with knowledge in building construction, autobody, mechanics, arson and fire behavior, accident scene reconstruction, EMS...I should be more equipped to carry a measuring tape, digital camera and laptop...along with a company's arsenal of policy books. I guess it will just take some time to read and retain

I am sure this site will continue to be a very good aide for advice and guidance. I hope to reach my goal soon. I still am looking for a good school....a recommended one.

I am curious about Xactimate...I have used private-state-federal report generating programs / databases...is it complicated? Is there a web link that could give me an idea as to what to expect? Maybe a tutorial?

Thanks again for the help and advice...Its poeple like you that take the time to help another out that makes this place a better place to live. 2nd commandment.