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 Posted: Thu May 28, 2009 7:00 pm Post subject: Need your expert assistance--Adjuster |
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hi,
my name is Jonathan and I am 18 years old. I want to get in the door of become a insurance adjuster. i dont really know the correct schooling and requirements needed to become a homeowners insurance adjuster. if somebody could please help me out in my goal to become a part of the family that will be great! my essential plan is to get my fire, water, smoke, mold, and estimating certifications done. Then maybe take a Insurance class at a local community collage. let me know what i can do to better educate myself and improve my chances in getting a job. my past expierence include, 2 years with ServiceMaster Clean, working with insurance companies for fire and water damage restoration. So i know the basic skills needed for restoring peace of mind to our customers. let me know the fastest way in getting all my schooling done. your help is greatly appriciated!
Jonathan Baias |
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JonathanSMclean
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| Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 2:35 am Post subject: |
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Hi Jonathan! Welcome to the forum! 
First of all, I think it's great that you want to get into the adjusting business. Your ServiceMaster experience will pay off!
First of all, it's important to know what state you live in. Different states have different requirements and even different types of adjusters. In most states, if you go to work directly for the insurance company and adjust losses on their behalf, you won't need any form of license. In other states, that might not apply.
On the other hand, if you go to work as what's referred to as an independent adjuster (called many different things in various states) and go to work on the behalf of insureds, you'll have to get a license. This will involve prelicense training, application to the state, fingerprints, a background check and the successful passing of an examination.
I can be a lot more specific if you can help me fill in the blanks:
* What state do you live in?
* Any idea of whether you want to work directly for an insurance company or with an independent adjusting firm?
* Can you pass a criminal and residency background check if necessary?
* Any problems with back taxes, child support or anything like that? (remember, you're anonymous here- just don't give us any financial numbers, etc.)
There ya go, and we hope to hear back from you!
InsTeacher 
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InsTeacher
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| Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 5:39 am Post subject: |
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hey insteacher,
first off i would like to say is that you for your support and feedback. well ill cut to the chase, i live in riverside, california. i am willing to work pretty much anywhere. my father owns the sercivemaster franchise, and i honestly fell in love with the insurance industry. so therefore i am willing to work anywhere(USA of couse). i want to get into a majior insurance company like allied, farmers, travelers, or state farm. but then again beggers cannot be choosers. yes, i will pass any sort of backround check. the only thing i could possibly think of it a couple speeding tickets  . thank you and i am looking forward on hearing for you and others on the website.
jonathan |
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JonathanSMclean
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| Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 6:20 am Post subject: |
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Hi Jonathan,
It's good to know that you've maintained a clean background record. It should help you shape
your career if other things would fall into place.
| Quote: | my essential plan is to get my fire, water, smoke, mold, and estimating certifications
done. |
Have you already registered yourself for such certifications?
| Quote: | | So i know the basic skills needed for restoring peace of mind to our customers. |
Did your work mostly lead you through communication with your clients regarding settlement conditions? Or was it like explaining different program features to them?
My friend, you've certainly aimed at joining one of the most dynamic financial industries and more you get involved in it, more you'd come to know of it's various challenges and rewards. I'd be here to share your views and make sure you move the right way!
Steven |
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steven
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| Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 7:16 am Post subject: |
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Hi Jonathan,
Congratulations on your decision on joining the adjuster’s family 
Have you contacted any of the companies you have mentioned for the adjusting job? You should know that you need to begin at the entry level and then move up the ladder of career.
Another point, state requirements vary. Therefore, if you find employment in other state you may have to fulfill the state requirement before being able to work there. I'm saying this since you have mentioned that you are ready to work almost anywhere in USA.
Best of luck! |
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jeorge
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| Posted: Fri May 29, 2009 8:39 pm Post subject: |
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I have not yet signed up for any classes. But, I am planning on it very soon. My plan as of right now is to get my certification with exactimate and do estimates for Servicemaster, just for some financial stability. And to get all my other educational goals, staying in contact with the insurance companies that I am interested in. I wouldn't like anything more than build a relationship with the correct people, the people that can get me into the door. One thing I really strive on doing is, gaining the ability to get hired by an insurance company, even though there may be other applicants with more qualifications and experience. The main reason being is that I plan on getting married in a few years and I choose not to without financial stabilty and job security. Thank you once again and keep up the feedback!
Jonathan |
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JonathanSMclean
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| Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 3:43 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | I have not yet signed up for any classes. But, I am planning on it very soon |
I don't think I'd jump into that just yet...all the big carriers (and smaller ones too) like to 'train their own' all have (multiple) large training centers...if you are hired by a larger company they will send you for a week or two at a time to training..
Jonathan, there might be a problem though, I could see, (and therefore an interviewing manager) a 'possible' conflict of interest...If you are still employed with servicemaster or own any part of it, this might help, and might hurt you...since you are wanting to get into the HO market...I've known adjusters who's parents, or other relatives own similar type buisnesses and it actually worked in reverse...(than what they wanted)...they could not use 'that' service EVER...ins claims and adjusters are held at a very high level, regarding this...we even have to sign a no conflict contract every year....just something to think about...I certainly do not want to discourage you in any way...but if you get hired, you might not ever get to use dad's company...it just varies carrier to carrier.
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Lori
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| Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 3:51 am Post subject: |
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Hi Lori,
I completly understand what you are saying. And I am in no way wanting to use my father as a recon company. I want to go forth with this field because I have fell in love with the work. I enjoy almost ever aspect of being an adjuster. But yeah thank you for brinmg that to my attention. Would you guys know what step I should take first?
Jonathan |
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JonathanSMclean
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| Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 7:27 am Post subject: |
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Hi Again Jonathan,
Well, I did some checking for you, and it looks like California is gonna make it a lot of fun for you to get an adjuster license. To quote the always witty California Insurance Code, Sections 14020-14045 which deal with the licensing of adjusters says:
| Quote: | 14022. This chapter does not apply to:
(a) A person employed exclusively and regularly by one employer in
connection with the affairs of such employer only and where there
exists an employer- employee relationship.
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This confirms what I thought earlier, if you go to work directly for an insurer in an employer-employee relationship- no license necessary.
If you go to work for other than an insurer- you have work ahead of you. Here's the link to the Cali Department of Insurance Licensing page:
http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0200-industry/0050-renew-license/0200-requ irements/interim-public-adjuster.cfm
This page has all of the links to the various types of adjuster licenses they issue. It appears as if you'll have to clock 2000 hours (think of it as an internship) as an "Interim Public Insurance Adjuster" before you can become one of two other kinds of adjuster: an "Insurance Adjuster" who looks like he would be the principal in an adjusting firm, or a "Public Insurance Adjuster" who would act more like an "associate" type of adjuster. Kind of like a Broker-Associate Broker relationship in real estate.
Hope this helps. Don't let the education hold you back. Education is good, and there isn't enough of it going around. Here's the rest of your info that should put you on the path to adjusting bliss:
| Quote: |
Fees (Resident and Non-Resident):
* License filing: $204 (effective July 1, 2009, this fee will be $192), the license is issued for a two-year term and expires on May 31 of each even-numbered year.
* Application: $52 (effective July 1, 2009, this fee will be $49), this fee includes the first examination.
* Branch Office Certificate: $30 (effective July 1, 2009, this fee will be $2, the branch office certificate expires May 31 of each even-numbered year.
* Authorization Application: $52 (effective July 1, 2009, this fee will be $49).
* Fingerprint Processing: Review Fingerprint processing link for fees.
Examination:
Both resident and non-resident applicants must pass the written examination prepared and administered by the Department. |
InsTeacher
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InsTeacher
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| Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 7:50 am Post subject: |
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Hi Jonathan,
I'm sure you've gone through Lori's explanation of how big carriers invest time and money to train their employees. I'm sure it's about developing human resources to meet long-term business objectives.
| Quote: | | I enjoy almost ever aspect of being an adjuster. |
Just don't expect the same old things that you've been experiencing with Servicemaster while you're joining another carrier. Try and collect more information regarding how it varies from one carrier to another.
| Quote: | | And to get all my other educational goals, staying in contact with the insurance companies that I am interested in. |
Are you planning to build up your own network with people who work for such insurance giants?
How do you plan to go for that?
Steven |
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steven
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| Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 8:17 am Post subject: |
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hi steven,
You ask how I am planning on building a network?
Well I will do that by attending insurance carreer expos/ conventions. Also ask the local Servicemaster employees with much experience, for example my fathers regioal manager has work for murcury for 19 years. Maybe he can put me in a good position with the company. Or go marketing for Servicemaster and build relationships with the experienced INS companies. More strategies would truly help. Thanks
Jonathan |
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JonathanSMclean
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| Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 11:53 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | I am in no way wanting to use my father as a recon company |
No I didn't think you would...just that it 'could' be an issue..it could also be a benefit.
One thing I'll tell you, I would suggest that you NEVER become a public adjuster..(not to be confused with an independent adjuster)...public adjusters are, well....just not well thought of, and I can't imagine how that on a resume' would ever help in landing a job (especially with a carrier)...
All larger carriers have career pages on their websites, that show openings and you can apply right on line...let me ask you a couple of things...Do you have a college degree? How old are you? Most carriers require a four year degree in pretty much anything (or equal experience) to even be considered...I'm not sure about the requirements that 'independent' adjusting companys...(remember NOT public adjusters indendent)...they (independents) work for insurance CARRIERS...some are paid commission some hourly, there are good and bad in these companys so do your homework before applying to any of them...
Were I you...I'd network my butt off with anyone I knew in the claims biz...re: openings, best way to apply etc...then I'd hit all the websites for the larger carriers...something really good and in your favor is that you're willing to re-locate...
Let us know what you find out...and remember...falling in love with an occupation or career, especially one you have really only seen from the outside...can be alittle misleading...there are down sides to the job too...course there are to any jobs....it really depends on the company, but it's a highly stressful job in a lot of ways...I'm sure you're up for it...but you need to know that..
Oh, something else I forgot..most of the larger carriers use a process (of hiring) called 'targeted selection' (or "selected targeting" as we old time, 'jaded' adjusters call it  )...you might see if you can find something online about it, it will help if you get to the interview phase...it's a process/program used that is supposed to (through certain goofy questions) weed out undesireables, and weed in quality....don't buy it myself...but it seems most carriers 'bought' it years ago and are still using it...
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"Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way." Martin Luther King Jr. |
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Lori
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| Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 4:16 pm Post subject: |
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| hey lori, to answer your questions, I'm 18 years old, I live in riverside, I have no education only 2 years Exp. With Servicemaster, graduated high school. I know that's pretty much nothing. But I have a question, you said "4 year degree or equivilant" does having experience apply to this or is a degree manditory? And can a certificate be considered? For example certificate in insurance(business law, construstion law) that sort of thing. |
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JonathanSMclean
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| Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 4:58 am Post subject: |
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Hi Jonathon, some of the carriers might not mind hiring a high school grad but some may prefer candidates with higher education. As Lori has mentioned almost any major may suffice, but a degree in finance or accounting may give you an added benefit.
The degree isn't mandatory but would give you a better start. As the other posters have already pointed out your experience with ServiceMaster would certainly add to your resume.
Start applying for few insurers, it would give you an idea about their requirements. And, since you are only 18, IMO spending couple of more years in education wouldn't be a waste.
~Jeremy |
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JeremyHolter
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| Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 10:34 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | "4 year degree or equivilant" does having experience apply to this or is a degree manditory? |
All companys are different some require a four yr degree to even apply (as an adjuster).. | Quote: | | And can a certificate be considered? |
possibly... | Quote: | | For example certificate in insurance(business law, construstion law) that sort of thing |
Maybe, and you'd certainly want to include all you can...might be another issue too with the larger carriers...I'm not sure they hire anyone under 21...many company's put adjusters straight into company cars...could be an inusrance requirement. I would suggest that you try and get in on the ground floor of some major companys as mabye a CSR, initial claims takes in a call center...there are alot of jobs in claims that are not adjusters jobs...you'll have a lot better chance of working yourself up to an adjuster job (without a degree)...this way...most carriers will promote from within first then look outside..if you've put a couple of years in at a call center then an adjuster opportunity opens up, you'll be the first one to know (will be on the employee only website) before it hits the press, and since you are willing to re-locate you'd be an added bonus. Keeping in mind of course that no matter what job you get your goal is to be an adjuster so you want to impress your boss every step of the way...also once you are employed with a company you can talk directly to HR or the Claims recruiter and ask what you can do to make yourself more adjuster 'attractive'.
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"Never, never be afraid to do what's right, especially if the well being of a person or animal is at stake. Society's punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way." Martin Luther King Jr. |
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Lori
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