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 Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 1:13 pm Post subject: Insurance adjusters have a stereotype image.. |
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Although, I have been at this job a long long time, there is still not a month that goes by that someone doesn't make a comment like, 'I know you're paid to save the company money, or It's your job to pay the least amount possible, (right out say), You're paid to screw us over I understand that'. When in fact that is not true, I am paid (among many things) to put the injured/damaged person back into the same position they were in prior to the loss, or to make them 'whole' again. My pay has zero effect on the dollar amount I pay, nor have I ever screwed anyone, or been asked to by an employer. Should I return them to pre-accident condition in the most economical way possible? Of course. But I grocery shop the same way, (most economical).
Of course I immediately ''correct' them, and agree there are good and bad in all professions, but I don't automatically (nor does anyone else I'm sure), assume all Priests are bad, due to the horrific actions of a few.
In a world that has gone absolutely "PC" crazy I am amazed at the number of folks that 'normally' are very PC, not having any trouble intimating, that an insurance adjuster is synonymous to shysters, crooks, paid hatchet men etc. When these same people wouldn't think of ever drawing a conclusion, much less vocalizing it to the person directly.
I'm asking, two things as an industry what can we do to change this stereotype? And on a personal level, (because I do take it personally, I live life by the 'golden rule' and having my character attacked, questioned or challenged is very upsetting to me), how do you handle the stress and upset of this?
Thanks, looking for some thoughts/feedback, or things that have helped others.......
lori
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| Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 1:15 pm Post subject: re: above question |
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| I do not know why this is showing as "guest", I am and was logged in when I posted it.....are all questions/queries 'guest'? sorry, lori |
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Lori
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| Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 5:08 pm Post subject: |
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Lori- While I am not in the Insurance industry- I deal with that in my profession, and have alot of professional friends in different fields that deal with this.
I have always thought the insurance adjuster was there to help me, but I was raised in the insurance industry through my father.
I think alot of people don't understand the concept of making whole. That's why our courts are filled with frivolous lawsuits. People want to make an easy buck, and suing and insurance are a way they think it can be done. They don't understand that it is not to make you come out better than you ever were, but to put you back to where you were and thus, make you whole.
I don't take alot of personal attacks too personal anymore, guess it's my age! I know what I am doing and the reasons I am doing it-that's good enough for me. But I also do not become anyones' doormat and let them bully, harass, or intimidate me by making false claims either.
This is good food for thought and I am sure others' with more experience will come along and pos..Thanks..KAren  |
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Bossy4455
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| Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 6:31 am Post subject: |
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Hi lori,
I believe that there were nothing personal in those comments. It is just a generalized view that the ‘insurance adjuster' works for the insurance company. Actually the problem lies in our point-of-views. We all have the habit of exaggerating our losses. We all feel that our losses are more than anyone can fathom. Therefore, the claimant party always feels that their loss is not being measured properly. And as the insurance adjuster is the person who interacts with them directly the blame inevitably falls on them. But, don't let their yells divert you from your objective.
I am sure that you have been long enough in this profession to understand this mindset. So, don't worry and keep up your good work. And also keep posting at ampminsure because we will always appreciate your valuable comments.
Regards,
Juanita |
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Juanita
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| Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:28 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks Juanita and Karen, great comments, look forward to any other posters with thoughts. lori |
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Lori
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| Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 4:53 pm Post subject: |
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Look at it this way... what does the public say about attorneys? Yet, when someone gets a bump on the rear bumper who do they love? So really it's a question of adversity... not the occupation or the general perception. When someone tells me that the insurance company is there to pay as little as possible I let them know I agree 100%... it's just like every business. I ask them if their employer expects to spend as little as possible and also have the greatest revenue. This ends that line of thinking pretty quick.
Regardless of what type of claim I'm settling, I always just try to give the claimant enough information to make their own decision. If it appears that they are just dragging their feet, I'll light a little fire under their butts.
I agree with Juanita, the insurance adjuster is holding the bag of money and it's the adjuster's job to stop people from stealing from it. Many times you are going to rub people the wrong way... but it's a fact that many... many... people who file claims want more then they are entitled to. I can certainly understand that and frankly don't really have an issue with it. As long as I _don't_ have an issue with it and understand that it's human nature, I can continue to be effective. |
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tcope
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| Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 12:08 pm Post subject: |
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I like the lawyer and bag of money analogies!! 
I guess what has always 'put a burr under my saddle' is that it is generally accepted and considered ok to have the preconceived notion that claims adjusters are (as a part of their job) going to try and 'screw' or 'get to them'. I know I do a good job, and have never 'got to anyone'. I just think it strange that as an insurance adjuster we are one of the few (including lawyers as you so smartly pointed out tcope), professions that it is acceptable to sterotype, or profile in that way. |
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Lori
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| Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 3:15 pm Post subject: |
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I just consider it the nature of the business. We are in the position of helping people after a loss and making their situation "right" but we also nickle and dime payments, make people jump through hoops, and try to pay as little as possible every time. At best, it's walking a fine line. Then you have all the attorneys ads telling people how big and bad the insurance companies every single day.
For awhile now I've worked as a field adjuster and this makes a big difference. If people know they will/can see you in person, they tend to be more civil. Also, people will tend to say almost anything over the phone but in person they tend to be much more polite. |
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tcope
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| Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 5:03 pm Post subject: Ha |
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You obviously work for a different company than I do... I am definitely a paid shyster and this is the third largest insurance company in California.
Ever seen The Incredibles? The part where Mr. Incredible works his "day job" as an insurance adjuster and tells the elderly lady how to beat his own company? Haha. Way too true.
Then again my company has the worst customer service rating in the industry so I suppose you get what you pay for when you get insurance.
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anonymous23947293
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| Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 12:25 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | You obviously work for a different company than I do |
Maybe not, does company name begin with the first half of the alphabet or last? Or are your SURE you are the third largest in AUTO?
Let me know and we'll talk some more...I do not feel like a shyster. I wouldn't work for a company like that, HOWEVER I do have my own problems!  |
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Lori
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| Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 4:00 am Post subject: |
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| Lori, I do not envy your job at all. As this world get more greedy, so shall your job become more of a challenge. |
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knig188
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| Posted: Sun Nov 04, 2007 9:42 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: | | As this world get more greedy, so shall your job become more of a challenge. |
I think you are correct! |
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Lori
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| Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:37 am Post subject: Claims Adjusters |
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 A good insurance adjuster is a brain-washed adjuster. I can't get a single answer from those I've dealt with. Let me explain something, a half truth is a lie. My adjuster says things like, " I don't handle your medical needs. " Technically, she does, but wants to pass the buck to someone else in the department who is the medical expert. Meanwhile, her name pops up everywhere in my case file. Next, she asks questions which are being recorded all the while claiming I have the wrong person.
Claims adjusters are generally rude, arrogant, and unhelpful. That's why adjusters have a crap reputation! Lying to yourself doesn't change a thing.
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Im Not A Monkey
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| Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2008 11:52 am Post subject: |
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Interesting choice in screen name...
| Quote: | | A good insurance adjuster is a brain-washed adjuster |
This is an absurd statement, but most of this post is as well....I've been in this business for 21 years, and let me tell you whether you be a Monkey or not, NO ONE has ever brain washed this old gal...
| Quote: | | Let me explain something, a half truth is a lie |
No kidding? Kind of like what you are putting out here? | Quote: | | My adjuster says things like, " I dont handle your medical needs. " Technically, she does, but wants to pass the buck to someone else in the department who is the medical expert. |
Many companies 'specialize' meaning one adjuster handles the physcial damage another injuries, another coverage, and investigation.... | Quote: | | Meanwhile, her name pops up everywhere in my case file. |
There is in all companies I know of a FILE OWNER meaning one adjuster that manages the entire file, that is what this adjuster does.... | Quote: | | Next, she asks questions which are being recorded all the while claiming I have the wrong person. |
What are you afraid of? Did she not tell you that you were being recorded ? Not that she has to, most state law says only ONE party of the conversation has to be aware it is being recorded....so what? She wants you to talk to the adjuster that is handling the actual injury portion of your claim....why do you have a problem with that and how is any of this a lie? | Quote: | | I can't get a single answer from those I've dealt with. |
This isn't true you just said she answered you that a different adjuster is handling your injury....geeze...
| Quote: | | Claims adjusters are generally rude, arrogant, and unhelpful. Thats why adjusters have a crap reputation! |
YOU want to talk about rude, arrogant, and unhelpful, Monkey you have defined all of these terms in your post ! | Quote: | | Lying to yourself dosen't change a thing. |
Who's lying? Other than you and your half truths?
I don't know when I've read a more unintelligent, uninformed, off the wall post...have a banana!
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Lori
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| Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:40 am Post subject: |
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Lol, Lori, you giving out bananas now.
I not a monkey, I think you made a pretty insulting statement here, maybe you had one bad experience or what you have viewed a bad experience, does not mean your statement is true.
I think when insurance companies are handling claims there are items that take a while to work themselves out and when people who are "suing" don't have all the answers in the amount of time that they expect them, then they start the insultive behavior that you have demonstrated here.
An insurance claim requires a thorough examination, requires tons of information and verification of the information. Why would you want someone half***ing your claim?
I think your comments were totally out of line here, please be a little more respectful, their are insurance professionals on this site who may take offense when you make a generalized statement like that. |
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goodnatured
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