Claims Adjusters have one of the most interesting and demanding jobs in the insurance industry. Here you get to tell us about the job and how you make it part of your life.
:: Frances N., Goldsboro, NC
Staff Claims Adjuster/Appraiser
What type of adjuster are you? How long have you been in the business?
General Liability/Construction Defects. 25+ years
Did you originally plan on getting into insurance? How did you become an insurance adjuster?
I never thought I'd be in insurance; I originally was a manager of several toy stores. My friend told me about her experience in claims and I thought it sounded interesting. It has been.
How do you deal with the stress of the job?
Get away from your desk at least three times a day, if you can, walk around the building you work in. Even when you think you can't walk away, do it. It really works; you come back rejuvenated and ready to tackle the job again.
What do you do to stay on top of your e-mail?
Work them first thing in the morning, before I do anything else. Then just before I shut down for the day.
What do you need to be more effective?
I've worked for three companies during my career and only one of those offered proper one-on-one training. It may tie up resources in the short run, but in the long run you get a better adjuster and one with staying power.
Where do you see the future pool of new adjusters coming from?
The banking industry.
What is your typical routine on Friday afternoon?
The company I currently work for has an excellent program in which you have flexibility with your hours. We have the opportunity to work extra hours during the week and leave at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. What a great benefit.
:: Alan O., Hickory, NC
Staff Claims Adjuster/Appraiser
What type of adjuster are you? How long have you been in the business?
Casualty Adjuster. Six years
Did you originally plan on getting into insurance? How did you become an insurance adjuster?
Yes, I went to school and got a B.S. in Risk and Insurance. I contacted the insurance department at my school and they told me of an opening.
What do you do to stay on top of your e-mail?
I sort all mail into different folders, flag e-mails that need followup and delete junk asap!!
How has the nature of your work changed in the last five to 10 years and how do you foresee it changing in the future?
There has been a lot of paperwork added with MSP forms and other government oversite concerning BI and ME claims. I see claims handling as a vital part of insurance but it is sometimes under-appreciated and that element gets lost among the many low-cost insurance options. [I'm guessing] this will continue.
What do you need to be more effective?
A lighter work load would allow me to investigate claims more thoroughly.
Where do you see the future pool of new adjusters coming from?
College graduates.
Feel free to add anything else you'd like to here.
I really enjoy being a claims adjuster. There is always a new challenge working claims. Over the last six years, I've continued to see new things. It has not gotten old yet.
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Claims Advisor.
