Summary

The below is from the bulletin.

March 24, 2020

To:   All TDI-regulated carriers, agents, adjusters, and licensees

Re:   COVID-19: Suspension of certain licensing requirements and fees

On March 13, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Governor authorized the use of all available state and local government resources necessary to cope with the disaster.

TDI expects carriers to work with their policyholders as they prepare for and respond to the spread of COVID-19. Carriers should look to the Governor’s ongoing declarations related to COVID-19 for guidance on how long to extend relief.

Existing law creates the Department of Insurance, headed by the Insurance Commissioner, and prescribes the department’s powers and duties. Existing law, the Insurance Adjuster Act, sets forth various requirements with respect to operation as an insurance adjuster in this state and prohibits a person from engaging in a business regulated by the act, or acting or assuming to act as, or representing themselves to be, an insurance adjuster unless the person is licensed under the act. Existing law also prohibits a person from falsely representing that the person is employed by a licensee. Existing law exempts a person from the requirements of the Insurance Adjuster Act if the person is employed exclusively and regularly by one employer, as specified, with which the person has an employer-employee relationship. If the commissioner declares an emergency situation, existing law authorizes a nonlicensed insurance adjuster to adjust claims if certain requirements are met, including that the nonlicensed insurance adjuster registers with the commissioner via a written letter naming the nonlicensed adjuster, identifying adjuster licenses held in other jurisdictions, and stating when the claims adjusting activity began in the emergency situation. Existing law requires an insurer to provide an insured with a written status report if the insurer assigns a 3rd or subsequent adjuster to be primarily responsible for a claim within a 6-month period.

For independent adjusters, the need to replace retiring workers is becoming more urgent.
 

Source of the above excerpt: canadianunderwriter.ca

Adjusters can use the National Adjuster Roster as a way to promote their experience. The Roster is for all adjusters. The Roster allows adjusters to inform potential employers about their qualifications.  

"Claims Associates who work with us don’t just make a living, they build a career. We’re always seeking qualified Catastrophe Adjusters, Daily Claims Adjusters and Claims Associates. We have opportunities for field and in-office personnel to handle a variety of losses.

Employment opportunities are driven by a number of factors, including weather, client needs and industry trends. New opportunities are added often — be sure to check this page regularly for open positions."

"The unpredictable nature of catastrophe claims adjusting makes staffing a challenging prospect. Labor requirements fluctuate with windstorm, flood and seismic activity, creating the necessity for an “at-will” or “as needed” adjuster work force, rather than one based on a regular, full-time schedule. Extensive travel and lengthy stays away from home are often required.

Even with that caveat, ICA is continuously searching for quality outside property adjusters and commercial adjusters. We pride ourselves on our Quality Service to our customers and their policy holders. Qualifications should include specific insurance claims adjusting experience in your field of preference and adjuster licensing in your state of residence (if required). Individuals who have a background in a closely related field, such as automobile body repair or home construction, may also be considered for claims adjusting positions. Other requirements for claims adjusting positions include outstanding organizational skills and exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Computer literacy and excellent customer service skills are necessary."

"We are constantly looking for top quality personnel to represent Pilot and our clients. As a result, we are always hiring qualified individuals."

"Due to the fact that our business is based on storm related events, all of our positions are temporary as-needed positions. Wages will vary based on the particular storm, your role and the client company you are representing."

From the Article Archive 
Title: Cat Adjusting as a Profession (Is It For Me?)
First Posted: Friday, November 26, 2004
Author: Gary White

My son is now ready to go to college away from home and excluding approximately 21 months in an attempt to try something different in my life as a "financial planner", I have been adjusting, supervising or investigating claims for almost 27 years. By the way, I have worked my share of hail, wind, tornado and hurricane cats for other carriers so I know from whence I speak. Even during the time while I was trying to become a "financial planner", I supplemented my income with adjusting temp jobs and contract adjusting work.

TO: ALL COMPANIES, CORPORATIONS, EXCHANGES, MUTUALS, RECIPROCALS, ASSOCIATIONS, LLOYDS, OR OTHER INSURERS WRITING PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE IN THE STATE OF TEXAS AND TO THEIR REPRESENTATIVES AND AGENTS, AND TO ADJUSTERS, PUBLIC ADJUSTERS, ROOFING CONTRACTORS, AND THE PUBLIC GENERALLY

RE: House Bill 1183

Recent articles published by Bloomberg a copy of which I've posted in the forums completely disparage the work we do. We are seen as mere puppets who foolishly obey our carrier and vendor masters with no forethought or ethics.