RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training
|
Logged in as: Guest
|
NOTICE: We are no longer using this forum for discussions. Please follow the links to the new forums.
Catastrophe Central-The Adjuster's Forum : Community Center- Forums
New Site Registration : New Site Login
Login  | |
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 9/30/2005 8:23:36 PM
|
|
|
jtrea
Posts: 6
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: Denton, TX
Status: offline
|
Pilot is as good as gold, & I do mean gold!!!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 10/1/2005 10:09:52 AM
|
|
|
warrior
Posts: 4
Joined: 9/29/2005
Status: offline
|
Ok, I have to admitt I was really pissed off because no one was assisting me and after spending thousands of dollars getting here, I felt I was being fed to the Lions..
Anyway after a day speaking with my T/A a very good person indeed, he went ot bat for me. They have agreed under these circumstances, to pay me for my time , even though I'm still working my files.. After some observation I think things will work out, the big"BLUNT" is now getting under control and people like me need to understand that... Its just I want to work and make money and give excellent customer service.. I was assured by my T/A that I was in good hands and he will do anything possible for me.... That was appreciated.... As Tony he is probably a good person, but he needs to keep his comments to himself. Maybe I "Jumped the Gun" on this one!!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 10/1/2005 10:54:09 AM
|
|
|
sbeau4014
Posts: 167
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: Wherever The Wind Blows, USA
Status: offline
|
Donnie, I think you will find that the T/A's there are excellent and I have known them to be able to help the adjusters out immensely. Cat work is very stressful when you 1st get to a storm because you are instantly way behind in your work. The Katrina mess has not only the added stress that the insured's are so devastated and in need of immediate help, but the adjusters logistics are very poor on average too. All of that piles up on the adjuster to make it more difficult and stressful. Sounds like you are going to give them (Pilot) a chance to see if it is a combination that will work out for both of you. You can probably see that a lot of people that work for them are pretty satisfied and there are a lot of benefits that come with the company. There are other companies out there that will pay you 75%, give you 75 files and say go for it. If you have a technical question your answer may be you figure it out and turn it in right. There are tons of threads on here about holdbacks, not getting paid when work is completed (only when the vendor gets paid) so I won't even bring that up. You don't have to do any of your own tax filing, they pay 50% of the SS taxes, 401K, cafeteria plan, etc. A person can do all of those with the extra 10% or so with other vendors, but there is some peace of mind letting someone else do it. I don't know if you are new to fulltime cat work and been on the staff side like I was about 5 years ago, but there are quite a few very good companies to work for out there, it just depends on what you want out of the vendor. I will say that this web site will probably provide you all the resources and answers to questions you might have, with the exception to the carrier specific items. Good luck man.
< Message edited by sbeau4014 -- 10/1/2005 10:57:38 AM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 10/1/2005 5:37:00 PM
|
|
|
bent1973
Posts: 76
Joined: 9/20/2005
Home base: DFW, TX
Status: offline
|
I got the call this morning from Pilot. I appreciate all the input that everyone has posted, it has really helped me along. If anyone has any advice as to what to expect other than a crash course please let me know...it will be greatly appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 10/2/2005 7:40:42 AM
|
|
|
warrior
Posts: 4
Joined: 9/29/2005
Status: offline
|
Steve,
I am new to the cat deal... I had my own franchise claims company for 18 years. I don't like sitting and waiting. I want to close files and make money. After backing off a little I'm sure Pilot and Allstate are over welmed with the number of losses. I had seven adjusters working for me and it was a full time job just keeping up with them. I sold the company 2 years ago.
I have semi-retired at the age of 50 and my wife will retire in 3 more years. We want to try the cat thing and maybe we will work a while and then go back to our ranch and stay awhile. This could be something we could do together since she works for USAA insurance. I guess I need to be patient, but I have 133 claims in New Orleans and I will not be able to access them until Wednesday.... Most of them appear to be in bad shape and the insureds are getting edgy. But of course I have contacted them all, sent contact letters to the others and worked hard to document all files. All I wanted was to be paid for my time and my T/A took care of that....And he called me yesterday to make sure it was done... So your were correct in saying they want to take care of the people who work for them..
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 10/6/2005 8:10:40 AM
|
|
|
Willinsky
Posts: 33
Joined: 4/8/2005
Status: offline
|
In Houston getting ready to travel to Metaire la, Looking for a place to set up.
Anyone know where I can begin my search ? I want to be as close as possible to my insureds so we can get the job done.
_____________________________
Lawrence Willinsky
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 1/21/2006 11:58:01 PM
|
|
|
bent1973
Posts: 76
Joined: 9/20/2005
Home base: DFW, TX
Status: offline
|
Well, I guess this thread died but I've got a little input. This has been my first storm. I did not have much experience in claims other than going with my brother in law and writing down measurements when he was an IA. I do have computer skills and some construction knowledge (had to pay for college somehow). Anyway, I applied online with Pilot on a Wednesday and they called me on a Saturday. I reported to orientation/training on the following Wednesday and haven't looked back. The field support and admin support were the tools that helped me be successful my first time out. The file examiners were good to me as well and still are. Alot of people have gone home already and I'm thankful that I'm still here. Even if Pilot cut me loose tomorrow the experience that I obtained here is invaluable. I sing them high praises, I was never misled about pay or anything else for that matter. Any help I have needed has been a phone call away. I may not have much experience with the industry but they are top notch in my book
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 1/22/2006 11:50:54 AM
|
|
|
catwoman
Posts: 45
Joined: 7/12/2005
Home base: Mobile, Alabama
Status: offline
|
A comment was made about the number of Pilot adjusters that quit in Texas. Here's my take on it.
Yes, it was difficult to get the information you needed to be good at the job. Pilot had started a new program using adjuster helpers, instead of the admin and ,no they really weren't much help in the beginning. They were thrown in like the rest of us, with a lot the learn ,in little time. And yes, it was frustrating waiting on pay, but were we not getting paid because of Pilots lack of effort, or was it that we had screwed up our estimates and invoices in such a way that they had to be almost redone, before they could be paid? I have to say, when we look back at some of the claims we did in the beginning, we wonder how we kept this job. Now, that we have made our mistakes and studied our policy and made a sincere and true effort to learn evreything we can about what we do , we don't have a problem getting paid. As for as Mr. Makin, everyone can have a bad day and we have encountered him on such, but can you imagine what kind of stress these storm managers are under? The adjusters that quit, are quitters and did not have what it takes to do this job. If it were easy, we wouldn't get paid the big bucks. Most of them just left without telling anyone, leaving their insureds and their company in the dark. We are here now doing clean up trying to explain to the insured why their adjuster would leave with all their receipts, estimates, pictures and other info and not tell anyone. What I would like to tell them is that they are cowards, with no integrity or work ethic. They could have just said, 'Here are my claims, this is not my cup of tea." but their pride got in the way of customer service and company loyalty. So... I have no sympathy for them. I wish them luck in their next failure.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 1/22/2006 12:18:26 PM
|
|
|
newtonclaimstim
Posts: 155
Joined: 4/26/2004
Status: offline
|
Sounds like the same team that was in Raleigh NC. they must of had the same bad day. For Isabell
< Message edited by newtonclaimstim -- 1/22/2006 12:19:30 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 1/22/2006 1:34:28 PM
|
|
|
bent1973
Posts: 76
Joined: 9/20/2005
Home base: DFW, TX
Status: offline
|
I kind of have to agree with Catwoman. It is tough out here and definitely much more difficult than I expected. I know for a fact that the first files that I turned in were not worthy of even being paid. Frankly, I consider myself lucky that Pilot even kept me here. I must say that every mistake that I made was a lesson and I haven't made the same mistake on any other files. Pilot has been very understanding and helpful to me. As for the people that left, it was pretty unprofessional for them to just up and quit without saying a work. Also, some of the people were sent home for various reasons. I came across many claims where I was the 5th plus adjuster assigned. At first when I got assigned somebody elses mess that has left the storm I would get a little irritated but now I look back on the first 50 claims that I closed and remember that I'm new also and if I can learn a thing or two fixing their file it will only make me better. As for Tony, I don't know him that well. I have managed to stay out of the help rooms and other than meetings I haven't had much experience with him, but I know for a fact that the stress had to be difficult to deal with. He is accountable for so much I don't see how he does it. Also the adjuster helpers were thrown into the mix just like some of us. I was fortunate to be assigned a good one. He was new but definitely dedicated and always quick to help and pass on the new information as soon as it was made available to him. I have since been reassigned to another helper but I can still count on him. I thought a few times about throwing in the towel and hanging up my ladder. When I had those thoughts I would just take a step back and reorganize, treat myself to a nice dinner and remember the people that have suffered a loss and are counting on me. This is not for everyone and the people that left could have done it in a more professional manner but I guess that I may not be working this storm anymore if they had stayed. To all of the people on this site that have posted and offered assistance I thank you wholeheartedly I would not have gotten this far without you. Maybe one day long down the road I can offer some advice and help somebody out like I was helped.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 1/22/2006 11:11:40 PM
|
|
|
Smyrick145
Posts: 3
Joined: 1/22/2006
Home base: Oklahoma
Status: offline
|
I always heard Pilot uses Xactimate. Others say they use Integra and work for Pilot. Anyone know which one they are to use, or can they use either or?
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 1/22/2006 11:46:27 PM
|
|
|
newtonclaimstim
Posts: 155
Joined: 4/26/2004
Status: offline
|
Good GOD , good Luck!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 1/22/2006 11:52:08 PM
|
|
|
Leonard
Posts: 15
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: New Ulm, TX
Status: offline
|
Pilot is one of Allstate's vendors and they use IntegriClaim. Pilot has some other clients that use I/C, too. Then again, other clients, such as Citizens, don't care which you use.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 1/23/2006 10:24:32 AM
|
|
|
cotton
Posts: 1
Joined: 1/23/2006
Status: offline
|
I have applied with Pilot. I want to become a cat adjuster but not sure where to get training. Is the posting for
Dallas in February the one that Pilot uses? Any help would be appreciated.
_____________________________
Margie Castleberry
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With Pilot CAT Training - 1/23/2006 11:02:59 AM
|
|
|
will_lxa
Posts: 30
Joined: 8/30/2005
Home base: Houston TX
Status: offline
|
when i was in ft Lauderdale working w/ Wilma, Pilot adjusters never stopped complaining. it seemed like every one of them was new and had no training. adjusters, and estimators were scoping and not putting there scopes into xactimate ( this screwed a lot of people over, but that is another story)( it wasn't just pilot) anyways none of them seemed to know how to use xactimate, or take proper scopes. Pilot did not prepare there team at all. It was my first storm, and i was teaching xactimate classes after 2 months. Most of their complaints however was about money, weren't getting paid on time, wasn't enough, couldn't get an advance........ I have never worked for Pilot, I cannot pass judgment on this vendor, but I haven't seen anything good about them, I think it isn't a good place to start, but after you get some experience it is probably one of the best. I would advise to start somewhere else, E A Renfroe, Walker Group. seem to be better to get started off with. get some experience before going to Pilot. After I get some more experience I intend to work with Pilot, but not until. any vendor you go with isn't going to extensively train you. this business is hand's on training. This is a difficult job, but if you can hack it through your first storm or two it can become very profitable. Don't expect to make money on your first storm, just try to learn as much as possible. trial and error.
< Message edited by will_lxa -- 1/23/2006 12:51:32 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With Pilot CAT Training - 1/23/2006 11:10:32 AM
|
|
|
will_lxa
Posts: 30
Joined: 8/30/2005
Home base: Houston TX
Status: offline
|
talk to Wardlaw in waco if you want training, Vale in San Diego, also if you can afford it. both of these schools are really good, from what I hear. I f you are interested in Vale, talk to a fellow by the name of Jim Flint, he post on here a lot JimF. he refereed me to Vale and recommended me to a couple of recruiters. look thought the forums and you can find a ton of info on Vale and Wardlaw.
< Message edited by will_lxa -- 1/23/2006 12:54:51 PM >
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With Pilot CAT Training - 1/25/2006 11:05:54 AM
|
|
|
MAYDAY DAVE
Posts: 24
Joined: 11/14/2005
Status: offline
|
WARDLAW CLAIMS IN WACO IS AN EXCELLENT VENUE FOR TRAINING !! GREAT TRAINING STAFF ... ..WELL RESPECTED IN THE INDUSTRY & GROWING !!
Dave Sumner
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With Pilot CAT Training - 1/25/2006 7:09:00 PM
|
|
|
okclarryd
Posts: 616
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: Oklahoma City, Ok
Status: offline
|
Now, y'all listen up. I've said it many times and here's another verse.
Pilot Catastrophe is as good as it gets. The money you earn will be paid to you without a doubt. Their training facilities are as good as any Insurance Company has, if not better. Their trainers are as good as anyone's, if not better.
Pilot may have had some issues with the rash of hurrycanes, but some of the other vendors have closed up because they just couldn't cope. Money problems, management problems, all kinds of problems. Pilot has enough staff and personnel to cope with just about anything short of the earth cracking in half.
If you want to make your bed with someone, I don't think Pilot would be a bad choice.
Not to say there's some other good companies out there. Pacesetter is excellent. EA Renfroe is great. Continental Staffing is as good as there is. And, I'm sure there's others that I haven't had the pleasure of working with.
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it.
_____________________________
LARRY D HARDIN
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Training - 1/30/2006 12:37:58 AM
|
|
|
PvtNvestigator
Posts: 120
Joined: 7/26/2005
Status: offline
|
I have only accepted deployment from Pilot since the 90's and although there have been times that I have disagreed with some their procedures and mid-sentence changes, there is a reason that they are one of the industry leaders. What amazes me are those individuals that get into this "business" with their eyes only on the "money" and expect that the the vendor to provide all of the knowledge necessary. One of the most valuable lessons that I learned in college a decade or so ago was that there is no substitute for "initial" and "continuing" education and training. If you are serious about any craft, whether it be adjusting claims or grooming dogs, you need to take a degree of self-responsibilty in pursuing your own education. Do I practice what I preach? Yes. Several examples that I will share is that during every deployment my reading material in the bathroom is the many insurance policies that I need to be knowledgable about. Additionally, I am always seeking more and more training in a formal setting. My brother and nephew are interested in this field. I agreed to help them if they would seek out training and licensing BEFORE they applied for work. They are starting by spending three (3) weeks at Vale National in Dallas in May. I even agreed to take the three week course with them. My point in this rambling is that even after working for years in this industry adjusting auto and property claims for Pilot, I continue to seek out ways to not embarrass myself in the field and, therefore, ensure that I am able to feed my family. Take care of yourselves and do not forget that those that you actually work for are waiting for you are home...
_____________________________
William "Bill" Roberts
|
|
|
|
|
RE: In Dallas With PilotCAT Taining - 1/30/2006 11:28:04 AM
|
|
|
Willinsky
Posts: 33
Joined: 4/8/2005
Status: offline
|
PilotCat offered the California EarthQuake course (CEA) and I just finished it online.
Getting ready to take the State Farm Wind/Hail, Basic Estimating cetification test next month ( Feb ).
I registered for the tate Farm Auto IDL Feb 9,2006 Austin Texas.
Getting better on Xactimate with trial ver24 and traning CD.
_____________________________
Lawrence Willinsky
|
|
|
|
!! You are viewing a post in the forum archive.
NOTICE: We are no longer using this forum for discussions. Please follow the links to the new forums.
Catastrophe Central-The Adjuster's Forum : Community Center- Forums
New Site Registration : New Site Login
 New Messages |
 No New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/ New Messages |
 Hot Topic w/o New Messages |
 Locked w/ New Messages |
 Locked w/o New Messages |
|
Post New Thread
Reply to Message
Post New Poll
Submit Vote
Delete My Own Post
Delete My Own Thread
Rate Posts
|
|
User Agreement | Privacy Statement| Contact |Copyright 1995 - 2006 CatAdjuster.org. All rights reserved.
0.234
|
Printable Version
