RE: They don't just hand you the keys
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/13/2006 7:07:43 AM
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jimhitt
Posts: 28
Joined: 9/3/2005
Home base: North Richland Hills, TX
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Eric's last post just pointed out what I think the big problem is when he used the term "entitlement mentality" to describe how some new folks approach this profession. I think that is what a lot of people object to. But I object to that mentality whether it comes from my kids, my government, welfare recipients, or anyone else. It seems to be pretty prevalent today and we are just getting the overflow from what our society has created.
I more than understand when some get a little irritated when someone comes to the site asking questions like they are owed something from a profession because someone else was able to be successful at it. Some who are successful at this were successful at being staff or working in some way for a carrier. Some who are successful at this were successful at other occupations or business before they got into this line of work. From what I have seen, most successful CAT Adjusters were successful at something else before they came to this (else how would we have Swink_d's suggested 2 years of income saved). When someone who has never put in the time, effort, blood, sweat, and tears to be successful at anything acts like this job is so easy I can approach this with as little effort as I have everything else in my life and be successful, it could rub some the wrong way. I get upset when anyone treats something that I have spent the time and effort to become good at this way, whether its adjusting, playing the harmonica, or golf!
I'm newer at this than most, older at it than some, and not giving anyone a hard time. Especially not new people. Just saying the reaction of some is understandable.
OK, done enough preaching!
Hey that's an easy job. I could buy me some books, a robe, get a fancy haircut. I could be preaching at my church by next week. (hope my preacher doesn't read this)
< Message edited by jimhitt -- 9/13/2006 7:22:49 AM >
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/13/2006 8:56:29 AM
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StormSupport
Posts: 89
Joined: 5/23/2006
Home base: Coastal VA
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Eric,
Excellent posts! Extremely well thought out and insightful.
As a "greener than green" person in this overwhelmingly complicated industry, I for one am just grateful for the collective wisdom, insight, advice, and yes, even the "occasional" (LOL) chastisement of the attitudes, questions or statements of "us" newbies.
I have learned so much just by reading these posts, and am truly appreciative that I am even allowed to come in here, glean a pearl or two from the collective wisdom of those who choose to share the benefit of their wisdom gained through years in the industry.
I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from each of you who choose to share your insights. And I am honored to be in the company of people who I feel are collectively the most intelligent and diverse people I have ever been associated with. I constantly feel challenged to be better, do more, and grow, everyday.
So, from a 'newbie" to those who have paid their dues, here's a genuine "Thank You" for sharing.
~M~
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/13/2006 10:35:56 AM
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mcmoore
Posts: 28
Joined: 4/27/2004
Home base: Leesburg, FL
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Jimhitt makes a very good point in his post. The majority of the truly successful independent adjusters I’ve worked with over the years had succeeded in other fields prior to moving into cat adjusting. For the most part they left their previous occupations because they were getting satisfaction from them. They are usually the type of people that are very self-motivated with strong communication skills and willing to take smart risks. But they were also willing to take the time to work their way up from the bottom in whatever their chosen field was.
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/13/2006 10:39:44 AM
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mcmoore
Posts: 28
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Home base: Leesburg, FL
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correction - "were no longer satisfied with their previous occupation". Sorry, tried to make some sense of it all.
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/14/2006 10:05:52 PM
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rass3742
Posts: 131
Joined: 7/6/2005
Home base: Spokane, WA
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quote:
ORIGINAL: StormSupport
As a "greener than green" person in this overwhelmingly complicated industry, I for one am just grateful for the collective wisdom, insight, advice, and yes, even the "occasional" (LOL) chastisement of the attitudes, questions or statements of "us" newbies.
Meg,
I can only speak for myself, although I suspect many of the veterans would concur, when I suggest that most of the dissension against the newbies for their "attitudes, questions or statements," as you outline, occur not BECAUSE of the fact that they are new to, or trying to enter, the industry; after all, all of the veterans were at one time themselves newbies. Rather, it is the impertinent nature of the attitudes, questions or statements.
We embrace those whose motivation is to better themselves, by way of this vocation, when they are willing to take an approach that will allow them the benefit of actually learning the industry in a well structured environment; as a trainee with a P&C carrier, for example. This environment will allow them the luxury of learning the business, with little negative exposure to the named insureds; those of whom they are charged with assisting. An appropriate structured training of these folks notwithstanding, the industry is left with improperly trained, inexperienced adjusters who now have the disposition of the policy holders’ claim in their untrained control. This creates a potentially contemptuous and problematic situation for all parties to the insurance policy.
On the other hand, there are those who clearly understand the dichotomy between claims adjusting being a career of great responsibility and knowledge, and one that you can attain by attending a “crash course.” You, yourself, note in the quote above that this is an “overwhelmingly complicated industry.” I trust, with that insight, that you realize this is not a matchbook-degree profession. Personally, I’m encouraged by someone with your discernment of these issues. That will take you far as you seek out opportunity and education, while foregoing entitlement.
I wish you all the best Meg.
_____________________________
Things are never so bad they couldn't be worse.
Count your blessings.
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/14/2006 10:26:41 PM
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suniesh
Posts: 5
Joined: 9/14/2006
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I just want to add my penny's worth here - insurance adjusting, be it CAT or staff or resident, begins with customer service. If a person is not interested in humanity, they will never be a successful or happy adjuster. One of the finest rewards in this business is helping people through their times of strife - be it a below-deductible loss or a million dollar loss. It is all relative to the people who filed the claim. Sometimes all we can do is listen, the loss is excluded or the policy wasn't in force. If, however, we present a human approach to our claims handling, everyone is the better for it. That's my opinion.
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/14/2006 10:35:52 PM
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LarryW
Posts: 207
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: Grand Bay, AL
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siniesh,
You just added $10.00 worth. Ask Roy for your change.
_____________________________
Larry Wright
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/14/2006 10:47:01 PM
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LarryW
Posts: 207
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: Grand Bay, AL
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Rass,
You are absolutely right. It is the entitlement menatalty which grates on the folks who have "paid their dues" and earned the rewards of this profession. No one is entitled to anything they haven't earned. Period, dot, end of story......
And as many others have pointed out, the true rewards for a real adjuster are other than pecuniary.
_____________________________
Larry Wright
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/14/2006 11:10:13 PM
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rass3742
Posts: 131
Joined: 7/6/2005
Home base: Spokane, WA
Status: offline
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Susan,
That's a great contribution to this topic. Without the human factor, and specifically compassion, all of what we do and those involved, including our insureds, would only be numbers. Sure, without it their claim would still be "settled," but it would not have been an experience worth remembering for them (the fact they had to suffer a loss in the first place, notwithstanding).
Thanks for your thoughtfulness.
_____________________________
Things are never so bad they couldn't be worse.
Count your blessings.
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/15/2006 8:02:08 AM
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catwoman
Posts: 45
Joined: 7/12/2005
Home base: Mobile, Alabama
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That was nice to hear Meg. You have to have a heart to due this job justice. We have met so many new adjusters that seem to think that if they save the carrier money, they will get a gold star. They look for things to deny and in doing so, often overlook what can be paid. I guess in every profession there are those who are on some kind of power trip, but to witness some of these guys getting a gleam in their eyes while telling how they denied some little old lady, disgust me. No one should enjoy anothers tragedy.
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/15/2006 9:23:04 AM
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RedSupraT
Posts: 274
Joined: 10/31/2004
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quote:
ORIGINAL: catwoman
That was nice to hear Meg. You have to have a heart to due this job justice. We have met so many new adjusters that seem to think that if they save the carrier money, they will get a gold star. They look for things to deny and in doing so, often overlook what can be paid. I guess in every profession there are those who are on some kind of power trip, but to witness some of these guys getting a gleam in their eyes while telling how they denied some little old lady, disgust me. No one should enjoy anothers tragedy.
On the flip side, some adjusters give away the farm with no regard of the possiblity the loss or part of the loss is not covered. As for the claims with old ladies, these are THE FIRST once to come back and bite you in the ass if decide to bend the rules for and cover her uncovered damages.
ALWAYS look for a reason to cover a loss but by all means if its not covered...DON'T PAY IT!
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/15/2006 10:39:37 AM
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tiwiii
Posts: 116
Joined: 6/3/2004
Status: offline
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Absolutely Red.
If you ever bend and venture into the gray area to "help" someone. You can bet Murphy's Law will prevail.
On the other issue about an adjuster taking some sense of accomplishment when denying someone's claim (old, young, whatever) is just plain immature and certainly unprofessional. I will say over and over that adjuster's are not only representatives of the carrier, but advocates for the policyholder.
< Message edited by tiwiii -- 9/15/2006 10:54:04 AM >
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/15/2006 12:27:45 PM
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Medulus
Posts: 367
Joined: 4/19/2004
Home base: Lake Ariel, PA
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Most of us have experienced the carrier "bending the rules" a bit in favor of the insured in a CAT situation. This is their decision to make, and not ours. As representatives of the insurance carrier for which we are working, our duty is to determine what is covered, what is not covered and what might be covered. Then it is our duty to report our findings to the carrier and let them afford coverage (or not), based on their own standards. In order to afford coverage wherever coverage may be afforded, we need to know the policy very well.
I see my catadjusting work as "ministry with a checkbook". I love being able to help people who have been the victims of a catastrophe. I also remember that it is not my money to give away according to my wishes. The best standard is to treat everyone with equal respect and consideration, whether I sympathize with them or they rub me the wrong way.
Tiwiii, we're going to have to stop agreeing with each other. People will get the wrong idea.
< Message edited by Medulus -- 9/15/2006 10:26:16 PM >
_____________________________
Steve Ebner
"With great power comes great responsibility." (Stanley Lieber, Amazing Fantasy # 15 August 1962)
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/15/2006 8:17:21 PM
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StormSupport
Posts: 89
Joined: 5/23/2006
Home base: Coastal VA
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DeDe, Thank you...I agree with you!
I don't have the experience that most of you do, but I'll add my thoughts, regardless.
IMHO, I think someone does all parties an injustice if you don't simply do the best inspection you're capable of, sans ego. The obligation, (once again IMHO) is to treat everyone honestly and fairly. "The eyes and ears of the insurer", not the 'ego" of the insurer as well! It’s a fine line to walk, I understand. The fiduciary responsibility is to the insurer, yet the human factor coming into play and hoping you can "get the insured" as much as possible. (Or the other way around for that type of 'ahem' "adjuster" you mentioned, DeDe!)
I think that policy knowledge, intimate policy knowledge, is the key, as if one thing an exclusion, another may be covered that could be overlooked if not as knowledgable as possible about the coverages and using that fine toothed comb as your measuring stick.
However, these are just thoughts from a beginner, so please don't think I'm assuming that my thoughts are any advice... <smile>
~M~
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/15/2006 8:38:33 PM
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rass3742
Posts: 131
Joined: 7/6/2005
Home base: Spokane, WA
Status: offline
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Meg,
You're absolutely right. While the adjuster does have a fiduciary responsibility to the carrier, they also have duties to the policy holder. An insurance policy is a "promise"; not very tangible. The policy, however, is still a contract; and the policy holder is owed certain things under that policy. It is the adjuster's job to do their best to apply that "promise," by way of interpreting the contract and its provisions, to the damages that have been presented by the policy holder.
My dad has been in insurance for about 35 years, although not in claims. He asked me years ago, "Why does a claim have to be 'adjusted;' why can't we just pay them what we owe them?"
Now, without getting hung-up on the rhetorical argument over the word "adjusted," he was absolutely right. We need to pay them what we owe them. Not more, not less. They have kept their part of the promise, by paying their premium; we need to help our carrier keep their part of the promise, by recommending payment of what the policy owes the insured.
_____________________________
Things are never so bad they couldn't be worse.
Count your blessings.
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/15/2006 11:46:13 PM
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GAMAR
Posts: 44
Joined: 10/4/2005
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Rass3742,
Please rass please tell me about the majority of newbie’s attitudes of entitlement. What are your facts you are an adjuster (detective), what research have you done to prove your theory? You have a great following, but please prove your hypothosis show me your facts or is yours just opinion.
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/16/2006 4:06:20 AM
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rass3742
Posts: 131
Joined: 7/6/2005
Home base: Spokane, WA
Status: offline
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Gamar,
All of my posts are just my opinion.
_____________________________
Things are never so bad they couldn't be worse.
Count your blessings.
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/16/2006 5:09:07 AM
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christian
Posts: 13
Joined: 4/19/2004
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There are few more heart rending experiences than to shake the hand of an 82 year old man surveying a slab that was once the home to his family of five. He didn't shake my hand, he held on to it for 15 minutes while I supported him both physically and emotionally. I will never forget this. Once you experience this, you truly understand the worth and responsibility of our chosen profession. Bay St Louis - Katrina
Chris Jones
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RE: They don't just hand you the keys - 9/16/2006 8:29:02 AM
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StormSupport
Posts: 89
Joined: 5/23/2006
Home base: Coastal VA
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: GAMAR
Rass3742,
Please rass please tell me about the majority of newbie’s attitudes of entitlement. What are your facts you are an adjuster (detective), what research have you done to prove your theory? You have a great following, but please prove your hypothosis show me your facts or is yours just opinion.
Chris, as in everything in life, if that shoe doesn't fit, don't put it on.
The statements were not directed toward any one particular person, they were a broad statements that are quite accurate.
I'm new, I won't even say I'm a “new adjuster” yet, (being licensed does not make an adjuster!!) and I’m even offended at some of the statements made by people, who quite obviously, are not only new in the industry, but apparently new to respectful behavior. All you have to do is read any thread and you'll see exactly what is referred to; the attitude of "entitlement", the attitude of cockiness because someone has gone through an adjusting school or even a storm or two.
I was raised in a family that taught me to respect my elders, and I don't mean just people who are older than me, I mean those who have more experience, wisdom, and life skills.
What I see that is offensive is a lack of respect toward the industry because someone who has a season or maybe two under their belts acting as if they have now reached the pinnacle of knowledge. It's also a lack of respect toward those who have spent a lifetime, or at least many, many years working in this industry.
Why does anyone need to challenge those who have years under their belt? They are offering their opinions and offering free training if someone will only listen and not feel the need to speak up and show them how their "new" way is better.
Sometimes I liken these posts and the replies to a herd of deer, watching the young stags butt antlers with the bucks who have learned that they will live a long and happy life by being careful, cautious, listening for bullets and dodging cars, not by bragging about the new antler buds that are growing on your head, not by playing "chicken" on the highway nor by challenging the hunters because they are in "your" forest!
(once again, just MHO!)
~M~
< Message edited by StormSupport -- 9/16/2006 9:08:55 AM >
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