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deleted
USA
53 Posts |
 Posted - 09/19/2003 : 20:41:13
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| Oh and by the way...I will work for someone who will train me the correct way (onsite and paperwork)and you can pay me what you think I earned when all is said and done...I may work for Sentry (even if I screwed--dinner and movie would be nice first though)since they offered...however, if any of you want to talk I'm listening, especially Pilot48 and CCarr |
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2003 : 20:43:15
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So eloquently said, it does have a familiar ring to it; plus it is true.
The two sides of the perfectly displayed flapjack are both quite palatable.
The only clarification (or 'but') that I will add to my previous point - so you all don't think I'm totally silly - was that the past agreements were that I would be paid bi-monthly based on satisfactory work submitted, and not contingent on the carrier first paying for it who knows when. |
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TedPasan
82 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2003 : 20:43:18
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Guys, there are dozens of seasoned cat adjusters here on this website who are more than happy to help any of you out. Whether with answers to your questions, advice, or even trying to do some one on one training with new and newer adjusters (I am working with at least one and hopefully two "newbies" in this current storm and I know many others would too).
My best to each and every one of you, and for so many of us, whatever it takes to help you guys and gals, is our way of paying back those who helped us when we first started as well as helping us to take those first few steps on this career ladder. |
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scottposton
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2003 : 20:47:38
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I service several insurers on a regular basis. The way I see the "ROOKIE" situation is like this. Somebody was good enough to help me out when I got started and all I was asked was that one day I return the favor to someone else in need of the same help. I'd take a rookie with me anytime and share the fees. I don't look at it as a problem but rather a benefit to myself and them. I'd love the help mapping and contacting claimants. The help in processing the claim would be great as well. Because in the end I do more claims with this help which means I make more money and most of all I pay back the courtesy that was extended to me.
Any "rookies" in need of any help involving an auto claim should feel free to post a message to me or send an email.
sposton@sc.rr.com
Good Luck and God speed to all. |
Edited by - scottposton on 09/19/2003 21:19:55 |
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RBECKINTEXAS
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2003 : 20:56:15
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CCar, I took your comments light heartedly. A seasoned adjuster once told me "If they can't afford to give you an advance, they are not finacialy stable enough to work for and/or they are not serious in having you to work for them." That was the main reason why I asked for it. A bank wont lend you money with out good credit or collateral. Just plain business sense.
Ted, Thank you for your comments |
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2003 : 21:24:50
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Richard, I can't say that is bad advice a seasoned adjuster passed on to you. But, multiply that $1500 by 50, 100 or 200 adjusters like you, and you have a real large chunk of change. I wouldn't quickly interpret a vendor that was not handing out $1500 to everyone as an advance as being financially unstable or not serious in wanting you.
I would think that vendors are as anxious, nervous and as concerned as the cat adjuster wanting to be deployed. The vendor gives all kinds of promises to their client and now it is their turn to fullfill those promises. That is contingent on the make up of their stable and their management of that stable. For the most part, other than returning adjusters to their stable from previois deployments with them, they know of you less than you know of them.
The vendor may have great expectations of a claims volume to come from a client or two, but a storm moving by 50 miles or less from an anticipated path can greatly affect the PIF count (policies in force) of their exposure and hence their losses.
The carrier is only too pleased and relieved by Monday morning to wipe their brow and tell the vendor how lucky they were - the 10,000 expected claims will only be about 2000 because of the PIF relative to the storm course. That is not the vendors fault, but something they have to manage within their stable. $1500 advance before you and everyone else get their armful of new claims is quite a business decision to make. It would scare the hell out of me. I would think that all but the major vendors (mostly national), have to see their claims count in hand, so they can estimate their receivables, prior to complying with your ideal situation from the point of view of the cat adjuster. |
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pilot48
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2003 : 22:14:36
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Understanding that if a vendor gets 50 adjusters who show up and desire a $1,000.00 advance or retainer, that a $50,000.00 hit would over-extend any vendors limits. Yet, most never ask, and those that do should be given some consideration.
Keep in mind that we put forth a lot of equity into this job before ever going out on the first claim. We travel to the location, we secure our own living situation, feed ourselves, etc. etc. while still maintaining our regular home financial committments.
For the record also, a contract vendor for companies like, Farm Bureau, Nationwide, NCJIUA, Auto Owners get a catastrophe setup expense check before they ever receive the first rush of assignments......so don't pick on the adjuster too much for asking for a little equity to come in and work, being the vendor has already cashed their check before assigning any claims! |
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scottposton
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2003 : 22:20:51
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| Personally I wouldn't look for any vendor to pay a rookie an advance not knowing what kind of work they are going to turn into them. Not kicking on the rookies but that is unfortunatelly a small price they may have to pay to get the experience. I think the experience you bring with you would have the most effect on what they might offer you to get you on site and working. If you think about it from a logical stand point the more experience the less clean up later and that translates into less cost for them. Just my opinion for what its worth. |
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deleted
USA
53 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2003 : 22:31:48
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| I hope he doesnt mind but-----I would like to publicly thank Pilot48 for his generous job offer (please tell me I don't sound like a politician)...I appreciate his willingness to train this newbie, without knowing me personally...thank you Ted and Scott as well for your help and consideration... |
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scottposton
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 09/19/2003 : 22:35:05
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No thanks needed. Just be sure to do the same for someone else one day. It may be aggrivating when it comes your turn but when it does think back and remember that someone did the same for you.
Good luck! |
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TedPasan
82 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2003 : 02:35:40
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Just to clear up what I consider to be a minor misconception over advances, while many vendors will offer or make advances available to their adjusters, I am not aware of any that do so prior to the adjuster arriving at the storm site. (I am not saying it is not done; but I haven't seen that happen, had it happen to me, nor heard of it happening from other adjusters). Generally speaking, advances are not doled out until a day or so into the storm, when and after it is clear that the claims are going to be there for the vendor and adjusters, and the adjusters have shown up at the storm site as well as the claims.
There is great merit to both sides of the pancake, and again, whether the adjuster takes the advance or not, when I see it offered from a new vendor I am working with, it makes me more relaxed in not worrying whether this vendor is going to have the financial wherewithal to pay their adjusters. Even many of the regional or large local adjusting firms with branch offices, generally have a standby line of credit at their bank just for this purpose, in order to facilitate their adjusters immediate financial needs until the regular paycheck pipeline is cut on. It is indeed comforting to know that such vendors are recognized by their bank and lenders as having invested wisely in the growth of their companies rather than just milking the cash flow to live high on the hog and then living hand to mouth from storm to storm. And the later kind of vendor is out there too and would make me skittish.
Like Clayton, were I the vendor, it would make me nervous as hell handing out those big chunks of change in advance, more especially in situations with new adjusters, when I did not know the depth of a particular adjuster's skills nor the quality of their work product.
We are all blessed who are fortunate enough to work for the good and financially stable vendors. God Bless each of you and most of us know who you are!
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Edited by - TedPasan on 09/20/2003 02:49:41 |
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RBECKINTEXAS
USA
25 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2003 : 09:15:55
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Let me clairify, If it was a vendor like crawford with a good rep. I wouldnt of asked for it. My point was these guys originaly wanted me and many others to be there the day it hits. They dont have a bad rep, but not a good one either. They are a unknown. Also I wanted the advance when I arrived, not before I left. I'm here in NC, its a Saturday and probably wont start running claims until monday.
I feel sorry for the adjusters who came in on wednesday, and are still sitting in there hotel room waiting for claims. Or worse yet the ones they will send home due to low claim count. |
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CCarr
Canada
1200 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2003 : 09:49:38
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| I hear you Richard. I can't imagine the frustrations of those that with great eagerness arrived on Wednesday. I love a good game of cards, but would have grown tired of that about lunch time Friday; and it would be an uneasy feeling knowing that some around the table will go home before the work starts. |
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pilot48
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - 09/20/2003 : 19:31:59
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.........all good things come to those who wait!!!!!! Never leave before being formally invited by a certain and reasonable offer.
Common sense tells us that you can't work claims when most people don't even have access to a phone to call their agent and let them know they even have a claim!!!!!!!!
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scottposton
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - 09/22/2003 : 14:08:27
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| I just posted this on one of the other forums. I just got off the telephone with one of my carriers and two of my daily vendors and claims volume (auto) is extremely low at this point. Its not that the work isn't there. They have sent folks to scope the areas to prepare and plan and what they have reported back is heavy losses from coastal upper NC thru VA and Maryland. Again keep in mind Im relaying what I have been told. As of today power is being restored and as it begins to be restored in the more affected areas look for the volumes to increase dramatically. Thought this might help some of you wondering and eager to head out. Let me know if any of you or getting the same or different info. |
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Know Before You Go - The Questions To Ask
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