The number one characteristic of a prosperous independent adjuster is integrity. The process of claims adjusting involves shouldering a high level of responsibility and making decisions with important consequences. This requires having an innate, deep-rooted sense of honesty, and always displaying honorable, ethical actions. Unfortunately, many adjusters must deal with temptations such as bribes, kickbacks, and other crooked activities. A good adjuster must always be vigilant against these types of enticements – and will gain a good reputation by doing so. But unethical adjusters are unwelcomed and not likely to last long in the industry.
Another important characteristic to have is an inquisitive nature – one that that leads to exploring, learning and paying attention to details. The more inquisitive you are with investigations of insurance claims, the more comprehensive and accurate your reports are likely to be. That’s a good thing because well-done reports are highly valued by insurance companies, and can help prevent costly re-inspections of claim sites.
This means you’re always seeking out the best solutions for performing your job duties. Here are some examples:
READ MORE: 5 Ways to Optimize Your Productivity as an Independent Claims Adjuster
Do you have a keen eye for detail? Do you tend to be precise and thorough with your work? Are you careful with your decisions and actions? All of these attributes point to a meticulous personality, which is ideal for a career in claims adjusting.
When you work for Independent Adjusting (IA) firms, you will need to demonstrate your dependability on a continual basis. The people who hire you need to be sure that they can rely on you. And they will expect you to manage and close every assigned claim in a professional, thorough and efficient manner. If you do that, you’re more likely to get hired again and again.
Working independently requires handling a wide variety of tasks, developing your own unique workflows, navigating the claims process with no supervision, and making critical decisions about financial settlements. When you face all of these challenges on a regular basis, you must remain confident and self-assured about your own abilities. Having a positive mindset is a key to succeeding in this type of career.
Claims adjusting requires fortitude and persistence in the face of obstacles. You may have to deal with dangerous weather, travel complications, unresponsive claimants, language barriers and other problems. Nevertheless, having a can-do attitude, a will to succeed and an ability to adapt and overcome can help tremendously, to help you persevere during those times when your job isn’t easy.
The seven characteristics listed above should be thought of as distinguishing qualities that can help you be successful as an independent adjuster. You may exhibit some or even all of those qualities. If so, that’s great. Yet it’s important to know that personal characteristics or qualities are quite different from job skills.
If you believe you have the right characteristics and the desire to be an independent adjuster, then you’ll also want to work on acquiring these seven important skills:
In this article, we covered seven characteristics that make certain independent adjusters stand above the rest. We also identified what skills are needed to be a claims adjuster. If you can already check off a lot of these characteristics and skills, then you may be well suited to work in this type of role.
Demonstrate resourcefulness by using a floor plan app for home insurance claims
Or find out how to become an independent adjuster.