Q – What experience do I need to become an adjuster?
A – No experience is required. Our course is very thorough and should give everything you need. However, a building trade or "Do It Yourself" background can be helpful.
Q – Are there licenses required?
A – Most states do require a license. We can provide you with the information necessary to get licensed in your state.
Q – What is a CAT Adjuster?
A - A Catastrophic Adjuster is an adjuster that is called into play when a major storm hits anywhere is the USA. These types of storms overload the local adjuster pool, in addition, manylocal adjusters are not CAT trained.
Q – As a CAT trained adjuster, how long will I be away from home?
A - Generally the CAT adjuster will be called out within 48 hours of the storm and will stay on site until all claims have been worked. Therefore, the size of the devastation will dictate how long you will be out. Most storms last anywhere from two-weeks to several months. Some Katrina adjusters were still down in the New Orleans area a year later.
Q – Realistically, how much money can I earn working as a CAT adjuster?
A – Most companies pay between $200 (this is a minimum) to $1,000 per claim that you, as the adjuster, investigate and write up. The amount of money will depend on the size of the property and whether it is commercial or residential. Some adjusters working the Florida storms in 2005 were making upward of $25,000 per month.
Q – How many claims can I do in a single day?
A – On residential property, after your first two weeks in the field, you will be able to do four to six a day. Let’s say you average four claims per day at $300, that $7,200 for a six day week. Once you have been adjusting for a month your pay may be more than $300 per claim.
Q – What are the physical requirements for an adjuster?
A – You must be able to climb ladders and get on roof tops. You will need to get pictures and measurements of the roof on most claims. You will also need to climb into crawl spaces under the home as well in the attic areas. Good shoes are important.
Q – Do the companies give you an expense allowance for your travel?
A – NO! You will be working as an independent contractor; therefore, will be responsible for all your own expenses and taxes. However, this is a huge tax advantage. Talk to your accountant.
Q – What are the living conditions like for the adjusters?
A – On a large storm, generally pretty poor and many times you cannot get close to where you will be working and have to drive 20 or 30 miles to your sites.
Q – Would having my own trailer or motor home be beneficial?
A – Absolutely. This would give you the added advantage of having your office with you. Wal-Mart allows motor home parking if you belong to Good Sams Club (an RV Club). Of course with a motor home you will have to tow a vehicle that you can drive to the sites.
Q – What kind of income have some of your students made in the past?
A – We have had students and associates make $85,000 in eight months, however most earned $600 to $1,000 per day on average. Most companies pay a percentage of the claim with a minimum flat amount.
Q – How long do you have to stay away from home?
A – It’s up to you, however on a large assignment, most adjusters may come home for a week every three to four weeks. But again, you set your own schedule.
Q – Is the adjusting field over loaded with CAT adjusters?
A – NO! CAT adjusters who are properly trained in scoping and writing up the claim in the industry software are in high demand. One main reason is after being a CAT adjuster for just six-months, the local companies back home will offer you a position with little or no travel and still you will earn a great income. However, the local companies will not hire you without the field experience.
Q – Should I consider this a full time job?
A - If you are only going to do CAT’s then there is only work when there are major storms. In 2005 there were 5 Hurricanes to hit the US and in 2006 there were none. There were, however, fires, floods, tornados and blizzards that required CAT adjusters. However, although CAT adjusting is not full time it often pays a full time income.
Q- What opportunities are there outside of CAT’s?
A – Once you have gained some experience there are local companies that have need for trained adjusters to do “dailies” – that is the normal course of business losses such as fires, damage from plumbing breakdowns, thefts, etc. Also major insurance companies often have staff positions.
Q – Can I bring my family with me?
A- While husband/wife teams can be a great benefit it would not be wise to bring children until you have assessed the situation firsthand.
Q – When I come to school what expenses will I incur?
A – If you’re traveling from out of the area you will have motel expense plus food. We teach all our classed at Hotels. They provide us with special room rates for our students. You can register through the school if you desire double occupancy (sharing a room with another student) to save you even more. Room rates vary from city to city. We choose hotels that offer a “Free” breakfast buffet for all its guests.
Q - Because of not having field experience - how will most companies put me to work?
A - Most companies will start you on a 10-person team, as an example. There will be a team leader whose job it is to work with you, check your work before being submitted to the insurance company. Generally, after having work one or two storms you may have the opportunity to become a team leader yourself.
Q - How hard is it to get on the roster or on a team?
A - We have several companies that will immediately put you on their roster upon becoming certified by the school.
