FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What type of adjusters are there?
There are essentially three different types of Adjusters:
Staff Adjuster – Staff Adjusters are employee’s of the actual insurance carrier. Staffers, as they are known, receive a salary, benefits, etc. Staff Adjusters work both in the field, or in the office, wherever the insurance carrier that they work for needs them.
Independent Adjuster – Also known as Catastrophe (Cat) Adjusters, or IA’s. Independent Adjusters are contractors who work through firms that deploy Independent Adjusters for the claim needs of insurance carriers. These deploying firms that the IA works for have a contract with the insurance carrier to provide staffing on a case by case basis. Independent Adjusters are very well compensated for their work. IA’s can work both in the call center or in the field. IA’s work any and all types of claims from auto, to property (commercial and residential), to crop claims and so on. Here at NACA, we specialize in training the Independent Adjuster for success.
Public Adjuster – PA’s work on behalf of the policy holder, and are compensated by a percentage of the dollar amount of the claim total itself. The amount provided to the PA is taken directly out of the claim proceeds provided to the policyholder, from the carrier.
Do I need to have an extensive background in construction to be a successful claims Adjuster?
Not necessarily. Some of the most successful adjusters are people who came into the business, knowing little about construction, but quickly learned the basics involved in estimating a loss. You will learn the basics of what you need to know in order to be deployed, and with the right training and attitude, you will most likely stay deployed. With NACA, you can be confident from the time you get the call to be deployed, that our courses have prepared you for what is needed to enter the field of insurance adjusting.
Having the right training is integral to your success; we can’t make you invest in yourself and your career, and ultimately, making yourself successful in this business is up to you.
What kind of money can I expect to make being a Catastrophe Adjuster?
Independent Catastrophe Adjusters typically make 6 figures per year, which is greatly influenced by their certifications, training and experience.
What companies should I become certified to work for?
We cannot recommend one deploying firm to work for. Fortunately there are hundreds, if not thousands, of adjusting firms throughout the US and Canada in need of Cat Adjusters at any given time.
In addition, there are four large deploying firms, known respectfully as “The Big 4” (E.A. Renfroe, Worley Catastrophe Response, Eberls, and Pilot Catastrophe ) that deploy for the largest insurance carriers such as State Farm, Allstate, American Family, just to name a few. Getting on the roster for these deploying firms, as well as others, greatly increases your potential for deployment.
I've heard it's slow right now... Are any Independent Adjusters being deployed?
Insurance Adjusters are always being deployed. Whether they are deployed for a catastrophe or daily claims; work is work. The adjusters that stay deployed have been properly trained and are certified in the fields that the need is greatest. For example, as a Rope and Harness (2SS) Adjuster, your likelihood of being deployed for a longer period of time is much greater than someone who can’t or isn’t certified to handle those tougher claims.
When I get the call, how long should I expect to be deployed?
As long as you’re needed. There is no estimated timeline for how long or where you may deployed.
Your deployment depends on what might be happening in the area, and how long the insurance carrier needs your services.
Some deployments last only a few weeks, and some last several years at a time. Really, it comes down to the nature of the storm you are working, and the quality of a product you are providing. We will provide you with the training necessary to be successful.
Should I get certified to Adjust claims for Autos?
If Auto claims is something you think that you would enjoy, then absolutely. The more certifications, the better!
By gathering more training, you open yourself up to be offered more deployment opportunities. At NACA, we don’t offer courses specifically for Auto.
If you plan to only work Auto claims, then courses such as Xactimate may not be beneficial for you.
However, the tools and training you will receive from our TX All Lines Adjuster Pre-license and Adjuster 101 courses will benefit for any and all types of claims.