How do I get insurance work?

Question

I am a contractor and I I have 20 years experance but can't get insurance claim work while other companys I know ,that do the same work with less quilty and for more money do all the time what can I do

Answer 1

I co-own an independent adjusting company and dealing with contractors is one of the worst parts of our business.

If you really want to work with insurance companies then you should market to both insurance companies, and independent adjusters. For our office the insurance companies we work with couldn't care less who the contractor is. We don't "recommend" contractors to policyholders or insurance companies. (ethical and liability reasons) We have a short list of decent contractors in the area and if somebody asks us to recommend a contractor we give them 3 or 5 names and let them choose. You want to be the best contractor on that list.

Get somebody to make a website for you. Buy your own domain name such as www.johnsmithcontracting.com with an email account.

Send a marketing letter to the insurance companies claims managers and to any independent adjusting companies in your area. The letter should briefly (3/4 of a page) explain who you are, what territory you cover etc. Include a business card and business card sized magnet with your company name, website address, email, phone & fax.

Approximately 3 to 5 days after sending the marketing letter follow up via phone and ask them if they have any questions about what you sent. Don't bother with a hard sell. Claims people don't react well to that.

When you start getting work the MOST important thing is do everything you can to make the process smooth for both the claim adjuster and home/building owner. Doing quality work for a fair price on time will make things easier for you to get more insurance work.

The second most important thing is to resist the temptation to  overcharge because it involves an insurance claim. This drives me nuts and makes me have to spend too much time arguing with the contractor, that is the kiss of death. You don't have to do the work for pennies just charge a fair price and you will be fine.

Third if you don't already have one get a good computer estimating software program. Our little company uses PowerClaim but there are tons of them out there.      

There is no easy way to get insurance claim work it will take time and a few bucks but it can be worth it. If you happen to be in northern MN let me know. We are always looking for decent contractors.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Marketing.  Start visiting local agents, or hiring a marketing person to drop by.

Answer 3

I have experienced this completely from the insurance side.  I worked for one company which had extensive "boys club" networking where the supervisors were taken to lunch, golf, etc all the time.  The adjustors had to deal with those contractors whether they like them or not.

On the other hand, I worked with a company where I pretty much called the shots myself, and obviously preferred to refer companies who would do excellent work and at the prices we could pay.

To answer your question though, advertise online and in the phone book making sure to highlight that you do insurance work.  Avoid huge companies (no names needed) as they have the tightest budgets and deepest management layers(usually)

Also, market.  Go to independent agents in the areas, let them know who you are and what you can do.  The claims offices are another place to start. Drop off pamphlets or other materials.  I never had the power to tell a customer who they had to use as a contractor but I could suggest a couple names. I'd give new companies a few shots with small jobs, and if I did not have any problems, then gradually, more and more frequent recommendations went their way.

There is ALWAYS a need for good, honest and reliable contractors.  Once you get in with a particular company, what ever you do, make sure, absolutely sure, that the adjustor and customer have a smooth process. Find out in advance who writes the estimate, how payments are issued, etc. If there are happy customers, and mellow adjustors, your company will not be forgotten.