How do you get into insurance adjusting?

Question

My husband is interested in becoming an insurance adjuster but most places require experience. How do you get started in that field?

Answer 1

I was born into the business so my 1st question is why would he want to become an adjuster. Is it the chance to handle more files than two people could, the long hours, the moron managers, the pay or the chance to deal with angry people all day long.

I am co-owner of two small independent adjusting companies and in the past have worked for St. Farm, Allstate & Nationwide insurance among others. I like being an independent adjuster a thousand times better than working at a company but that is just me.

If he really wants to get into the business here are the best ways.

1. Have experience in building houses or auto body repairs. Insurance companies love people with those skills. They will train these folks on the policy and laws etc. if they have these type of skills.

2. Start out with a insurance company who is looking for an entry level adjuster with no prior experience. Progressive has these type of jobs all over the country. They like having a "blank slate" to train their way so they often consider folks with no adjusting experience. Some may require a college degree.

3. Start with an large independent adjusting company that has their own training, (Crawford, Frontier, GAB etc).

If he starts in an entry level adjuster job and works his butt off there should be plenty of chances for raises and promotions, but he would have to stand out and put up with a bunch of BS in the process.  

He might want to start by looking at Progressives website or

http://www.greatinsurancejobs.com

Answer 2

I agree with the other person that answered, why would anyone want to be an insurance adjuster??  I have been one for 18 years and would get out in a flash if only I could get paid what I do for doing anything but claims.  Anyway, you pretty much need to start from the bottom.  See if you can get hired on as a clerical or claims assistant and start from there.  Take classes offered for your insurance field and ask to take on more responsibility.  I was hired with a small amount of experience, I had a college degree and I was trained for 8 weeks before I was turned loose.  Hope that helps and good luck!!