QuestionAfter 25 years in the retail automotive and motorcycle retail industries, I want information on becoming an auto/motorcyce adjuster in the state of Florida. What are the requirements? Do I contact a insurance company or should I become an independent adjuster? What is the average income of adjusters? Do I have to also be a property adjuster or can I be strickly automotive? After averaging 60-70 hours per week, does this career provide a more flexiable schedule?
AnswerHi George,
Claims adjusting can be a very fast paced, grueling job. Adjusters are generally over worked and under paid. With no prior experience as an adjuster you will have to start at the bottom. You would contact auto insurance companies. There are a few that will hire trainees such as Progressive Insurance company, however they tend to want to hire people straight from college. The starting pay will generally be in the 28k to 32k to start with the usual 2% to 4% raises each year. You may be required to attend a multi week trainning class at some point in another state. In these clases you will learn about insurance law, how to investigate claims, take recorded statements, negotiate auto damage and injury claims, deal with attornies, etc..
If you are strictly wanting to be an auto damage estimator, then there is a whole other set of training classes, in the field training, etc. There are schools you could attend on your own if you wanted to, such as Vale National. You would travel to one of there facilities, the cost is around 2k plus your travel, lodging and food.
You could start by joining your local Insurance Claims Association and going to their monthly meetings where you can meet people in the business and network.
I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh
