What qualifications do I need to be deployed?
To be deployed by The Littleton Group, certain information and qualifications must be present: A resume with relevant work history, a working knowledge of the software program necessary to complete claim assignments, a license to work in states where needed, and the ability to perform essential job functions. Generally, you will have 48 hrs to report to the Cat Site.
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Where do I go?
Once you are deployed, you will be given instructions on where to report. Typically you will be directed to meet with the storm site manager to "check in." When you check in to a storm site, you will be given storm specific material and be evaluated to be certain you have the proper equipment and operating system. If working a remote site, you will be directed to report to an alternate location for instructions.
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What do I need to bring with me?
You will need to bring a dependable vehicle, a computer with a software system loaded and working, a ladder, a digital camera, clothing for two weeks, a tape measure, printer/fax/copier/scanner, paper, pens, etc. See the required equipment page on the Littleton Group Catastrophe Page.
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Do I need to check in once I get there?
You will need to bring a dependable vehicle, a computer with a software system loaded and working, a ladder, a digital camera, clothing for two weeks, a tape measure, printer/fax/copier/scanner, paper, pens, etc. See the required equipment page on the Littleton Group Catastrophe Page.
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How much money do I need to get started?
Typically, you will need to bring enough cash or leave room on a major credit card to live for at least four weeks.
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What kind of vehicle should I drive?
Preferred vehicles are sedans, trucks, or SUVs. The vehicle must be large enough to carry your equipment, including a ladder.
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What type of camera should I use?
All clients of The Littleton Group require the use of a digital camera and the ability to electronically store each image taken of a customer's property.
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What is the dress code?
The dress code is business casual. Khaki pants, collared shirts, specific client-based shirts and hats are acceptable. The client-based shirts are required by some carriers, and such apparel will be made available for purchase at minimal cost. Jeans, shorts, and cutoffs are not acceptable work attire. No flip-flop shoes or sandals.
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What expenses should I expect to pay for?
The Littleton Group does not pay for any of your out-of-pocket expenses while on a storm site. You should expect to pay all expenses associated with each storm site. Fuel, lodging, food, supplies, software and other related costs are the responsibility of the independent contractor.
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What is the income potential for an adjuster?
Realistically, the income potential for the average field adjuster is quite substantial. In the last two years, the average The Littleton Group field adjuster submitted 220 claims with the average service fee being in the $330.00 range. With commission ranges typically in the 60% range, many adjusters can earn substantially more than this, while some others do not.
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How do I get paid? When? How often a month?
You are paid via direct deposit, twice per month, with pay periods falling on the 15th and last day of the month.
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How much time do I get to take off in a day to eat, sleep, exercise and take in the sites?
Your schedule is yours to set, balance is critical, and time management is often an indicator of success. Remember that production and quality are key, and your own mental health cannot be undervalued.
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How many appointments should I be setting up each day?
We require that each adjuster set only the number of appointments in a given day that can be accurately evaluated and completed within that day's time. One of the most common pitfalls in this industry is a lack of time management. The biggest indicator of a lack of time management is when an adjuster sets appointments for a given number of claims and is incapable of writing to completion each of the claims scoped that day.
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What do I do if I can't keep appointment/appointments?
If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment, please notify the customer as soon as possible and then notify your supervisor. In certain situations, it may be prudent to notify the customer's agent. In any case, the customer should not be left wondering where their adjuster is and why their appointment was missed.
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Can I take claims from other companies like The Littleton Group at the same time?
Once you accept an assignment from The Littleton Group, it is required that the adjuster work only claims assigned by The Littleton Group for the duration of this assignment. If it becomes known that an adjuster is taking claim assignments from another source or "double dipping," the Littleton Group claims will immediately be reassigned to another adjuster and compensation may be withheld until all issues are sorted out.
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How many claims should I expect to receive?
An experienced adjuster can expect to receive more claims than an adjuster with little-to-no experience. In most events, the initial claim load will be determined by peril type, severity, complexity, drive time, operating system, and our level of comfort in your abilities. The norm for an initial claim count ranges from 20-70 with your performance, (accuracy and timeliness) dictating the number of claims you will receive beyond that.
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What do I do if I get too many claims?
This may happen. If you feel overwhelmed with claim volume, please communicate with your manager or supervisor. You will not be penalized for being honest and forthright. We want to serve the insured and client in a timely manner and if you do not ask for relief in a timely manner it may jeopardize the productivity of the storm site.
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What do I do to get more claims?
Again, communication is critical. We monitor workload by production, with closed claims and up-to-date reporting being the best indicators of production. Since we are not perfect, we may overlook someone who has earned more claims. Communicate with the management and he/she will evaluate your situation and determine whether additional claims are to be assigned.
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How do I turn in my claims?
The manner in which you turn in your claims is solely dependent on the client you are working for. Certain clients require use of their operating platform, and claims are received and delivered electronically through that platform. Other clients will require their claims to be submitted via email, through a secure website, or by printing/hard copy.
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How often can I go to my Site Manager about questions?
Whenever you have questions, your first resource is your immediate supervisor. That resource is available to you during regular business hours for the duration of your time onsite. If your immediate supervisor is unavailable, a listing of The Littleton Group personnel onsite will be provided, and you are welcome to ask the other individuals.
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Who will answer my policy questions?
The Littleton Group storm site manager or your immediate supervisor will be capable of answering any policy questions you may have. Should there be a situation that develops where he/she does not have an answer, he/she will research the answer and get back to you. However,
we do expect you to read and understand all policy provisions of the client.
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Who can help me with estimating program questions?
For each Catastrophe site we set up, a designated individual (or group of individuals, for larger events) will be responsible for helping adjusters with estimating software and general adjusting questions.
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Who do I contact for payroll issues?
If you have any payroll issues, please contact the storm support person via email. The support person is responsible for gathering information and reconciling closed claim information.
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What hours can I expect to receive this help?
Help is generally available from 7:00am until 10:00pm. In certain circumstances, the hours may be extended, but the timeframe noted above is standard.
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Do I have to get on every roof?
In weather-driven events where wind or hail has been identified, every roof must be evaluated. To accurately evaluate each roof, we require the adjuster to get on the roof. If the roof cannot be accessed properly or safely, photos of the roof from as close as you can get to it are needed. If it is deemed to be a roof that is inaccessible, the claim may be reassigned to another adjuster for evaluation or the circumstance may warrant the use of a professional or professional equipment to evaluate. Please note that if you are unable to access a roof, you should contact your immediate supervisor to let him/her know of the situation.
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Am I allowed to discuss coverage's with the insured?
As an adjuster, you are allowed to discuss the benefits of their insurance policy. What is covered and what is not covered ties into that discussion. If you are unsure of exactly what is or isn't covered, please ask the customer for time to reference the policy and provide a comprehensive explanation of their benefits. In any case, it is very important to report your findings to the customer in the timeframe you give them.
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Can I authorize repairs?
As an independent contractor, you are never in a position to authorize repairs on someone's home, business or property.
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What if my claim settlement turns out to be incorrect?
While in most cases we do a very good job of reviewing each settlement recommendation prior to submission to the insurance carrier, some claims are submitted with incorrect data or issues relating to coverage, material or damage recognition and other circumstances that necessitate the claim to be changed. When this happens, and the original adjuster is still onsite, we will ask that adjuster to make the necessary revisions and resubmit the claim. If there are changes to the gross covered amounts, the invoice will also need to be changed and the adjuster commission will be affected. If the adjuster is not onsite, a different adjuster may be asked to make the necessary changes and again the invoice may be changed. A chargeback to the original adjuster may be necessary if The Littleton Group is not allowed to bill for the revision or if The Littleton Group has paid the commission to the original adjuster and the revised service fee results in a net reduction.
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How am I evaluated?
Your performance will be evaluated at each cat site by your immediate supervisor and the storm administrator. Our clients may also choose to evaluate your performance. In either case, the evaluation is a combination of quantifiable data and subjective criteria such as attitude, appearance, demeanor, cooperation, etc.
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Do you offer Xactimate training?
No, but we recommend Jonathan Rice with XM8TRAINING. He can be reached at 251-327-8096, via email at john@xm8training.com or at his website, www.xm8training.com.
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