Pursuing A Purr-Fect Career: Navigating The Path To Becoming A Cat Insurance Adjuster

Are you fascinated by natural disasters and want to help people affected by them? Do you want a job that offers financial independence, travel opportunities, and a high salary? Then becoming a cat insurance adjuster might be the purr-fect career for you!

A cat adjuster, or catastrophe adjuster, is a specialist type of insurance claims adjuster. When natural disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, or earthquakes strike, insurance companies deploy cat adjusters to the affected areas. These adjusters survey the property damage, assess the cost of repairs, and determine if the damage is covered by the insurance policy. It's a challenging but rewarding job, as cat adjusters provide rapid financial relief to people impacted by tragedies.

Becoming a cat adjuster requires some important steps. First, you'll need to obtain a high school diploma or GED, and some prior knowledge of construction and engineering is helpful. Then, you'll need to get your adjuster license, which is regulated at the state level in the US. Some states don't require a license, but it's recommended to get one for greater job flexibility. After that, you should consider adjuster training, such as Xactimate Training, to enhance your skills in loss analysis, estimating software, and repair methods. Finally, you can choose a career path within the field, such as working as a field adjuster or claim desk adjuster.

So, if you're ready to dive into a career that offers excitement, financial rewards, and the chance to help those affected by natural disasters, becoming a cat insurance adjuster might be your calling!

Get a high school diploma or GED certificate, with some roles requiring a postsecondary degree

A high school diploma or GED certificate is a prerequisite for becoming a cat adjuster. While a GED certificate is generally considered equivalent to a high school diploma, there are some differences between the two qualifications.

High School Diploma

A high school diploma is a traditional qualification earned by completing all the requirements of a high school program. This typically involves four years of full-time study, including courses in general subjects such as English, science, and mathematics.

GED Certificate

A GED (General Educational Development) certificate, on the other hand, is an alternative qualification for individuals who did not complete high school. It involves passing four subject tests (language arts, math, science, and social studies) and can be obtained in a much shorter time frame, usually less than a year.

Becoming a Cat Adjuster

Now, to become a cat adjuster or catastrophe adjuster, you will need to meet the minimum educational requirements, which include a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some employers may even prefer candidates with a postsecondary degree. Obtaining a license is also a crucial step, although licensing requirements vary by state.

Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can pursue adjuster training to develop the skills needed to assess property damage, determine insurance coverage, and submit reports. This training can include online courses, college-level insurance courses, or a degree in insurance and risk management.

With the right combination of education, training, and licensing, you can embark on a career as a cat adjuster, helping individuals and businesses recover from natural disasters and catastrophes.

Obtain an adjuster license for your state, or a nonresident DHS license

If you live in a state that requires adjusters to be licensed, you'll need to obtain a home state license before you can get reciprocal licenses for other states. If your state does not require licensing, you can still legally adjust claims without a license, but your work opportunities will be limited to that state only.

This is where the Designated Home State (DHS) license comes in. A DHS license allows you to use another state as your "home state" for licensing purposes, giving you the same privileges as an adjuster from a licensing state. This is particularly useful if you want to work in the claims industry, as most major employers require licensing for these roles.

Florida and Texas are two of the most popular states for obtaining a DHS license. Both offer online courses and have a quick turnaround time for receiving your license.

• Meet the basic requirements: Be at least 18 years old, a resident of Florida, and a U.S. citizen or legal alien with work authorization.
• Obtain your license by taking a state-approved designation course or passing the Florida Adjuster Examination.
• Apply for your license through the Florida MyProfile page. The application fee is $55.
• Submit your fingerprints for a background check through IdentoGO. The fee for this service is $50.75.
• Self-appoint as an independent adjuster through the MyProfile portal. This costs $60 and must be renewed every 24 months.

Alternatively, here are the steps to obtain a Texas DHS license:

• Meet the basic requirements: Be a U.S. citizen or legal alien with work authorization, be at least 18 years old, and do not hold a resident adjuster license in another state.
• Take a state-approved pre-licensing course and pass the exam. AdjusterPro offers a Texas All-Lines Pre-Licensing Course that satisfies this requirement.
• Submit an application for your Texas Adjuster License through Sircon, choosing the Texas Designated Home State All-Lines license option.
• Complete a fingerprint background check through IdentoGO using the service code 11G6QF.

By obtaining a DHS license, you'll open up a world of opportunities to work in different states and for different employers, making you a more attractive candidate in the insurance adjusting field.

Complete adjuster training, such as Xactimate Training

Xactimate is the industry's most popular claims adjusting software. It is designed specifically for construction professionals, restoration specialists, and claims adjusters. Proficiency in Xactimate is considered the single most important technical skill a new adjuster must acquire.

Xactimate training will teach you how to use the software to save time and money when creating estimates, as well as how to create more accurate, detailed, and professional-looking estimates. You will also learn how to access the most up-to-date and reliable pricing information, sketch complicated roofs, rooms, layouts, and structures, automate and streamline your estimating processes, organise and manage your projects, and overcome language barriers in preparing estimates.

Xactimate training is available online, in-person, or as a combination of both. Online courses are often self-paced, allowing you to work at your own pace, while in-person training is conducted at various locations across North America throughout the year.

Xactimate User Certification is also available to validate your proficiency and qualifications. There are three levels of certification: Fundamentals, Proficiency, and Mastery.

• AdjusterPro: Offers a live webinar format taught by an Xactimate Certified Trainer and working insurance adjuster. The course covers inputting line items, utilising Sketch, uploading photos and documents, writing a complete claim, and more.
• Florida Insurance College: Provides Levels 1 and 2 Xactimate Training taught by a Master Certified Xactimate Instructor. The course is identical to their Live Classroom courses but can be attended from the comfort of your home or office.
• The Adjuster School: Features a 100% self-paced online course for $249. It covers topics such as setting up preferences, creating new estimates, setting up groups/building a tree, data entry, sketch preferences, graphical estimating, and more.
• Verisk: Offers unlimited online access to over 100 hours of self-paced training content with an annual Xactimate subscription. They also provide instructor-led training, both virtual and in-person, and Xactimate User Certification.

Develop skills in construction, engineering, and insurance

Developing skills in construction, engineering, and insurance is essential for a rewarding and successful career in these fields. Here are some detailed instructions to help you enhance your skills and stand out in these industries:

Construction Skills:

• Physical Strength and Endurance: Construction work is physically demanding, requiring strength and stamina for tasks like heavy lifting. Ensure you have the proper posture and form to work safely and effectively.
• Dexterity and Hand-Eye Coordination: Construction jobs demand good hand-eye coordination for tasks that require limb coordination in different positions. Ensure you have clear eyesight to operate equipment and read documents.
• Building and Engineering Knowledge: Gain technical knowledge about building and engineering processes, materials, and tools. Understand the different types of heavy equipment and their specific functions.
• Mathematical and Reading Skills: Develop strong math skills, including algebra and geometry, to calculate measurements, quantities, and adjustments accurately. Enhance your reading skills to interpret blueprints, plans, and other construction documents effectively.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial in construction. Practice giving and following instructions, developing emotional intelligence, and delivering clear and concise reports.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Construction sites present numerous challenges. Hone your problem-solving abilities to address issues promptly and make timely decisions to keep projects on track.
• Safety Procedures and PPE: Master safety protocols and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues.
• Experience and Mentorship: Gain hands-on experience through internships, mentorships, or job shadowing to refine your skills and learn from seasoned professionals.

Engineering Skills:

• Mathematics and Physics: Proficiency in mathematics and physics is essential for identifying and resolving engineering issues. Develop your understanding of complex formulas to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Project Management: Engineers play a pivotal role in overseeing projects from start to finish. Enhance your organisational and leadership skills to manage tasks, resources, and timelines effectively.
• Communication Skills: Verbal and written communication skills are highly valued in engineering. Practice conveying your ideas, plans, and designs clearly to colleagues, clients, and other professionals.
• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Engineering projects often present complex challenges. Cultivate your critical thinking abilities to provide innovative and optimised solutions.
• Attention to Detail: Engineering demands a high level of accuracy. Develop a keen eye for details to ensure the quality and safety of structures.
• Willingness to Learn: Stay abreast of technological advancements and industry trends by attending seminars, workshops, and networking with senior engineers. Embrace new methods and techniques to enhance your skills continually.

Insurance Skills (specifically for becoming a Cat Adjuster):

• Obtain an Adjuster License: Research the licensing requirements for your state, as they vary across the US. Consider obtaining a Designated Home State (DHS) license, such as the Florida 70-20 Nonresident DHS License, to enhance your reciprocity and career opportunities.
• Adjuster Training: Undertake training in insurance adjusting, especially if you lack prior experience. Familiarise yourself with Xactimate, the industry-leading software for estimating. Practical training in loss analysis and standard methods of repair will also be beneficial.
• Knowledge of Construction and Engineering: Cat adjusters assess property damage, so understanding construction and engineering principles is advantageous. This knowledge will help you evaluate the extent of damage and estimate repair costs covered by insurance policies.
• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Cat adjusters interact with people during challenging times. Cultivate empathy, emotional intelligence, and effective communication skills to build trust and provide excellent customer service.
• Computer Proficiency: Develop your computer skills, especially with software relevant to the insurance industry, to streamline your work and enhance your productivity.

Find a job as a cat adjuster, either full-time or contractually

A cat adjuster, or catastrophe adjuster, is an insurance professional who visits and assesses areas affected by natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, and earthquakes. They are responsible for determining the extent of the damage, deciding whether an insurance policy covers the damage, and submitting a report. Cat adjusters can be employed full-time or contractually during peak natural disaster seasons.

• Obtain your adjuster license: Check with your state insurance department for licensing details as licensing requirements vary by state. Some states do not require a license to operate as an adjuster, but a license can be helpful when looking for jobs. If your state does not require licensing, you can obtain a Designated Home State (DHS) license from another state. Florida and Texas are popular choices due to their reciprocity deals and low costs.
• Receive adjuster training: Pursue training or further education in insurance adjusting before applying for jobs. Online courses, college-level training, or a degree in insurance and risk management can help prepare you for this career.
• Choose a career path: Decide if you want to work full-time or contractually, and apply for jobs within the catastrophe insurance field. You can work as a field adjuster, who visits sites to assess damage, or at a claim's desk to assess a client's needs and send someone else to the site.

Cat adjusters typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 during the storm season, which lasts around 6 to 9 months. It is a demanding career that requires dedication, hard work, and self-motivation. However, it offers the opportunity to help those affected by natural disasters and provides a high salary.

Frequently asked questions