IA Path

Learn how to inspect and assess damaged vehicles for free. We know that getting work writing auto damage estimates can be REALLY hard. It is also really hard to get the knowledge of how you write those estimates. We have a 27hr training course that teaches you how to inspect and scope a damaged vehicle that we normally charge $1000 for. Chris Stanley has instructed to give this away if someone schedules and completes a free career coaching call with our mentors. Chris and his father-in-law Mark Passmore do coaching calls every day answering people's questions about their situation and the auto damage industry. (Independent adjusting, appraising, estimating, body shop, etc.) Nothing is off limits and they are are only there to help serve and mentor you. You getting work is our primary priority. Want to schedule a free career coaching call and then get our $1000 auto damage training course for free? Comment below "Coaching" and I'll send you the link to schedule a call with either Chris Stanley or his mentor Mark Passmore.

Getting claims to inspect is awesome, but it can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have a plan. Many IA’s start off strong but quickly burn out without a solid strategy in place. That’s why I created a system after failing miserably during a major storm event. The key to managing a high-volume claim load is having a plan. My 4 S’s to Stress-Free Scheduling can help you stay on track: Stop: Pause and plan your approach to the influx of new claims. Segment: Divide your coverage area into buckets, assigning claims to specific days. Schedule: Use tools like Badger Mapping to optimize your daily route and give realistic appointment windows. Status: Keep IA Firms in the loop by promptly updating files with your inspection schedules. Master the 4 S’s to keep your workload manageable and your clients happy. Don’t let a flood of claims drown you—take control before it’s too late.

If you're considering expanding into property adjusting, it’s important to start with the basics. Property adjusting involves assessing damage to buildings and contents, which requires different skills compared to auto adjusting. Begin by familiarizing yourself with building materials, construction methods, and common causes of property damage like fire, water, and storms. You’ll need to understand how to estimate repair costs accurately, considering both labor and materials. Starting with a solid foundation in these areas is key to your success. For those looking to dive into property claims, I recommend starting your journey with Mathew Allen at AdjusterTV. He covers everything you need to learn for property claims, including Xactimate, Symbility (CoreLogic), scoping, policy interpretation, and more. Lay the groundwork for a successful property adjusting career. P.S. If you are trying to decide betwen auto and property claims drop a comment below saying "coach" and I'll send you a link to schedule a free career coaching call with me or someone who has been in the industry longer than me.

Continuous education is your key to staying competitive in the adjusting industry. The landscape of insurance and claims is always changing, with new technology, regulations, and best practices emerging regularly. By committing to ongoing learning, you ensure that your skills remain relevant and sharp. I learned this lesson the hard way—I once failed to complete my required continuing education and ended up losing my adjuster license. Don’t make the same mistake I did; staying current is crucial. Learning never stops for successful adjusters. Reading industry news, attending webinars, and seeking out new certifications can all contribute to your growth. The more you know, the more value you bring to your clients and employers. Continuous education helps you stay ahead of the curve, making you more adaptable and better equipped to handle the challenges of the field. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about leading the way. Invest in your education to invest in your future. P.S. We created an Auto specific complete 24hr CE bundle in partnership with AdjusterPro. If you are interested in learning auto while getting CE credits comment below and I'll send you the link.

Customer service isn’t just for retail—it’s a main part of being a successful adjuster or a collision estimator. Your ability to communicate clearly and empathetically can make all the difference in how claims are handled. Start by listening carefully to the policyholder’s concerns and making sure they feel heard. Then, guide them through the claims process with transparency, setting clear expectations about what will happen next. Excellent customer service sets you apart as an adjuster. The way you handle interactions can impact the entire claims experience. When customers feel supported and informed, they’re more likely to be satisfied with the outcome—even if the situation is challenging. Strong customer service isn’t just good practice; it’s key to your success in the field. Make customer service your strength. P.S. need help getting work? Comment below and we'll send you a link to our calendar to schedule a free coaching call.

You might think you don’t have the exact experience for the job, but your goal is to show how your past roles have prepared you. Review the job description and identify the key qualifications the employer is seeking. Tailor your resume to emphasize how your past experiences align with those needs. Use numbers to describe your accomplishments, like how many estimates you wrote or the percentage of claims you resolved. A tailored resume with quantified results stands out. Don’t just list your duties; highlight your accomplishments and how they relate to the role you want. Even if your experience doesn’t seem directly relevant, it’s your job to connect the dots for the employer. Numbers give your achievements weight, showing that you have the skills they need to succeed. Make your experience work for you. P.S. If you need more help you can check out the Adjuster's Resume Playbook on Amazon or if you need help getting work, comment below and I'll send you my calendar to set up a free coaching call with me or my mentor.

Trying to get work as an independent adjuster? Confused about why you aren't making progress and you are being "ignored?" I've got a free course for you. We call it the IA Industry Orientation. IT is all about how to get working FAST. It explains, • how the industry works • the players of the game • strategies to put the odds in your favor • and a whole lot more If you are interested in enrolling for free comment, "Orientation" and I'll share the link with you.

Writing a hail damage estimate doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Use a PDR Price Matrix with these 3 steps: 1. Identify the panel you’re assessing. 2. Count the number of dents on that panel. 3. Determine the size of those dents—dime, nickel, quarter, or half dollar. A well-documented estimate is essential. Don’t forget to consider necessary markups for materials like aluminum or high-strength steel. If a panel is difficult to access, or if you’re dealing with oversized dents, adjust your estimate accordingly. By following this simple 3-step process, you’ll write precise, defensible estimates that reduce disputes and increase efficiency. If you want more information about writing auto hail claims check out the Hail Adjuster's Playbook on Amazon.

Choosing between independent and staff adjuster roles can shape your career. Independent adjusters have the flexibility to work with multiple insurance companies, which can lead to higher earnings. But this freedom comes with the responsibility of managing your own business, from finding clients to handling taxes. It’s a path for those who value independence and are ready to handle the challenges that come with it. Is the freedom worth the extra responsibility? On the other hand, staff adjusters and collision estimators enjoy stability. Working full-time for a single insurance company or auto body shop provides job security, benefits, and a steady workload. While this means less autonomy, it offers a consistent environment and fewer administrative burdens. It’s the right choice if you prefer a stable, structured work life. Make the choice that best aligns with your goals.

Avoid QC rejections on your auto estimates with this tip. Attention to detail can make or break your auto damage estimates. Every item you include in your estimate must be backed up by a photo. If you can’t prove it with an image, leave it off the estimate and add it to your appraisal report instead. This way, if an issue comes up later, the insurance carrier isn’t caught by surprise. Thorough documentation not only ensures accuracy but also builds trust with both the customer and the insurance company. A detailed and well-documented estimate sets you apart. Remember, the more specific your estimates, the more accurate your repairs. By including precise information and supporting it with photos, you avoid disputes and ensure smoother claims processing. This level of detail and transparency reflects your professionalism and dedication to delivering top-quality work. Don’t underestimate the power of detail in your estimates.