Essential Tools for Field Adjusters
As a field adjuster, having the right tools for the trade is crucial for efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Here are some essential tools, in no particular order, and their importance: ( All of the links I provide are to top rated items.)
**Measuring devices**: Helps in accurately measure dimensions of the property or damaged areas for precise estimates and documentation. I suggest using both a classic measuring tape and a laser measuring device. If the batteries run out while you are onsite for an inspection, you can fall back on your trusty measuring tape. Some devices measure and export data directly to common industry software.
**Digital Camera or Smartphone**: Allows for taking high-quality photos and videos of the damage, providing visual evidence for claims processing. Photos are a requirement in insurance claims and having a great camera is essential. Many adjusters use their personal phone to do the job and that can be fine, but make sure you have a great smartphone case with a wrist strap.
The last thing you want to experience is your cell phone sliding off the edge of a roof, or getting it soaked in inclement weather. Additionally, you may have to use the cell hotspot service to have internet access on your laptop, so having it smashed can put a big dent in your day and your income, not to mention your reputation!
A great alternative to using your cell phone is a rugged waterproof camera with a large viewing screen and high resolution photos.
You will want high resolution pics so the adjuster at the desk can zoom in and see the details of the loss. And in some cases you will be discussing certain items with the claimant on-site, so a large viewing screen can aid in communicating with the claimant who wants to see what you are assessing.
In some cases, such as in a CAT situation, that cell phone may be your Hotspot internet connection for the laptop you can’t work without. You don’t want to use up the battery taking photos, and of course, as I stated, a broken phone can leave you in a real bind. Of course, in a CAT you can always opt for a mobile router and wi-fi hotspot.
**Laptop or Tablet**: Enables real-time access to claim files, communication with the office, and the ability to generate sketches, estimates and reports on-site. You will want a fast processor, excellent graphics card and max RAM to run common industry software. Pro tip: The more time you save, the more jobs you can do = more money in your pocket! If you can do the estimate on site, you are already winning!
**Moisture Meter**: Useful for detecting hidden water damage, which can be crucial in assessing the extent of the claim.
**Safety Equipment**: From hard hats, gloves, safety goggles, respirators, filtration masks to excellent footwear, ensure personal safety while working in potentially hazardous environments.
Check out the daily claims style of footwear. Industry standard is not a sneaker, btw. Show up as the professional that you are, while wearing durable and safe footwear.
Check out specialized boots for safely climbing roofs. These boots are a must for safely doing your job. Roofs can be deceptively slick. The last thing you want is a fall.
**Ladders**: Safe passage to the roof and other high areas that need measuring and inspection. Be sure to get proper training to stay safe out there!
**Sketching Tools**: Such as graph paper or an app for creating accurate diagrams of the property layout and damage. Some industry programs integrate with the iPad to measure and sketch the location directly into common industry software, saving time. This allows you to schedule more jobs, which means more value to your bottom line.
Here are some cool notepads for writing in all kinds of weather. You’ll want at least one of these. Trust me, I've been in the rain and watched the ink run down the wet paper, wishing I had one of these notepads!
**Flashlight and work lighting**: Essential for inspecting dark or inaccessible areas, especially in the case of power outages or locations where power has been disabled area-wide.
**Tool Belt or Organizer**: Keeps tools organized and easily accessible, improving workflow efficiency. No need to waste time going back and forth to your work vehicle.
**Drone**: Provides aerial views for assessing roof damage or inaccessible areas, saving time and enhancing accuracy. As a caveat, I’ll say that you will most likely need a drone license to operate one on the job, and some major carriers do not accept images from drones.
By having these tools readily available, a field adjuster can complete inspections more efficiently, accurately assess claims, enhance documentation, and ensure personal safety while working alone in the field.
Each tool has its own importance and I’ll be writing more extensively about each of these in related blogs.
Previous posts:
Flashlights and Extra Lighting for Field Adjusters
Empowering Desk Adjusters: The Crucial Role of a Mighty Computer in Claims Assessment
The Essential Investment in Quality Desk Chairs for Desk Adjusters
Best Ladders for Field Adjusters
Safety Equipment for Field Adjusters
The Crucial Role of High-Quality Monitors for Desk Adjusters
Moisture Meters in Field Adjusting
Laptops and Tablets for Field and Desk Adjusters
The Importance of Skincare for Field and Desk Adjusters
Smartphone VS Digital Camera for Field Adjusters
Adjustable Desks for Desk Adjusters
Field Adjusters' Precision Arsenal: Key Measuring Devices for Accurate Assessments
Essential Tools for Field Adjusters
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