In the insurance industry, the collaboration between carriers and independent adjusting firms is crucial—especially concerning daily claims management. It’s often overlooked how essential it is to establish an ongoing relationship focused on daily claims, rather than solely relying on independent adjusting firms during catastrophe events (CAT).
Why Building The Carrier <-> Adjusting Firm Relationship Matters
Familiarity Breeds Efficiency
Engaging an independent adjusting firm consistently for daily claims ensures that adjusters are well-versed in the carrier’s expectations and protocols even before CAT events arise. This familiarity greatly enhances their readiness and efficiency in deployment during high-pressure circumstances.
Strengthening Teams Through Experience
When carriers allocate a steady flow of claims—ideally 50 to 70 claims weekly—it allows independent adjusting firms to cultivate specialized teams tailored specifically to the carrier’s requirements. The benefit? These adjusters are prepared and know precisely how to support the carrier’s mission even during CAT seasons. I only the adjusters but imagine during a catastrophe event having to teach process and procedure not only to adjusters but QA and file review, desk adjusters, Call center requirements for FNOL, office staff at the independent adjusting firm learning invoicing guidelines. Bringing in new forms for a GLR and FNOL. Learning how the carrier works through claims is it in a data set built through email communication or is it in their own custom software, or Xactimate and XactAnalysis.
Quality Control and Confidence
Regular engagement with independent adjusters not only streamlines individual claims management but also solidifies Quality Assurance (QA). With continuous exposure to carrier-specific claims, QA teams can more rapidly review files and ensure the highest standards of service are upheld when handling the claims.
Loyalty as a Competitive Advantage
Carriers that provide consistent daily claims through independent adjusting firms foster a stronger bond, leading to loyalty from adjusters, which translates into enhanced performance during CAT, ensuring that only trained adjusters familiar with the carrier’s processes are on-site when disasters strike.
The Optimal Approach for Carriers
The best approach for carriers is not just reaching out to independent adjusting firms during CAT events but actively engaging them in daily claims handling. This proactive strategy strengthens relationships, boosts efficiency, and ultimately elevates service quality.
