When dealing with the complexities of commercial losses during catastrophic events, the implementation of Team Adjusting has proven to be an exceptionally effective strategy.
This approach is characterized by several critical elements that collectively contribute to its overall success, although this is not a new concept in anyway, it is important to identify specific assets within the teams adjusting concept:
Specialized Groups
Team Adjusting entails the formation of diverse teams comprising adjusters who bring a broad range of skills tailored to various aspects of managing a claim. This specialization allows for deeper insights into individual claims and enables more efficient problem-solving for the complex scenarios that often accompany CAT events, but also can’t be beneficial in complex, large loss daily claims.
Role Designation
Within these teams, each adjuster is assigned specific responsibilities, ensuring a thorough and organized management of claims while simultaneously promoting a culture of professionalism and accountability. The individual assigned teams positions could be as follows:
- Team lead, executive general adjuster, or general adjuster. Depending on the size of the claim will determine if an executive general adjuster is needed or if a general adjuster can be used. This person manages the claims process and the individual adjusters within the team.
- Estimate lead writer. This adjuster writes the claim by gathering information from the different adjusters within the team, taking direction from the team lead. It is critical that this person has an in-depth knowledge of Xactimate, XactAnalysis and Time and Materials.
- Estimate writer 1-4, these adjusters assist the estimate lead writer, depending on the size of the loss, four or more assistant writers can be involved in the claims process.
- Contents lead adjuster, this adjuster is assigned when contents are a part of the claim.
- Contents adjuster 1-4, these adjusters are assigned if the amount of contents is too much for one adjuster.
- Administration Adjuster, these adjusters take photos, they are responsible for the GLR and are often delegated to communicate with the insured and often the carrier. They are responsible for all diary, entries and ultimately responsible for building the claim and moving it forward. Working directly with the carrier and the Q&A process. In times where time and materials are used they are responsible for journal entries for invoicing.
This clear delineation of roles fosters a sense of ownership among adjusters, ensuring that every aspect of the claims process is meticulously overseen and executed.