Advertise on podcast: The Independent Adjuster Podcast (IA Path)

Tom Vogel certified with IA Path in June 2020, right in the middle of Covid, when everyone else was shutting down. Five years later he's still in the field, still working six firms, and still answering direct messages from community members with questions. He joined our Monday night office hours to share what five years of building an independent appraiser business actually looks like. The boundaries that protect your sanity. The time blocking that keeps you from working until 2am, even when you still sometimes do. The week he landed 14 heavy equipment claims at one location and walked away with $3,700. The routing app he uses for free because he refuses to pay $10 a month for the pro version. And yes, he did all of this with five grandkids running up and down the hallway. This is what a real career in this industry looks like. Not the highlight reel. The whole thing.

Strategic licensing is the key to landing auto desk deployments, with firms prioritizing adjusters who hold multiple state licenses for maximum claim-handling flexibility. While most experienced desk adjusters eventually acquire 20+ licenses, you can gain an advantage by strategically selecting which licenses to obtain first. • Firms filter deployment candidates by looking for adjusters with licenses in all affected states • Weather patterns should guide your licensing strategy (Midwest states for hail season, Gulf states for hurricane season) • Hard-to-obtain licenses like South Carolina appraiser's or New York adjuster license make you more valuable • States requiring special appraiser's licenses create barriers that can help you make the "short list" • Having licenses in frequently hit states increases your chances of being selected for deployments • Knowledge and competence remain essential—licenses alone won't help if you can't do the job Keep walking your path and claiming your life!

Wondering how to land that dream work-from-home auto adjusting position? This episode unveils the pathways to remote work in the independent adjusting world that many aspiring adjusters don't fully understand. I break down the crucial distinction between desk deployments (working at a call center or office) and genuine remote work (from your home or location of choice). For auto total loss adjusters, the typical journey begins with proving yourself in a controlled environment for 2-3 weeks before earning the trust to take your laptop home. The financial upside is significant - maintaining that $400/day rate while eliminating all travel expenses makes these positions incredibly valuable. While competition exists for these roles, they're more accessible than most realize. Success hinges on two key factors: appropriate licensing in states with active claims and demonstrating competence that instills confidence in your ability to work independently. I also explore the alternative path through auto damage remote work, where adjusters write estimates from photos submitted from the field. This option typically pays per claim ($10-$20 each) rather than daily rates, creating different opportunities and challenges. The choice between these paths involves important tradeoffs. Auto total loss remote work provides steady, predictable income but requires strict adherence to schedules with little flexibility during working hours. Auto damage remote opportunities offer more freedom but potentially inconsistent claim volume. Whether you're seeking a primary income source or supplemental earnings alongside field adjusting, understanding these distinctions will help you navigate toward the remote opportunity that best fits your goals and lifestyle. Ready to explore these options further? Contact us at 844-4-IAPATH or check out our certifications at iapath.com to build the experience requirements necessary for these positions.

Every adjuster dreams of landing those long-term deployments that offer stability and consistent income. The secret? Auto desk deployments – but not just any desk role will do. In this eye-opening episode, I share insights from my experience during Hurricane Sandy, where I witnessed firsthand the crucial difference between short-term field deployments and months-long desk opportunities. Drawing from both personal experience and knowledge gained from family members who became supervisors in the industry, I reveal why total loss adjusting positions are the golden ticket to sustained deployment work. While field auto adjusters typically wrap up their catastrophe work in 1-3 weeks, total loss adjusters often remain deployed for months, earning $400-500 daily. The industry faces a significant training gap in preparing adjusters for these specialized roles. Most firms offer woefully inadequate preparation – some as brief as five to seven minutes – which explains why many adjusters get sent home early from what could have been long-term assignments. I walk through exactly what total loss adjusters do: negotiating settlements with vehicle owners, determining accurate valuations, managing salvage, verifying liens, and processing titles. These responsibilities require specific knowledge that goes well beyond basic adjuster training. Ready to position yourself for these coveted long-term deployments? I share exactly what you need to do – from acquiring the right licenses to seeking specialized training that will help you succeed where others fail. Whether you're looking to diversify your adjuster career or find more stability in this volatile industry, this episode gives you the roadmap to scoring those elusive, lucrative auto desk deployments that keep you working when others are sent home.

The skies are rumbling and "nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars" are falling across the country – it's hail season! For independent adjusters, this means opportunity is literally raining down. Are you positioned to capitalize on these $500 per day catastrophic deployments?

The journey into independent adjusting can be overwhelming, but this episode empowers aspiring adjusters to take charge. We guide you through essential tips and strategies to transform knowledge into action, helping you navigate the complexities ahead. • Introduction to independent adjusting and its significance  • Key strategies for building a strong professional network  • Importance of taking action and learning from experiences  If you have more questions or would like custom advice for your situation, email Chris or call 844-4-IAPATH. 

Navigating the onboarding process can feel overwhelming. We discuss the essential steps and offer insights on how to position yourself for success in the independent adjusting field.  • Overview of the onboarding process and its purpose  • Essential documents required for onboarding success  • Insights into what to expect during onboarding interactions  Launch your independent adjusting career by following our guidelines and strategies for success. Stay engaged with the firms that onboard you, as consistent follow-up can make all the difference! 

Connecting effectively through networking is essential for success as an independent adjuster. Visibility and relationship-building are important in transitioning from a new professional to a respected member of the industry. • Understanding the importance of networking for new adjusters  • Building a polished online presence with platforms like LinkedIn  • Creating and nurturing genuine relationships in the industry  Start building connections today and watch as opportunities begin to find you. 

Tailoring your resume is key to landing your job, especially in the independent adjusting field. A well-crafted resume can act as a high-impact advertisement for your skills and qualifications, grabbing attention in mere seconds.  • A resume isn't just a job history, but a marketing tool to sell yourself  • Customization is essential for each job application, using keywords from postings  • Keep your resume to one page, focusing on relevant skills and experiences  If you're looking to refine your resume, download the free template from the IA Starter Kit to get started!

Certification isn’t just a rite of passage; it’s a pivotal step that bridges the gap between knowing and doing in the independent adjusting world. This episode explores the importance of certifications like Auto Damage and CCC1, showcasing how they empower adjusters and validate their skills, illustrated by Linda Thompson’s inspiring transition into the industry.  • Importance of certifications as professional validation  • Overview of Auto Damage certification's practical skills  • Significance of mastering CCC1 software  • Linda Thompson's journey from USPS to adjusting  • Boosting confidence and capability through certifications  • Encouragement to pursue recognized certifications with IA Path

Starting a business as an independent adjuster involves practical steps that lead to empowerment and independence. From obtaining your EIN to getting the right insurance, each action taken brings you closer to establishing a professional identity.  • Emphasis on transforming dreams into action  • Steps to obtain EIN for business identity  • Importance of creating your company structure  • Necessity of opening a dedicated business bank account  • Role of insurance in protecting your business

This episode reveals that merely being licensed as an independent adjuster is not enough to secure work. It emphasizes the importance of practical skills, mentoring, certifications, and the limitations of relying on IA firm training. • Importance of foundational skills and training  • IA firms as customers, not educators  • Transforming training experiences into career opportunities  • The value of finding a mentor in the field  • Certification programs that enhance employability  • Gaining practical experience through body shop work  • The advantages and risks of online vs. in-person training  • Hidden costs of low-cost training options  • Overview of IAPATH’s comprehensive training program

The episode explores the essential licensing requirements for independent adjusters, detailing the steps needed to obtain the necessary credentials based on various scenarios in the field. It emphasizes the importance of understanding state regulations and provides actionable guidance for aspiring adjusters to navigate their careers effectively. • Key licensing considerations for independent adjusters  • Differences between auto damage appraisers and adjusters  • State-specific licensing requirements and resources  • Importance of practical training before licensing exams  • Benefits and opportunities of catastrophic claims work  • Strategies for obtaining non-resident adjuster licenses  • Steps to enhance your competitive edge in the industry

The episode explores the IA Advantage & the EXP Free Roadmap, a mindset shift that empowers independent adjusters to focus on daily auto claims for career success. By emphasizing local competition, affordability, and flexibility, listeners learn how to take control of their path and thrive in the industry. • Introduction to the IA Advantage and its significance  • Advantages of focusing on daily auto claims over catastrophic ones  • Local competition improves odds for independent adjusters  • Consistent daily claims provide continuous opportunities for work  • Lower startup costs and financial barriers for daily auto adjusting  • Flexibility allows for part-time work and career transitions  • Success story of an adjuster who thrived using the IA Advantage  • Overview of the two-phase, seven-step EXP free roadmap  • Encouragement to take control and start building an independent adjusting career

Independent adjusting can feel like a lottery, with many new professionals struggling to navigate the traditional path dominated by high-stakes competition and financial barriers. Exploring alternatives can provide a clearer roadmap to success that enables direct engagement and career satisfaction. • The traditional IA path is fraught with challenges  • Competition is fierce, with thousands of licensed adjusters  • Waiting for catastrophic events leads to uncertainty  • Significant upfront costs hinder entry into the field  • Quitting stable jobs can create financial strain  • The high-pressure environment can lead to reputational risk  • A restructured roadmap can enhance individual success