by kajcomp » Tue Sep 22, 2009 05:51 pm
I have had my life/health insurance license for a few years and have tried my hand in sales and have found that sales is not my strong point. I do not have a degree. I am wondering what other jobs there are within the industry, using my current license - I am not opposed to obtaining further licensing if an additional licensing will further my possibilities in finding the right kind of career for me within the industry. I am not opposed to tele work; or work in the field would be good. I am currently caring for an ailing family member so I absolutely need to be an independent as I will need the flexibility of hours to work only when I am able; more or less on a part time basis with no quotas, etc. What is the criteria for, and also educational, certification requirements for jobs such as loss control, risk management, and also what is the job outlook for these types of positions. Or please suggest any other positions in the industry. Thanks.
Posted: Tue Sep 22, 2009 07:32 pm Post Subject:
Being independent has it's ups and downs. I enjoy the freedom of being my own boss and taking off whenever I feel like it. Depending on your skills, you can get into public adjusting pretty easy. I came from the auto collision side and started off only doing damage appraising. I got lucky and got hooked up with a local adjuster who started giving me small assignments doing everything from surveillance, workmans comp, slip and falls etc. I am also lucky that I have many sources that I can go to for help or hire for assistance. 80% of adjusting is just gathering facts and using common sense.
Over time you can develop your skills for other areas. Thats whats nice about being independent, that you can pick and choose what assignments you want or are comfortable with. My main source of business, is the trucking and cargo business and it is pretty easy to find work as many of these companies are self-insured. The downside of that is being on call 24/7. Being awoke in the dead of night, is never fun-but it's exciting.
In my experiance the pay is very good. I personally charge by the hour and have adjustable rates for different kinds of work. I really was rather suprised that the major insurance companies paid their staff appraisers so low for the amount of work they do. The downside of being indpendent, is if you are not working, there is no salary or benefits package to rely upon when times are slow. However, I would not trade this same job for a salary position.
It's fairly simple to get business. Ask businesses who they have insurance with or if they are self-insured who their TPA is. I hardly go anywhere without asking this question. I always get at least a phone call and a couple of assignments out of this. I now have some large company's that use me exclusively.
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