How to Be a CAT Adjuster

CAT adjusters settle catastrophe insurance claims.

A CAT, or catastrophe adjuster, is a professionally licensed insurance adjuster specializing in catastrophe claims. Immediately following a natural catastrophe, the demand for claims adjusters dramatically increases. CAT adjusters need specialized training to inspect and offer fast and fair settlements for property damage caused by tornadoes, fire, hurricanes, floods or earthquakes. Most people entering this specialized field first become licensed insurance adjusters, later acquiring specialized training and skills in catastrophe insurance claims, thereby making their skills more marketable.

Instructions

1. Earn a bachelors degree in architecture, engineering, criminal justice or business. Although a bachelor’s degree is not required, most insurance claims companies prefer candidates with this type of degree. If you plan on becoming a catastrophe adjuster education in engineering or building structures is preferred.

2. Become an intern or find a job as an insurance adjuster intern first. Work toward and study for the state adjuster license in your state. Take insurance adjuster classes at a local college or enroll in distance learning insurance adjuster school. Obtain your insurance adjuster license from your state by taking the final exam at the insurance adjuster school you choose. Gain a few years of experience in the insurance claims field after becoming licensed. Learn about policies, endorsements, exclusions and handling of all types of insurance claims.

3. Take specialized CAT adjuster courses or an all-lines adjuster licensing course. An all-lines adjuster license prepares you for a variety of different claims adjustments and gives you highly marketable skills. Find these types of courses at local universities or through distance-learning programs. Most insurance claims companies will pay for special certification and courses. If the company you work for does not offer additional training courses, apply for similar positions in other companies.

4. Become familiar with highly-specialized insurance adjuster software programs like Xactimate or Powerclaim. This software helps make calculations of property damage and loss amount, and is used by most insurance claims businesses.

5. Register with catastrophe adjuster association websites like CATAdjuster.org, National Association of Catastrophe Adjusters or the National Association of Independent Adjusters to access mentoring programs, specialized classes, news bulletins and classifieds for catastrophe adjusters or adjusters who want to specialize in the field.

6. Network with independent insurance adjusters. Go to conferences and meet adjusters from other cities and states and ask about becoming a catastrophe adjuster. Often, the best place to find leads and offer your services is with other independent adjusters. Get to know the claims managers for different companies and build relationships with them.

7. Send independent adjustment claims companies your resume, update all your training and contact managers periodically. If you are deployed to a catastrophe area, perform excellent work, contact the manager and keep them constantly updated both in writing and verbally. One of most difficult aspects of a disaster area is communication and keeping clients informed of the status of claims.

References

• CSU Future Teacher Organization: Independent Insurance Claims Adjuster – 4 Steps to Become a Cat Adjuster
• The Adjuster School: Texas All Lines Adjuster Licensing and Training
• AITECH Institute: Become a Professional CAT Adjuster

Resources

• CAT Adjuster: Headlines
• National Association of Catastrophe Adjusters: Welcome
• The National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters: Information