In this hour-long Q&A session, Josh answers the burning questions from the claims community—covering everything from software costs to breaking into management.
1. Practice Xactimate Without Breaking the Bank [08:38]
A common question is whether you need a full $600+ monthly subscription just to practice.
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The Shortcut: Instead of paying for a full license, enroll in a reputable certified training program like Adjuster TV or MOCAT.
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The Perk: These programs often provide access to free or discounted trial versions for practice while you learn [10:42].
2. Transitioning from Home Inspector to Independent Adjuster [19:16]
If you have a background in home inspection or construction, you have a massive head start.
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Market Yourself: Don’t just wait for the phone to ring. Use LinkedIn to share your expertise 3 times a week [33:02].
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Be Visible: Claims managers often hire the people they “see” most. Building social proof online ensures you’re the first person they think of when a storm hits [33:41].
3. Getting Paid: Managing the 1099 Cash Flow [36:46]
One of the biggest fears for new adjusters is not getting paid.
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The Reality: Unlike a W2 job, independent pay cycles usually trigger only after a claim is billed and closed [38:33].
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Pro Tip: Always ask a firm about their specific pay schedule before taking an assignment so you can manage your personal cash reserves [41:56].
4. Moving from “Adjuster” to “Management” [01:08:23]
Being a great “individual contributor” doesn’t automatically make you a great manager.
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The Transition: Start taking “managerial” tasks off your boss’s plate now. Offer to train new hires or handle escalated files for your peers [01:10:42].
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Build the Resume: Tailor your resume to show mentorship and team leadership, not just high claim volume [01:11:31].
5. Addressing “Job Hopping” in Interviews [01:14:55]
With recent industry restructuring, many adjusters have gaps or short stints on their resumes.