Should You Accept VA Work?

[@thecasualreviewer2148]

7:44 Incorrect I always have to schedule the appointments. I also have to use Xactimate and I also am expected to be able to ID most of the building materials and make measurements. So no if you are a VA Inspector, you WILL be expected to write reports, but you will not be expected to sketch or write an actual estimate. It's a lot of customer service work as well as sort of an archival or filing job. It's both Blue Collar & White Collar work. You'll need a laptop and a REALLY GOOD phone connection (eventhough you'll go to places with no signal either way).

[@AdjusterTV]

This video is 3 years old and what I said was correct for the work I was doing at the time. Also, it just depends on what company a person is working for. They all do it a little differently.

[@Christian_Pierce22]

Excellent videos. (All of them are excellent) thank you thank you thank you.

[@StackBundle]

As a 23 year old with just some roofing/siding and data entry experience this sounds like a very appealing way to start getting more relatable experience for adjusting. If I can actually find the work... I know this video is a few years old but to me it looks like it's mostly gone to the insured having a video call with the insurance company instead of sending out a VA.

[@Leotheconstructionguy]

Great video I’m currently working for a pa I’ve been thinking about becoming a ladder assist/ va

[@joypendergraph6967]

Thank You.....very informative!

[@AdjusterTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kevincolts]

Thanks for the info, Matt. I trained with Pilot last year for Harvey and decided this year that I'd like to do this again. I signed up for the VA program and just received the online classes I need to take before taking their 4-day class in Richardson TX. My fellow adjuster friends didn't think this was a good idea. Glad to hear your pros and cons of the VA program. I'm gonna do this while I work on obtaining my permanent license.

[@AdjusterTV]

Sweet! Thanks for watching!

[@chrisjackson8225]

How much is the pay doing this

[@boyshanks]

@@AdjusterTV Great and informative video. Are these virtual assist opportunities still available?

[@thecasualreviewer2148]

I've been doing it. Trust me...I'm not taking much money from other adjusters.

[@Eli-we1rs]

I have been a technician for Hancock claims for almost 4 years. We do a lot more than take a front of risk. We do an entire inspection like we do for any carrier and then have to do the inspection all over again. It is only for Allstate. Working on becoming and IA. Love your videos

[@0ne1even-1]

I like that Kuiu shirt! I'm a fellow hunter located in Nevada. I am trying to transition from working in Oil and gas to Insuramce adjustment! I love your videos!

[@roberthughes4143]

This is a great channel and thanks for taking the time to make such informative content. That being said the content in this particular video is outdated. I have done close to 100 Virtual Inspections and you do now have to be licensed. You also have to be able to scope damages properly and relay that info to the Desk Adjuster. No one holds your hand you are expected to be able to identify damaged as a full adjuster except you don't write the estimate. You will also be the main person representing the Carrier that the Homeowner sees. You will also be the one who meets with the Roofing contractor and the Public Adjuster if there's one. The requirements get more complex by the week. Too much to go into! Thanks again!

[@D02rock]

It’s not getting you in the door. It’s closing the IA door via under cutting.

[@AdjusterTV]

Time will tell. Everybody I've spoken with on the IA firm side about this, is keeping their powder dry and waiting to see how this shakes out over the next 2-3 years. Also, it's commonly believed that IA firms are responsible for this... It's actually the carriers who are pushing hard on the VA stuff. So we'll see what happens.

[@foeking6039]

Love all your videos Matt but why didn't you mention that the desk adjuster makes a decision or assessment from her desk

[@AdjusterTV]

Because they don't always make a coverage decision from the desk. The firm may have split up the scope/write roles and the carrier may have an arrangement with the firm to just turn in scopes and estimates and they (the carrier) will make the decision and finish the file.

[@Maadhawk]

Problem I have watched from my father doing the VA program with Pilot, is that Pilot is doing it through a separate company that they calls "Pilot Services on Demand". It sounds good up front and looks alright on paper, but there is a huge disconnect between working VA and working Cat with Pilot as a result. It puts you on a different email system and takes you off the availability rosters with Pilot's other service sectors. So when that big storm comes, you do not show up as available to be placed on standby for those storms. My father found that out the hard way when I got placed on standby for flood deployment with Hurricane Barry and received nothing. He called in and found out that working VA is considered a deployment and locks you out of the rest. What is going on to lead to this situation? I do not know and will not speculate. I do know it was billed as something we could do to keep us busy, keep money coming in between cat deployments, and keep us in our skills. This is all true, but the transition between working VA to cat deployment and then back to VA is something that needs significant improvement.

[@AdjusterTV]

Hmm.. interesting. Well, you're probably right but this VA stuff is still in it's infancy so there's going to be some growing pains. I think what I'd do in this situation is if I see that there might be a big hurricane, I'll make myself unavailable for IOD and try to get on standby as a field adjuster. If they won't let you do that, there are dozens and dozens of other IA firms out there to get on standby with. Pilot is a great company and I have nothing bad to say about them, but you gotta look out for number one first. If that means jumping over to another IA firm to run hurricane claims, then so be it.

[@Maadhawk]

@@AdjusterTV THat is what he had to do. He stopped registering as available for IOD assignments and wrapped up those he already had. Then he called Pilot Deployment and worked to get himself on standby for Hurricane Barry. Big thing we took out of this was, besides that the VA systems still need refinement, is to not lump all our eggs into a single IA firm's basket.

[@travisraul1919]

Our company has been doing Virtual's for about a year. We're a "Hybrid" company that performs these daily. You must have pretty extensive training to perform these inspections correctly. The preliminary inspection is done by the technician before the claim is called in on the "VA". There is also a lot of scheduling that goes into this program. Contractor's on the SCN-NETWORK (Direct Repair) does not have the job locked in or have rights over the claim. There is really no "Declining" claims at will. Scoping a property correctly takes a lot of training in knowing functional or non-functional damages, aligning photo report, knowing your components, understand defects, and completely labeling photos, roof assessment Forms, etc. You have to communicate with several people throughout this entire process. The pay is based upon a Fee Schedule which covers tarps, fall protection, multi-units, interior/exterior measurements, etc. Being a ladder assist/claims technician is not always considered experience with carriers.

[@AdjusterTV]

True. But the ia firms I’ve spoken to on this tell me that they’ll onboard folks from their VA pool into full-fledged adjusters. So it’s not me speculating, just passing thru info. VA is a hot topic right now and I think that in two years it’ll look a lot different than it does now. For the time being, it’s good for newbies to get their feet wet and I see no reason it shouldn’t be taken advantage of in that way. Personally, I’d rather see everybody be a well-trained IA. This is a stepping stone, imo. Thanks for your feedback!

[@AdjusterTV]

And to clarify, the VA stuff I’m referring to in the video is usually done on a live video conference. So a trained property adjuster is directing the VA on what to inspect and take photos of. They’ll also talk to the insured via the video conference as well. Totally agree that a scoping without guidance requires experience and training.

[@travisraul1919]

Adjuster TV - honestly, I believe IAs are pretty much done with larger carriers. The new guys that are being trained are considered “Hybrids”. The majority are ladder assist/claims tech, adjuster, and contractors all bundled into one. The majority of the VAs passed through Allstate are being given to large ladder assist firms. Sometimes the adjusters do the VA through a live collaboration and other times they’re direct inspections where the live call is not completed. Further, these direct inspections also take place on some reinspections for additional Photo Documentation. The only thing I was trying to explain is that ppl wanting to get into doing this do need some type of experience and/or training. Identifying functional or non-functional damages is a little bit more extensive then what’s being explained. If you’re a VA there are several responsibilities and you’re labeling photos and filling out RAFs. I respect what you’re doing in teaching others what’s going on in the insurance world. You’re awesome for teaching others about the industry. However, I wanted to clarify on somethings to ensure that the correct information is out there.

[@LDMCooks]

I work for a company that does virtual adjusting and it’s the worst thing for the adjusters handling these claims and for their customers. It’s going to stop once they get hit with bad faith claims. You can’t see fraud if you you do virtual inspections. Customers hate this. They expect an adjuster to inspect their house and business.

[@loganroca]

LDM Creations & Cooks u r wrong

[@GeeTee2023]

What app are you talking about? when accepting these virtual jobs?

[@AdjusterTV]

When you sign up for these programs, they will give you the apps you need.

[@chrishay4572]

absolutely, this is how i am clawing my way into the business, great video and keep it coming!!

[@dehjosh]

This is actually kind of funny. I actually came to the conclusion that i wanted to do CAT adjusting just yesterday but I have no training in the field. And felt no one would hire someone without it. Doing something like this a few hours before my actual job to get the experience is great. Plus since I only have a hatchback right now I can take my telescoping ladder and do single floor jobs.

[@AdjusterTV]

It's a good way to test the waters and ease in to full-blown claims. Thanks for watching!

[@globalinvestmentsrealestat491]

Thank you

[@AdjusterTV]

You're welcome!

[@greydad316]

Super helpful info! Thanks Matt

[@AdjusterTV]

You're welcome!

[@PrimeTime__]

On my way to a house now. I agree with your perspective. I'm new to the industry, only worked Irma. So far it hasn't been bad, but the claim volume is low at times.

[@AdjusterTV]

Yeah, this is has been a pretty slow year by all accounts. In my experience it's probably an outlier as far as volume (low) goes.

[@nicolaio4482]

VA takes anywhere between 45 min and 1 hr 30 min . If you will add couple of hours driving it does not look like 150 $ for 1 hr at all - more like 150 a day LOL

[@AdjusterTV]

The only VA inspections that I've done that were more than 45 minutes were my first ones. Especially if it's not a live call.

[@loganroca]

Hey, I work for IOD and I wanted to share some insight.. my average claim pays $170 and now that I’ve been doing them for awhile the entire process takes me 45 mins max. The trick is you have to schedule your inspections for the same day in the same area. You bust out 5 of these a day for 2-3 months and your sitting pretty nice work schedule and money.

[@nicolaio4482]

@@loganroca where are you located ? I rarely get 3 or 4 a day in my area

[@loganroca]

@@nicolaio4482 Ohio

[@sofaking1968]

Heard Ladder Now is doing the same including some interior inspections.

[@AdjusterTV]

Interesting. Well, VA is still a new-ish thing and I don't think we've really seen what it's going to look like in it's final form.

[@rooftopirishman4571]

I signed on as a VA for pilot but I’m not seeing any work. I didn’t know until I signed on that it was only for wind and hail damage on roofs. I live in California so i don’t see any work.

[@AdjusterTV]

Check out onsourceonline.com and wegowork.com They'll have more stuff, mostly auto, but it's a good start. Pilot is ramping up their VA stuff to include daily stuff coming up later this year.

[@markinaction1]

Great info again Matt. I am pretty much watching everything you have posted. I am a soon to be retired firefighter/paramedic in Florida. I am currently working contents for a friend who is a public adjuster. He is keeping me busy with local stuff. However, this VA stuff is really interesting as another side hustle for myself and even for my Wife who is a full time 1st grade teacher. Can you do another video possibly listing some ways to become a VA or just directly contact me? Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@AdjusterTV]

I'd reach out to Pilot Catastrophe, Crawford (wegolook.com), and really any other IA firm and just ask. It's pretty straighforward to start picking up VA work.

[@danmorris1078]

Your info seems to be "Spot On." I just got signed on with Inspectors On Demand. I was wondering if I was on the right track. Now I know after watching your video. 😀

[@AdjusterTV]

Thanks for watching, Dan! Keep me posted on your progress with IOD.

[@loganroca]

Hey Dan! I’ve been with IOD for 12 months now wanted to know how you are liking it! I stay very busy in Ohio and I’m loving the process!

[@shawngregory8018]

This is really helping Matt. I still intend on coming up and doing your program, but I’m deathly gonna jump on this. I’ve had this sitting in my email box for two weeks and I didn’t understand what it was. I was focused on just adjusting. I do have my license and I do have some exacta mate training, but I think this is the way for me a complete newbie to get in get paid to do at least a part of the process, learn it, and get my foot in the door with the company from the beginning. I’m fairly sure that when a big storm event hits,I’ll be able to step right in because I do have my license thank you for this

[@greydad316]

Great info as usual Matt. If the VA work is primarily wind and hail claims for now, would the opportunities be limited to a few states primarily? $150 is good pay for the effort required, and experience is always valuable especially for a wannabe like me, but would it make sense to drive several states away to earn it in your opinion? I’m currently beginning the process of obtaining my SC license and still have a regular job.

[@AdjusterTV]

Hey, SHMtv.. As long as there was adequate volume, I'd absolutely drive to any state to earn $150 per inspection. What is adequate volume? My total daily earnings would definitely need to meet or exceed my current pay after expenses (hotel, fuel). It's hard to get that kind of volume as a VA. You might consider slowly picking up daily work locally on your days off and then think about taking daily assignments in a high-need area like Seattle/Portland or the NE. You'd have to quit your day job, but if they have a lot of volume, it would be worth it. The key is volume in any of this.

[@greydad316]

Adjuster TV Thank you Matt. Good advice!

[@mssherne]

Hi. Is deployment time for a VA shorter than for a CAT IA?

[@AdjusterTV]

A deployment for a cat IA can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. VA work will most likely be in your home town. There have been VA deployments on the hurricanes, but I don't know if they're shorter than a regular deployment or not. What city do you live in?

[@mssherne]

@@AdjusterTV I'm in Phoenix.

[@AdjusterTV]

I know that Phoenix/Tucson can get some pretty gnarly wind and hail, especially during the monsoon. I don't think a non-resident adjuster license is offered so if you get a resident license, you could probably stay pretty busy at/near home..

[@mssherne]

@@AdjusterTV Great. I'll look into it. Thanks so much for your prompt response and for informing me of another avenue in this field!

[@AdjusterTV]

@@mssherne No worries! An AZ license is more of a golden ticket than NY, if you ask me:) Keep us posted!

[@millpai1322]

Hello Mathew. Thanks for this video. How do you get into VA? Could you post more info please? My background is in construction

[@AdjusterTV]

Hi, Mill.. I heard about it from Pilot a couple of years ago and tried it out. Check out www.inspectorsondemand.com There's a bunch more info there.. Thanks for watching!

[@dougallen7497]

Matt great videos great information for us newbies Im excited about the opportunities, also your video on no work in 2018 and what to do was great Thanks videos give a lot of info and direction

[@AdjusterTV]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@georgewidich6076]

I see Xactimate is offering a Video Collaboration option where the policy holder can do basically the same thing. It may be limited as most policy holders may not likely want to get involved that much but it might reduce some of the need for outside VA work. Thoughts?

[@AdjusterTV]

When I was a staff adjuster, we were encouraged to try to settle things over the phone/FaceTime when possible - and if it made sense to. But any roof claim had to go to the field and any claim with damaged flooring that extended into another room. But for smaller claims they definitely want to close those via FaceTime, etc. VA is just one option for claims handling and it's not going to eliminate the need for trained, experienced field adjusters. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@gramnet]

very informative. I think it would be a great way for me to get comfortable doing field especially since i'am a newbie and have only done desk for a short time during this cat season. Thanks for your insight.

[@AdjusterTV]

Hey, any time.

[@AdjusterTV]

You're welcome. Did you do file review or were you handling phone claims?

[@DarrenQuigley]

So I just finished my license and waiting for Texas to give it to me, I just finished my life 2 months ago so it shouldn't take to long. This looks like a great way to get "some" experience so when you go in for an interview you can say you have the experience, true? Thanks for the vid!

[@AdjusterTV]

Yes, this is true. Pilot has told me specifically that they prefer to deploy adjusters out of their pool of Adjusters On Demand pool when there's a huge cat like a hurricane.

[@mariapino1129]

Hi Matt, Great videos and advise. I am an IA in Miami and things have been very slow Dec/Jan. I’ve just been receiving 1-2 daily claims per week, some weeks nothing. I will be applying with some adjusting firms this week to try and get on their rosters. I have a few more qiestions to ask you, but I will send you an email.

[@AdjusterTV]

Sounds good Maria!

[@jay-sama-]

Can a desk adjuster work from home? If so how can I land that as a part time job?

[@RockviewResidential]

Hey Matt, very informative. Lots of insight.

[@advancedadjustingltd8693]

Our Virtual Adjuster Program is a mentorship situation and only uses Licensed adjusters looking for experience or just a few extra bucks.

[@AdjusterTV]

Hey there.. Sorry I missed this comment! Are you folks going to be at NACA?

[@gqgemini8249]

Wow just wow. Thank you for this info!

[@j223ej3]

Mad Sky will let you do 10 claims and tell you they will not pay!

[@AdjusterTV]

I did not have that experience when I did inspections for them. Were you doing sales for them or just photo inspections? They paid me like clockwork last summer.

[@loufurrs3898]

The two companies you talked about pay for was pilot and who else?

[@AdjusterTV]

Madsky

[@surfsunsand]

Much of your info is outdated. Pilot is not doing VA. Most insurance companies are having the homeowner do the photos.

[@AdjusterTV]

Thanks for the update on this 4 year old video.

[@surfsunsand]

@@AdjusterTV Hey your welcome. Nothing like deceiving people for KZbin views.