The organized insurance adjuster is the successful adjuster. By nature, the career of insurance adjusting requires you to be organized because the world of adjusting can often be all over the place.

You have multiple clients and case files and you may work in an office, in the field or both. If you are not organized, things can get chaotic quickly. Begin your new career as an insurance adjuster by creating good habits. Have all of your tools and documents organized and easily accessible and create systems that will help keep you organized. The organized adjuster is a valuable asset to both the employer and the customers he or she serves.

So, here are a few habits to become an organized adjuster and maximize your work day.

Manage your time

First, even though it’s tempting, avoid mixing in any personal agenda items during the day. Even a little email or phone call here and there can mess up your workflow. If there are things you must take care of, try taking 10 minutes before or after lunch to handle those personal calls or emails. It’s better than scattering it throughout the day and messing up your flow.

Use block scheduling when possible. Often, the insurance adjuster’s life requires you to be flexible. But whenever possible, try to stick to a schedule and routine that works for you. Instead of responding to work emails throughout the day, block specific times of the day that you respond to emails. Having certain similar tasks that are all scheduled to be accomplished during the same chunk of time makes you more efficient than going back and forth from one thing to another.

Create Systems.

One of the first ways to implement systems in your workday is to keep a prioritized to-do list. While you will need an overall to-do list, start by making a to-do list that you will reference for each claim file. This is a system you can use for every single claim you receive. A systematic checklist gives you a consistent approach no matter the size or circumstance of the claim. Claims require incredible attention to detail and completing all the necessary steps in the correct order will help you avoid missing important details that can negatively impact the claim. Missed steps and tasks can also cost you time. For overall to-do lists, place what needs to be done immediately at the top of your list and then put the other items off until you have more time. Always have a top goal of what needs to be accomplished each day.

There are many to-do list apps that can help you from having notebooks everywhere. This is especially handy because you may not always be in the same place.

Organization While Traveling

Speaking of not being in the same place, certain types of adjusters often work on the road. If your car is also your second office, keeping a clean and neat system will help you maximize your time. Purchase a large bag that allows you to organize everything you need with you. Bags on wheels can be slightly larger, allowing you to carry more items without adding stress to your shoulder. Organize papers in file folders or in a binder, and keep extra file folders with you as you add more paperwork. Everything you need to do your job should have its own place where it can be safely stored and easily accessed. Consider keeping a bag in your trunk with all the items you may need in the field. Depending on the type of claims you will be handling that might include measuring tape or a laser measure device, an extension ladder, a digital camera, and a pair of boots. It’s a good idea to have backups of your most used or most crucial items in case something happens to one in the field. For example, if you usually use your cell phone to take photos, consider keeping a backup digital camera in your vehicle in case something happens to your phone or your phone’s camera.

Going Paperless

Cut back on paper whenever possible. Yes, it helps save the trees, but it also helps your sanity and keeps you organized. Keep your online forms and e-documents organized on your computer. You do not want a cluttered desktop. Take the time to determine a few different folder names that can house your files. Place those on your desktop or in a toolbar. Give everything a name so it is easy to find. Electronic clutter can be just as detrimental as paper clutter so keep claims files and documents in an organized file structure that you can easily find and navigate. Keep your calendars and lists in the cloud or on your hard drive so you’ll never have to fish around for them.

The work of an adjuster can often be fast-paced and keep you jumping from one foot to the next. Without a system in place you can get overwhelmed and things fall through the cracks, details are missed, and mistakes made. It’s important to figure out a system that works for you, make a note of every action you take and conversation you have, and keep a detailed schedule you stick to.

---