Whether you are an independent adjuster seeking to get hired and sent out during a natural disaster or catastrophe or you are a staff adjuster who knows they will need to be ready when their company sends them, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are always prepared. Catastrophes like hurricanes follow certain seasons, which allow you to predict when you will be busiest and prepare seasonally. However, some catastrophes, like fires or earthquakes, don’t follow a season and can happen anytime. So no matter which type of claims you plan to adjust, it helps to “always” be ready. Avoid hurdles and be ready to go on assignment at any time by following these 4 suggestions:

1. Stay on top of your vehicle maintenance.
Be aware of your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule and keep up with it. You want to ensure your car is ready to go and won’t leave you stranded. It could be disastrous breaking down in an emergency area. It could also be detrimental to your career if car trouble kept you from an assignment. Also, make sure your car has jumper cables and a spare tire.

2. Make sure all your licenses are up to date.
When you hold licenses in many states, it can sometimes be difficult to remember when they expire. Periodically, take the time to make sure all your licenses are up to date and address any that are not. When your licenses are up to date, you can deploy immediately. Also, if there are states you have not yet obtained a license for, make a plan to take some time to do that. This makes you more hirable and increases your income potential.

3. Make sure your Continuing Education Credits are current.
Once or twice a year, take some time to review all your CE requirements for each license and check that you are up to date. If you find yourself needing CE credits, AE21 makes taking care of CE a painless experience.

4. Be committed.
It’s important to decide ahead of time to be committed once you take an assignment. This applies more to the independent adjuster, but it’s important to see the assignment all the way through. Some disaster areas and catastrophes can take much longer time in the field than you may expect. Decide ahead of time that you are committed for the long haul. Adjusters that see things through will find plenty of work. If you are an independent adjuster that has a time frame they need to commit to, communicate that up front to your recruiter.

These four keys will help open doors for assignments in the field when a catastrophe strikes.