COMPANY Related Questions
Why work for Amcat?
Amcat has an outstanding reputation for performance in the industry. Amcat uses state-of-the-art systems (i.e., Xactanalysis and Amdex, Amcat’s proprietary claims tracking system), that parallel the direction of industry technology. Our extensive client base allows Amcat to provide Independent Contractors with claims year round. Amcat’s experienced staff is unmatched in the claims industry.
Who are Amcat’s clients?
Amcat’s clients include a large base of national and regional carriers. Our client list allows us to provide nationwide claims to Independent Contractors.
Where does Amcat handle claims?
Amcat handles claims anywhere in the United States and its territories.
Does Amcat handle claims other than catastrophe claims?
Amcat specializes in catastrophe claims including, but not limited to hail storms, wind storms, ice storms, earthquakes, floods, and fires. In addition, Amcat handles Property and Casualty claims such as daily property claims, liability claims, auto claims and others, except worker’s compensation claims.
How many Independent Contractors work for Amcat?
Amcat has an extensive roster of Independent Contractors giving us the capability to handle any level of event, large or small.
Do I have to sign a contract to work for Amcat?
Amcat requires that all qualified Independent Contractors sign our contract before receiving assignments.
What is a qualified Amcat Independent Contractor?
There are two ways to become qualified with Amcat:
- Beginning Independent Contractors must successfully complete the Amcat Basic Property Adjusting Course.
- Experienced Independent Contractors with 2 or more years in the field must submit a detailed resume, including references, to Amcat’s Human Resource Department for review and verification. The Human Resource Department will notify the Independent Contractor if they have met the requirements for Amcat qualification. Resumes can be submitted:
By mail: Amcat
PO Box 1068
Coppell, TX 75019 |
By e-mail: info@amcatusa.com
By fax: 972-829-2140 |
For what length of time is Amcat’s Independent Contractor contract valid?
Our Independent Contractor contracts are valid from January through December of each year.
EDUCATION Related Questions
Does Amcat offer professional development courses?
Amcat offers the following courses:
Basic Property Adjusting
Intermediate Property Adjusting
Advanced Property Adjusting
Software Training courses, and Client Specific certifications.
See our “Training” page for full details, including course dates and registration.
What are the costs for Amcat’s education courses?
Current Amcat Course Prices are:
| Basic Property Adjusting |
$795 |
| Intermediate Property Adjusting |
$950 |
| Advanced Property Adjusting |
$850 |
| Software Training courses |
$300 |
| Earthquake Certification |
$400 |
| Texas Pre-licensing |
$400 |
| Client Specific certifications |
$300 |
Client Specific certifications are usually by invitation only
I have heard that Amcat offers a rebate program on some of the property adjusting courses.
Amcat offers the following rebates on paid course tuition upon successful completion of the course:
- Basic Property Adjusting - A full rebate will be given to the Independent Contractor upon submission and acceptance of 40 files form Amcat , which are accepted by the client.
- Intermediate Property Adjusting - A 50% rebate will be given to the Independent Contractor upon submission and acceptance of 40 files form Amcat , which are accepted by the client.
- Advanced Property Adjusting -
After successfully completing ten (10) Amcat Commercial claims we will rebate the entire tuition $875.
- Software training courses are $300 – No rebate
- Client Specific certifications - No rebate
- Texas Pre-licensing - No rebate
- Earthquake Certification - No rebate
Terms and conditions apply to all rebate offers. The Independent Contractor must successfully close 40 claims assigned from Amcat within one year of successful completion of the Amcat course. The rebate offers must be claimed within one year from the date the Independent Contractor successfully completes the course. Please contact our Customer Service department at 800-995-1433 for further details. Independent Contractors are responsible for maintaining records of their completed claims.
Do you have any special pricing for the Amcat courses?
Please check our Training Page, or contact our Customer Service department at 800-995-1433 to see if current specials are available.
If I work for a different adjusting firm during the year and later receive work
from Amcat will the course rebates still be applicable?
Rebates pertaining to the course you completed with AMCAT are valid for one year from the date of completion.
Does Amcat provide certification for taking the courses?
Everyone who passes a course will receive a certificate for the course they completed. In addition, you will receive the following hours for Texas CE credits:
- Basic Property Adjusting - 25 credit hours
- Intermediate Property Adjusting - 30 credit hours
- Advanced Property Adjusting - 24 credit hours
- Software Training - 20 credit hours
What are the benefits of attending Amcat Adjusting Courses?
Successfully completing Amcat’s courses provide you with a number of benefits. With most of Amcat’s courses you will receive Texas CE credit hours required to maintain your license. Additionally, you will increase your knowledge and ability to handle losses at a professional level. Successful students will have the opportunity to sign a contract with Amcat which enables you to work files for our clients.
Will successfully completing Amcat Adjusting Courses give me priority for deployment?
We consider both training and prior performance with Amcat when preparing our Independent Contractor deployment rosters.
Are the Amcat Adjusting Courses like the others I have already taken with
other companies?
Amcat’s courses are unique because of our facilities, and our hands-on approach to training. Our typical course content is 50% classroom, 30% hands-on exercises, and 20% practical application.
Can my spouse attend Amcat Adjusting courses with me?
If classroom seating is available; you may bring your spouse for half price. Your spouse will not receive an Amcat Independent Contractor number and is not eligible for a course completion certificate or CE credit.
Can I take the courses closer to hurricane season?
To redeem the benefits from the Amcat Adjusting courses we recommend you attend one of our courses at your earliest opportunity. Additionally, successful completion of a course now will ensure that you are ready to deploy for Amcat to any storm event.
Are the classes taught by Amcat personnel?
Yes.
What kind of knowledge should I expect to receive from taking the Basic Property Adjusting Course?
Please check view our Basic Property Adjusting Course page for specific details.
Why would I need to take classes if I already have experience adjusting
and/ or experience in construction?
The claims industry is constantly evolving. New policies, insurance regulations, construction techniques, client requirements, and software updates are examples of these changes. Continuing education is the only method the Independent Contractor has to stay informed and maintain a professional standard.
What If I don’t pass an Amcat course?
Amcat considers a score of 70% or greater passing. If you do not pass an Amcat course, the training department may invite you to retake the course at no charge.
What is the set-up of the training facility?
Amcat’s National Training Center provides a contemporary classroom setting that is designed for the optimal educational experience. In addition, the National Training Center provides the use of a full-scale house that shows both actual and demonstrated damages an Independent Contractor will encounter in the field.
After taking the Basic Property Adjusting course, what other courses will I need?
The Basic Property Adjusting course will provide you with a strong foundation to begin property adjusting. To continue professional advancement Amcat offers intermediate and advanced courses which will lead your professional growth in the right direction. Amcat strongly advocates that Independent Contractors follow through with AIC, CPCU and RPA designations. Our web site explains the professional education and career progress you can expect with AMCAT.
What computer equipment is required to attend the Amcat courses?
You must have a laptop computer that uses at least Microsoft Windows XP as the operating system.
What claims software does Amcat teach and/ or support?
Amcat currently teaches Xactimate at our National Training Center. Amcat supports three major claims estimating software packages: Xactimate, Integriclaim, and Simsol.
Do I need to purchase Xactimate to attend the courses?
You will be provided demo versions to complete the courses that require the software. However, you will need to purchase a licensed copy prior to your deployment to the field.
What are the lengths of the courses and when are they scheduled?
Please refer to the Training Page for class dates and times.
Do you have any recommendations for hotels near the training center?
You must make your own hotel arrangements.
Amcat suggests you use the services of the Temporary Housing Directory. You'll get better hotel rates.
Call them direct at 1-800-817-3220 for immediate help with your needs.
NOTE: It is very important that you mention you are attending an Amcat training course. They will then do all the work for you and locate a nearby hotel with the best rate.
What is Amcat's Tuition Refund Policy?
Tuition may be refunded up to 7 days before the beginning of a class and upon return of all class material. If an adjuster is unable to attend a selected AMCAT course, they may within one year, reschedule the course or select a different course with the same tuition.
DEPLOYMENT Related Questions
What kind of field support does Amcat provide for Independent Contractors?
When an Independent Contractor is deployed to an event a supervisor will be available to assist. Amcat Supervisors will be available by phone, email or in person, to answer your questions at each storm location. Amcat’s Quality Control department will also be available. If you encounter problems with one of the claims estimating software (Xactimate, Integriclaim, and Simsol),we have personnel to assist with the problem, remotely. In addition, Amcat’s Customer Service, Information Technology, and Claims Tracking departments are on hand to offer assistance.
As an Amcat Independent Contractor, how much can I expect to earn?
Ultimately, YOU will decide how much you will earn based on what you accomplish and how well you perform. Amcat Independent Contractors are paid 65% of the basic service fee from a tiered fee schedule that is agreed upon with a client. The fee schedules differ based on the client, and the amount of the property loss.
How are the expenses that are billed to a file reimbursed to the
Independent Contractor?
The Independent Contractor receives 100% of the following charges when they are billed, and paid by the client:
- “Out of Town” charge billed on the CLAIM. Out of Town charges may be prorated based upon the number of CLAIMS handled in a given area. Out of Town charges will be included on the invoice to the CUSTOMER at the discretion of the PRINCIPAL’s supervisor.
- “Extra Photos” in excess of the minimum number that are billed on the CLAIM. Extra Photos (above the minimum number required by the CUSTOMER) will be charged to the CUSTOMER at the discretion of the PRINCIPAL’s supervisor. CONTRACTOR will not be reimbursed for unnecessary or poor quality photographs.
- “Long Distance Phone” charges incurred by CONTRACTOR that are billed on the CLAIM. Long Distance Phone charges incurred by CONTRACTOR will be included on the invoice to the CUSTOMER if they are relevant and necessary for the proper adjustment of the CLAIM. Cellular air time is not considered a Long Distance Phone charge and therefore, will not be considered for billing purposes. Long Distance Phone charges will be included on the invoice to the CUSTOMER at the discretion of the PRINCIPAL’s supervisor.
- “Miscellaneous” charges incurred by CONTRACTOR which are billed on the CLAIM. Miscellaneous charges incurred by CONTRACTOR will be included on the invoice to the CUSTOMER if they are relevant and necessary for the proper adjustment of the CLAIM. Miscellaneous charges will be included on the invoice to the CUSTOMER at the discretion of the PRINCIPAL’s supervisor.
Do you cover any of our expenses, pay per diem, or furnish any supplies,
materials, or software?
As an Independent Contractor, per IRS guidelines, you have the responsibility to provide all of your materials required to do the job. Please confer with your accountant for specific IRS guidelines.
Can I present a certificate awarded from a different company and still be
put on your roster?
Yes. We request that you provide copies of all certificates you have received from other companies. If you are an experienced adjuster, you may be placed on our roster without additional training. However, depending on your background and training, we may require you to attend additional certification and training classes at AMCAT in order to work for specific clients.
For example, one clients requirements are:
- at least 3 years of property claims adjusting experience
- you must be proficient in using Xactimate 25 estimating software
- you must be a licensed adjuster in the locations you are assigned to work
- you must have the equipment necessary to complete their claims electronically (such as laptop computer, printer, digital camera) as well as other standard adjusting tools
Candidates are assessed on an individual basis – please submit your resume and copies of certificates you have received to AMCAT’s Human Resources group for review.
By mail: Amcat
PO Box 1068
Coppell, TX 75019 |
By e-mail: info@amcatusa.com
By fax: 972-829-2140 |
Will specific training be provided on a storm by storm basis for each client?
Yes. Whether you have been certified by another company’s training or have been through AMCAT’s professional training, you will be required to participate in an orientation before being deployed to a storm location and receiving claims.
I only want to work in a specific area, possibly one close to my home. Is this possible?
Yes.
Am I required to sign a non-compete agreement before being deployed by Amcat?
Independent Contractors must sign Amcat’s Independent Contractor Agreement. The agreement contains the following clause:
“COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE. – [Independent] CONTRACTOR has the right to perform services for others during the term of this Agreement, however, during the term of this Agreement, [Independent] CONTRACTOR shall not, directly or indirectly, either as a [Independent] CONTRACTOR, client, consultant, agent, principal, partner, stockholder, corporate officer, director, or in any other individual or representative capacity, engage or participate in any business that is in competition in any manner whatsoever with the business of PRINCIPAL.”
Will I receive equal opportunity for deployment even though I am a new
Independent Contractor?
Amcat grades all of their Independent Contractors based on performance, and/ or ability; not by seniority. Amcat seeks Independent Contractors that produce consistent quality work, improve their skills and abilities, and strive to expand their knowledge in the claims industry.
Are Amcat Independent Contractors allowed to work in teams?
The answer is addressed in the Amcat Independent Contractor Agreement as follows:
“[Independent] CONTRACTOR may, at [Independent] CONTRACTOR’s expense, use any employees or subcontractors as [Independent] CONTRACTOR deems necessary to perform the services required of [Independent] CONTRACTOR by this Agreement. Any employee or subcontractor used by [Independent] CONTRACTOR must have the same professional qualifications as [Independent] CONTRACTOR and must agree to adhere to all other guidelines as put forth in this Independent Contractor Agreement by executing a separate agreement agreeing to same. [Independent] CONTRACTOR must notify PRINCIPAL in writing of [Independent] CONTRACTOR’s intent to use subcontractors prior to using or engaging subcontractors. [Independent] CONTRACTOR remains fully liable for all acts and/or omissions, including any penalties assessed by CUSTOMER, of any subcontractor engaged pursuant to this section.“
How soon can I go to work for Amcat?
The first step is to become a qualified Independent Contractor with Amcat. The rest is determined by events, which causes one of our clients to utilize our services.
