COMPANY Related Questions
EDUCATION Related Questions
DEPLOYMENT Related Questions
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 Acclaim, 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 and auto claims. Amcat does not handle Workman’s Compensation Claims.
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 two 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:
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
Why would I attend Amcat’s Training versus other companies found on the Internet?
Not all training companies are adjusting firms. Amcat is an adjusting firm with a training facility. Since 1997 Amcat has been an adjusting firm of choice for many insurance companies. Amcat will give successful students the opportunity to deploy for Amcat and represent the insurance companies we work for.
Unfortunately, other companies have exploded within this business, especially training. These fly-by night companies typically do training out of hotel conference rooms and have no association with an adjusting firm or insurance companies. Instruction is generic and is tailored to move students in and out the door as soon as possible. No quizzes, tests or homework are given to test the student’s knowledge. These companies promise students services for resume development, help finding a job (keep reading) and education at the cheapest price with “No Failure Guarantees”.
Here is the worst part, at the departure of the class, students are given a list of adjusting firms to contact and send their resumes to. Yes, Amcat is on these lists distributed by other companies. It was a surprise to us too! We obtained one of these lists and confirmed many companies went out of business in the last 2-3 years. Buyers beware of fly-by-night training companies. Our recommendation is that you train with a company who can potentially put you work.
What are the classes needed to become a new adjuster with Amcat?
- Typically, most adjusters carry the Texas Adjuster’s License for Property and Casualty and Surety (P&C license) which has reciprocity in 32 other states. The state of Texas offers two licenses for adjusters: 1. P&C and 2. Texas All-lines Adjuster license. Both allow adjusters to work residential and commercial property claims, auto, inland and ocean marine and bonds. The difference between the two types of licenses is the All-lines license adds Worker’s Compensation to the curriculum and testing. Most adjusters specialize to a certain field of insurance so the Worker’s Compensation portion does not matter. If you plan to do residential property adjusting, the Amcat Education Center offers the P&C license for adjusters. This class is the usual starting point to become an adjuster.
- Next step in becoming an adjuster is to complete the Basic Property Adjusting Course. This course teaches the fundamentals of adjusting as well as how to produce claims using claim software. Some companies break the instruction of fundamentals and software away from each other. Amcat’s basic course combines software and fundamentals to make a comprehensive 60 hour course detailing how to complete claims in the field. Our course is more detailed than other companies because Amcat is an adjusting firm, handling situations with the insured, third parties and managing your business across the board.
- If the student does not pick up the software during the basic course, the instructors may recommend a standalone software course for additional proficiency. Adjusters must be able to show a mastery of the software before deployment. Amcat teaches Xactimate in all courses unless specified in the course description. The Xactimate course exceeds Level I, II and III instruction. We see a huge difference in the level of instruction from training company to training company. The bottom line is we are an adjusting firm and must teach the skills to produce claims to clear a quality control checking process within the insurance company. If you can’t produce claims in the software, which includes sketch and estimate writing, then you are not deployable.
Are ALL Basic Adjusting Classes, Adjuster 101 or Fundamentals of Adjusting classes equal from company to company?
The simple answer is NO. Additionally, you should know It takes time to learn a new industry and the information can’t be taught in a few days. Amcat’s basic course is a five day class that is one of the most in-depth basic courses in the industry. Amcat gives the most honest view of what the adjusting job entails and delves into topics most other companies omit.
Unfortunately, fly-by night training companies give the impression that training in just a few days is all the adjuster needs and that Insurance Companies and/or Adjusting Firms will be knocking down the door to hire you. This is not correct. It takes months or even years to build your business.
Know that the Independent Adjusting Business is no different than any other business. Through training, you master the basics and you can market yourself to adjusting companies. Amcat evaluates all adjusters through training and their prior experience before offering a contract and addition to our roster. No adjuster is deployed by Amcat without a current contract on file.
Can I get my Texas Adjuster License online with Amcat?
At this time, Amcat offers classroom instruction only for all classes and does not recommend online training. A potential adjuster could spend weeks and months studying and never complete an online program. Classroom instruction is structured to get the student to the end. In addition, you are able to market yourself as an adjuster.
Does Amcat offer professional development courses?
Amcat offers the following courses:
Basic Property Adjusting
Intermediate Property Adjusting
Advanced Property Adjusting
Software training courses
Client-specific certifications**
**Client-specific certifications are usually by invitation only
Do you have any special pricing for the Amcat courses?
Please contact our Customer Service department at 800-995-1433 Ext 232 to see if current specials are available.
Does Amcat provide certification for taking the courses?
Everyone who passes a course will receive a certificate for the course 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 - 25 credit hours
What are the benefits of attending Amcat adjusting courses?
Successfully completing Amcat’s courses will provide a number of benefits. With most of Amcat’s courses you will receive Texas CE credit hours required to maintain your license. Additionally, you increase your knowledge and ability to handle insurance losses at a professional level. Students who successfully complete our course may be offered a contract and added to our roster. A current, valid contract is required before deployment.
Will successfully completing Amcat adjusting courses give me priority for deployment?
We consider both training and prior performance with Amcat when preparing our 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 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 either a course completion certificate or CE credit.
Can I take the courses closer to hurricane season?
To gain the benefits of the Amcat adjusting courses, we recommend you attend one of our courses at your earliest opportunity. 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 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 changing. 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 cumulative score of 70% as 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 Education Center provides a contemporary classroom setting that is designed for the optimal educational experience.
After taking the Basic Property Adjusting Course, what other courses will I need?
The Basic Property Adjusting Course provides you with a strong foundation to begin property adjusting. To provide continued professional advancement, Amcat offers intermediate and advanced courses that 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 for courses that require the software. You will need to purchase a licensed copy prior to your deployment to handle loss assignments.
What are the lengths of the courses and when are they scheduled?
Please refer to the desired class for dates and times.
Do you have any recommendations for hotels near the training center?
Comfort Inn DFW North
5000 W. John Carpenter Fwy
Irving, TX 75063
Phone: 972-929-5757
Fax: 972-870-9567
The Amcat rate is $48.00. You MUST call in advance and ask for the Amcat rate. Call the hotel directly at 972-929-5757 and tell the Guest Services Agent that you are with Amcat to receive the special rate. This hotel offers shuttle service to DFW Airport, area businesses and to Amcat's Education Center.
If you plan to come in an RV we suggest The Vineyards Campground in Grapevine, TX. Grapevine is about 15 minutes from our location.
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, then within one year, you may 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. 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 remotely assist. 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 60% 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. In addition, Amcat provides E&O coverage to Independent Adjusters who work for Amcat (Subject to change without notice). Most companies may not even provide Independent Contractors this coverage. When comparing adjusting firms, this coverage could be important when protecting your business.
How are the expenses 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 Amcat
- “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 Amcat. You will not be reimbursed for unnecessary or poor quality photographs.
- “Long Distance Phone” charges incurred by adjuster that are billed on the claim. Long distance phone charges incurred by adjuster 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 Amcat.
- “Miscellaneous” charges incurred by the adjuster which are billed on the claim. Miscellaneous charges incurred by the adjuster 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 Amcat.
Do you cover any of our expenses, pay per diem, furnish any supplies, temporary computers, materials or software?
Per IRS guidelines, as an Independent Contractor, you have the responsibility to provide all of your materials required for 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 client’s requirements are:
- at least 3 years of property claims adjusting experience
- Proficiency in using Xactimate 25 estimating software
- Licensed adjuster in the locations assigned to work
- Have the equipment necessary to complete claims electronically (such as laptop computer, printer, digital camera) as well as other standard adjusting tools
Candidates are evaluated on an individual basis – please submit your resume and copies of certificates you have received to Amcat’s Human Resources Department for review.
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 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 no-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 cause one of our clients to utilize our services. |
