Search
 
Commentary

Claims Adjusting: The Past, Present and Future

Despite all of the gains, many claims organizations remain hamstrung by inconsistent handling and outcomes. So why is it that with all of the technology at our fingertips, our investigative abilities are often lagging behind where they were a generation ago?

By Christopher Tidball | Updated on April 16, 2014

As I was sitting through a fascinating discussion being facilitated by “Practical Futurist” Michael Rogers, I couldn’t help but reflect on how things have changed when it comes to insurance claims. When I began my claims career in 1989, the first George Bush was president and Pontiac still made cars. I know, because my first company car was a Sunbird. In fact, many adjusters had company cars because our job was done in the streets, miles from the types of service centers that handle the majority of claims today.  

The tools of the trade were simple; a Polaroid camera, a Dictaphone, a calculator and estimating sheets. We had no computers or cell phones. If you wanted to make a call, you dropped a quarter into a pay phone and hoped someone on the other end would pick up. All of our “Adjuster Notes” were handwritten. Changing reserves meant filling out a form in triplicate and waiting a few days for processing. There were no iPhones, iPads or iAnythings for that matter. I think it was the early 90’s when I got my first mobile phone, which was roughly the size of a cooler you’d take to the beach on a warm summer day—and it weighed just as much.   

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free
PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader.

INCLUDED IN A DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP:

  • All PropertyCasualty360.com news coverage, best practices, and in-depth analysis.
  • Educational webcasts, resources from industry leaders, and informative newsletters.
  • Other award-winning websites including BenefitsPRO.com and ThinkAdvisor.com.

Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

Recommended Stories

PropertyCasualty360

Join PropertyCasualty360

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed decisions for your P&C insurance business. Join PropertyCasualty360.com now!

  • Unlimited access to PropertyCasualty360.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including BenefitsPRO.com, ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on PropertyCasualty360, National Underwriter, Claims and ALM events

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join PropertyCasualty360

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.