Starting the Year Off Right – Tips for Claims Adjusters to Implement in 2016

Each year, millions of Americans set goals as the calendar changes to a new year. Are you one of them? Regardless if you’re trying to lose weight or give up a bad habit, there are many things you can do to ensure your work life over the next twelve months goes smoothly.

Here are a few tips that claims adjusters can use to start out 2016 right.

Tip #1: Take Inventory of Where Your Files Stand

Of all the things you can do at the start of the year, taking a solid inventory of where your case files stand is definitely an important one. While you probably already do this on a regular basis, taking a close look at the start of the year is a good way to see if there are any lingering files that simply require a few quick tasks to wrap up.

Review each one and jot down the next three things that need to be accomplished to take it to closure. Make a list of these tasks and start working on the easy ones, such as sending a letter or making a quick phone call. Repeat this process every few weeks throughout the year. You might be surprised how quickly the file closures happen by just taking this simple little step!

Tip #2: Put Together a Daily Routine

Another way to get your year started right is by putting together a daily routine. If possible, segment your day into different tasks to help keep things going as smoothly as possible. For example, maybe you decide to use an hour in the morning to answer emails or review files, and two hours in the afternoon to schedule recorded statements.

Of course, handling insurance claims files is never predictable for adjusters, so having flexibility in the schedule you choose is also important. If you have to change up things in a few weeks or months to accommodate what’s going on in your department, then that is perfectly fine. While it’s not always possible to stick to your new routine, it’s still healthy to have a general, predictable routine that you try for. It can definitely help break an overwhelming day up into something much more manageable.

Tip #3: Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To

The holidays are over and now it is time to get back to the grind. As claims adjusters, it is really easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday file handling—contacting claimants, taking recorded statements, staring at a daunting caseload, or even just answering a phone that is ringing off the hook. At the start of the year, it is really important to give yourself something to look forward to. Maybe it’s as simple as rewarding yourself with a cup of your favorite java from the coffee shop around the corner, if you can just get through the next five subrogation demands. Perhaps it’s a few days off in the springtime to get out of the office and enjoy the weather. Everyone is different, do what works best for you. Make sure you set rewards for yourself throughout the year, as having something to look forward to is an excellent motivator.

Tip #4: Think About Where You Want Your Career to Go

Very few people decide in kindergarten that they want to be insurance claims adjusters. Usually, it is a job that you get into one way or another that doesn’t have to do with initial career aspirations—and that is totally okay. It’s a great career. But, now that you’re here, be thoughtful about what you’d like to achieve in your role. You have a multitude of different options to consider as you work your way up the ladder.

The beginning of the year is a good time to think about where you want your job as a claims adjuster to go. Are you hoping to rise into management? Or do you simply want to make a lateral move into special investigations, theft, or some other department? Take time at the start of the year to really think about where you want to be twelve months from now and make a list of everything that needs to happen in order to make this a reality. Review this list every month to make sure you’re making progress.

While these are just a few tips to consider, our team at Allegis Transcription wishes you a very happy 2016!