10 Things I Wish I Knew as a New Property Adjuster (That No One Taught Me)

By Kevin Sodke

Starting out as a property insurance adjuster feels a lot like being thrown into a storm. Here are 10 things I wish someone told me when I was just getting started.

**By a seasoned adjuster who's made the mistakes—so you don't have to** Starting out as a property insurance adjuster feels a lot like being thrown into a storm—literally and figuratively

Between learning estimating software, driving hundreds of miles a week, and figuring out how to deal with emotional policyholders… it's a lot

When I started, I thought I was prepared

I had the license, the training, the notepad full of acronyms… but what I didn't have was the kind of **real-world insight** that only comes from being in the field

So whether you're gearing up for your first storm deployment or your first desk claim assignment, here are **10 things I wish someone told me when I was just getting started**. ## 1

You Will Make Mistakes—Own Them Early You're going to mis-measure a roof

You'll miss a line item

You might even call the insured by the wrong name (true story)

It's okay

What matters is how quickly you own it, fix it, and communicate it. **Pro tip:** Mistakes become learning moments when you admit them early and ask for feedback. ## 2

Documentation is Everything If it's not documented, it didn't happen

That includes photos, notes, phone calls, and even voicemails. **Use this mantra:** "When in doubt, write it out." A year from now, when a claim is reopened, you'll thank yourself for the extra photo of that ceiling stain or the timestamped note from the homeowner call. ## 3

Your Schedule Will Fall Apart—Have a Backup Plan Traffic, no-shows, bad weather—it all happens

Smart adjusters don't just have a plan A

They build buffers into their schedule and use tools like **Claim Route 360** to reroute, reschedule, and communicate changes instantly

Don't try to be a hero with eight inspections in one day. **Aim for smart, not overloaded.** ## 4

Your Vehicle is Your Office You'll spend more time in your truck than you think

Treat it like your mobile command center. - Keep a charger, clipboard, measuring tape, snacks, spare boots, and a towel. - Invest in a good phone mount. - And yes—organize those files, or they will own you. ## 5

People Skills Are Just as Important as Estimating Skills You might be a wizard with Xactimate, but if you can't communicate clearly with homeowners, contractors, and carriers, you'll struggle. **Your job isn't just to assess damage—it's to manage expectations.** Be honest, be professional, and always over-communicate. ## 6

Learn One System Inside and Out There are tons of tools and software platforms out there, but pick one and **master it**—especially if it's what your firm or carrier uses most

Whether that's Xactimate, Symbility, or a scheduling platform like Claim Route 360, **proficiency = speed**

And speed = more claims closed. ## 7

Photos Win Claims Take more pictures than you think you need

Then take a few more

Wide shots

Close-ups

Overviews

Directional photos

Make it idiot-proof—for the reviewer and for yourself six months from now

Remember: **the photo tells the story the policyholder forgot to mention.** ## 8

Stay Ahead of Burnout Adjusting is mentally and physically demanding

Long hours, emotional customers, technical reviews—if you don't schedule breaks and protect your downtime, you'll burn out fast

Hydrate, stretch, sleep

And remember: **burned-out adjusters make expensive mistakes.** ## 9

Find a Mentor (or at Least a Veteran to Vent To) You will have questions

You will doubt yourself

And sometimes, you just need to talk through a weird roof pitch or that claim where the insured swears they "don't know how that hole got there." **Find someone who's been through it—and listen.** They'll save you time, frustration, and possibly your career. ## 10

Use Tech That Works for You (Not Against You) Don't try to Frankenstein your workflow with 12 different apps

Get one solid, integrated platform that handles: - Scheduling - Routing - Client communication - Notes & documentation - Calendar syncing **Claim Route 360** does all of this, and it's built by adjusters who've been in your boots

Trust me—it's the sidekick you didn't know you needed. ## 🎯 Final Thoughts: You're Going to Be Fine No one is born knowing how to write perfect estimates or calm a stressed-out homeowner

It takes **reps, patience, and the right tools**

You're going to mess up

You're going to grow

And one day soon, a new adjuster will ask you for advice

Until then? Keep learning, keep asking questions, and don't forget your ladder straps. **🚀 Want a Smarter Start to Your Adjusting Career?** Try **Claim Route 360**—built to streamline the chaos, support your growth, and let you focus on the part that really matters: **getting claims done right**.