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Questions Inspectors Ask !
Because we need a quick turnaround, and because gas is so expensive, we ask that your area be limited to what you can comfortably do within the fee structure and time window. See maps for reference [Provide your area of coverage using these maps] Because we charge a flat fee, we pay a flat fee. There are special circumstances, of course. For confidential reasons we prefer you talk to us on the phone about this. No need to show our cards to the world, you understand. Within 30 days of your submission. Sometimes sooner; generally your oldest invoice may be about 30 days old, and others that are younger will be paid with it. We usually pay at least twice a month. 4. Do you pay mileage or expenses? No. As an independent, these are your responsibility, and we encourage you to keep extremely detailed records for your tax filings. 5. What tax records do you provide? We send a 1099 form in January of the next year. If you make less than $600, there will be no 1099 sent. We will need your social security number (required by law). No, you are not an adjuster. That is an entirely different field. What we do is paint a picture for the underwriter so they can get a better understanding of what is insured, and make a good decision. If damage is seen, though, you should make a note of it, but that is not the trigger that sends us out. 7. What triggers an inspection? New inspections are triggered by some change in the coverage; primarily a NEW event. It may be new coverage, a renewal (including some change), or a periodic update. 8. How many inspections do you have in my area? Right now there may be only a few, but we are getting our inspectors in place; more marketing in your state will increase the volume. We are positioning for future growth in the near future. 9. Are local agents often requested to verify my credentials? Yes and No. They are sometimes asked, but not often, and in fact, they wouldn’t know who we are anyway. Normally an insured is satisfied by seeing their agent’s name (be sure you are prepared with an IR in hand). Especially since 9-11, we have seen a slight increase in paranoia but are prepared to show our credentials to involved parties, because everything we do is completely in sight. We operate in the open, do not sneak around to obtain information, and are totally above board about every single thing we do. Some people dislike having to jump through hoops because it wastes time and they would like to get on with it, but we totally understand hesitation on the part of the insured. We are willing to tolerate the confirmation, and you should patiently tolerate it as well, and help as much as possible. It is increasingly becoming part of the process, and we all are adjusting. Remember, the agent will not know who you (or we) are, but they WILL know who the underwriter is, so, as much as the agent’s name is a key piece of information for the insured to recognize, the underwriter is a key piece of information for the agent to recognize. The underwriter might only be identified by initials on the IR so call us if necessary. You do not represent the insurance agent, nor the carrying company. You work for a third party verification service, at the behest of the underwriter. For more on this topic, see “How we represent ourselves to our clients’ customers.” Internet access, a digital camera, and a measuring wheel. Polaroid and 35mm cameras are no longer acceptable. 12. How do I dress to inspect? We expect you to look professional. A collared shirt, and slacks like khaki pants preferred. No sandals. No do-rags. Please no T-shirts. Shirt tucked in. If you are an off duty official, please don’t wear your uniform unless you are totally comfortable in doing so; it might frighten people or give the wrong impression that you are on official government business. Just make it clear that you are working on your “off” time. 13. I am a firefighter. How is this process familiar? It is very similar to the pre-plan you do for the fire department; type of construction, fire protection, layout of building, distance to hydrants, etc. The two most commonly used forms are the MP form and Dwelling form. They can be seen in Download the inspection forms As you can see the forms are mostly check list and fill in the blank type. Please answer all blanks and don’t give short answers. The more you explain the better. Keep in mind that when you are finished with your forms, a complete stranger should be able to read and know exactly without any question what this business does. Photos are worth a thousand words. If you can’t explain to someone what this business does from your forms, nobody else can either. Keep in mind you are our “eyes and ears” in the field. Our reports depend on your accurate prompt information. We are a team! If you need to add additional comments, please do so. You don’t need to over kill, but too little information does not provide necessary info. 15. How do I get the information back to you? We have new system called the Inspector Extranet. Upon being hired, you will receive a username, password, and and information explaining the Extranet. This new system allows you to input your forms and send photos via our website. Please use the Inspector Extranet to submit all work and pictures. If for some reason you are having problems with the extranet, please contact the office. Currently we have 2 team leaders/account managers who are your main contacts. Otherwise, Holley Mack, our office manager is the second in line for contact. 18. You sent me an inspection too far away. What do I do? LET US KNOW immediately. Don’t sit on it. We don’t expect anyone to work for nothing of course, and don’t want you to work at a loss, so let us know immediately if you are assigned zip codes that are too far to handle. By the same token, remember that you are a lot closer than we are, and if you have a bunch close together, remember those were easy. We take the good with the bad and feel it averages out. But if something is indeed too far, call and maybe we can get more fee, or make some other arrangements. Certainly. They are your best source of location information next to the insured themselves. Just don’t wear out your welcome. Treat them with utmost courtesy and be professional. Be familiar with the process before you call so you understand where you fit in the process. See description of operations. In many cases they can smooth the way for you and will help if they can. 20. I can’t find it! What do I do? Please exhaust reasonable efforts. Call the insured, if no luck, call the agent. If necessary, ask at a fire station or pizza parlor. Call us from the field. We are your support staff and will do all we can to help you find a location. Remember that most of us in the office have or still do field inspections, so we understand the frustration of dealing with field problems, and will do what we can to help you. Everything can be found; we just need to find the right person. It is VERY important that you contact us immediately with any delay or problem you incur when completing your request. If you are denied access or have an incorrect address OR anything that prevents normal quick completion/flow, call our office as soon as possible. If the address does not exist, and you cannot get resolution in any way or If the Insured does not answer phone or return calls, agent is unreachable or doesn’t know, then turn it in with explanation of your efforts. You will be paid a fair price for the effort. Nobody likes a dud. 21. Resolving conflicts: What do I do if the insured is uncooperative? First rule: Never have a confrontation. Maintain calmness and professionalism. Be sure you have calmly explained who you are and why you are there. Frequently we hear, “this is the first time this has ever happened to me.” This is probably just the first time they knew about it. If you are sure you have adequately explained and the insured remains confrontational, try to accommodate them in any way. If they want to call the agent, that is fine. Remain calm. If it is simply irresolvable and they want you to evaporate, thank them for their time, leave, and notify us as soon as possible. We are likely to call the agent and see if he can reason with them. Once they fully understand the gravity of turning you away they are likely to repent, so be sure you have professionally represented us and yourself, and be prepared to return and be nice. Either way you get paid so don’t worry about it. Just be sure you are NICE. 22. The insured says someone was already here to inspect. What do I tell them? Sometimes an agent puts together an insurance package for an insured that has many components involving more than one insurance company. It is very possible that another company has hired another inspector to look at another part of the risk. Reassure them that “this is your agent” (show them on the form) and that you have been hired to inspect this portion of the coverage. The other guy probably had another part of it, and it is not unusual at all. 23. Insured told me he also has Address B insured next door, or across town. Do I inspect it also?
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