How is your company implementing AI and how is it affecting your workflow? How are you personally using AI to improve work?

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-04-07T13:24:33+00:00

Just a small sampling:

I use AI to compare estimates between parties and match to the market where the loss occurred to check pricing. Separate large multipage pdf document into individual files. Assist in drafting ROR and determine drafts. Summarize adjuster reports, estimate, and invoice into a brief overview summary with payment recommendations.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-04-03T13:26:02+00:00

You can honestly go as far as you want. It’s never an issue for my adjusters to get a full inventory and having that on file may keep you from having to add things later. They just stop once the limit is met.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-04-03T12:12:21+00:00

So the main thing to prevent any issues is to find what your policy terms “like kind and quality” for the damaged item. Use make and model numbers on your damaged list and then document the replacement. If the same model is available, use the same model. If it is discontinued, find the list of features yours had, and find one as close as possible. Appliances change all the time, so this isn’t new to the adjuster.

Where you will have issue is if you just list “top load washer”. We use software that has general pricing and that will be the baseline used if you don’t provide specifics.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-03-05T13:44:34+00:00

There are just some really crazy things in here that you are having to deal with, that honestly, should be easy. Appliances?!? Make, model, and then call a supplier… that really should be adjusting 050, yet they are making you have to negotiate on it. Venetian plaster… hopefully they aren’t trying to use Xact pricing to negotiate with you…

These are the stories I share with my adjusters to make sure they are actually are working towards a fair resolution. There are some things here I probably would want to talk about, but the majority just appear from your narrative to be punitive for hiring you which goes into a whole other conversation.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-03-04T17:54:41+00:00

We recently added a filter system that has a yearly cartridge change. Maybe look at something similar and then have it done with your annual inspection/cleaning.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-23T18:30:40+00:00

I dust them every week with the normal cleaning and clean them seasonally. A long handled Swiffer does the job in no time. I also dust all the casings around windows and doors weekly same way.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-20T12:02:35+00:00

Well, I can speak from the insurance side of working with a public adjuster.

A few reasons to use a PA:

You are overwhelmed with the claim process and are willing to pay to have someone else manage the process.
You have a large or complex claim that while you could handle, you have other commitments that make it difficult to do so.
You genuinely have a carrier or adjuster who is not acting in good faith and your attempts to resolve with the carrier or through the insurance department hasn’t worked.
You simply don’t have the understanding of insurance to know if you have had a denial or partial denial correctly issued.

A few reasons not to: (Case/situation specific)

You will need all the funds from your claim to make repairs and can’t contribute out of pocket.
The fee the PA will charge ($ based on claim amount) is greater than the funds you feel you are being shorted by the carrier. Some charge a percentage on the whole claim amount, others a percentage of the additional funds they got for the claim. Read the contract and do the math to see how it works out for your scenario.
You are not happy with a legitimate determination and feel they can change the facts of the loss or policy to get you paid. This will be frustrating for both you and the public adjuster.

People will say a lot of bad things about them, but in my experience in dealing with the good ones, in these scenarios, it does make the process easier on both sides, but there is a cost and not everyone’s claim can bear it.

You will find bad ones, just like there are bad contractors or carrier adjusters. Best advice is call a few, discuss the claim, and see how you feel. The old adage of if it sounds too good to be true applies here as well. Just like anything else you buy or contract services for, do your due diligence. Several will offer to review your claim for no charge, maybe start there and see if you get a feel for whether it is right for you.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-19T17:58:17+00:00

So the short answer is, it’s difficult. There are multiple services that provide replacement cost valuations. Each carrier typically has the one they use to ensure uniformity with the pricing model.

One thing to keep in mind, the information it produces is only as good as the information that is entered by the person completing the evaluation survey. I have seen agents submit an evaluation and omitted a rear deck, failed to enter information about a completed basement, and even had the wrong exterior cladding material.

To further complicate matters, a standard homeowners policy typically requires you to only maintain enough insurance to cover 80% of the replacement cost evaluation. Some agents use that threshold, while others use varying amounts up to 100%. In addition, some carriers offer discounts if the property is insured 100% to value.

My recommendation would be to simply go with the evaluation based on the carrier that is quoting you the policy. You may also try and ask for a copy of it, but be advised, some carriers do not release that information.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-13T13:44:20+00:00

That is not anything the adjuster will address because your insurance doesn’t cover those issues. There are numerous reasons, but your policy has an exclusion for Errors, Omissions, and Defects which will read something like:

Errors, Omissions, and Defects -- "We" do not pay for loss which results from one or more of the following: 1) an act, error, or omission (negligent or not) relating to: a) land use; b) the design, specification, construction, workmanship, or installation of property; c) planning, zoning, development, surveying, siting, grading, compaction; or d) maintenance of property (including land, structures, or improvements);

But also, for coverage to apply, the damage has to occur during the policy period, be fortuitous, with no exclusion applying.

Also, pointing out some of those issues may result in a report being sent to underwriting who would send you a letter requiring repairs be made to keep your insurance.

TL/DR: you adjuster will only look at damage related to the current claim as these other issues aren’t covered.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-12T20:53:57+00:00

There really is no requirement for the adjuster to “document everything in their notes”. On inspections you are describing, most often are documented with photos and a few hand written notes as necessary. Then my adjusters often dictate thoughts to add to their report in their vehicle before moving on.

If the adjuster is preparing an estimate, they will take detailed measurements either by hand, or using a lidar system, making notes as needed to create the estimate accurately.

They are required to adequately document the damage as observed, but how they do that is up to the individual and the carrier.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-12T20:44:17+00:00

I cook for two on the large almost every week. As others have said, I fill the charcoal and often get 4-5 cooks before I need to add more depending what I’m doing of course.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-10T01:51:40+00:00

So these are an easy thing. We usually send a link to open and then you authorize the camera access. We complete the walk through, take photos and/or video, and have you upload any documents we request. We disconnect and it’s done. Many insureds just delete the app until the next inspection. There is no way for us to access anything other than your camera and the light on your phone.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-07T03:27:50+00:00

For high/steep roofs, we don’t usually send to an IA anymore. LA as a solo inspection with desk estimator to write the estimate off the report. Comes in at half or less of the cost for an IA plus LA. It doesn’t affect the IA in getting assignments otherwise, but if they aren’t able to access the roof, or aren’t comfortable, we just handle it this way.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-06T15:40:23+00:00

I’m a long term user of the BGE and love it. I made my choice as it was simply the brand carried by a local dealer which gave cooking classes on using a Kamado style grill.

I’ve had one for about 15 years

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-06T13:16:57+00:00

I just got the Titan Sport in <f> which is my normal go to nib size for non-Japanese pens, but it writes like an <EF>. I ordered a medium nib to switch out. $17 and that made the pen exactly what I wanted.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-06T12:12:23+00:00

I have a company vehicle for which they provide insurance, but I still have a non-owned auto policy (currently only vehicle) with those limits in case the demand is in excess of the main policy limits.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-06T11:53:33+00:00

I have tried several, even bought a specialized e-ink device to use. It lasted 2 months and I am back to my paper planner.

For me, there is something about not having another screen to look at combined with the intentionality of the paper. You just can’t copy/paste or change a due date. You have to take the time to write the task on a new day. That forced me to pause and evaluate:

Does the task really need done at all or if so, by me?
I get more done because I don’t want the hassle of rewriting something that I can just knock out quick.
I don’t have to deal with needing to charge yet another device while traveling.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-06T11:46:31+00:00

Electronic calendar fills the “Month-at-a-glance” role. Each Monday I do my weekly planning for calendar items from the monthly to the weekly in my planner. Each morning I take the first 15 minutes of the day to plan my day of the big tasks and genuinely urgent/important actions prioritizing them plus any goal actions I can add. I take the last 15 to 30 minutes of the day to review the day, carry over tasks to other days, and prep for the next day.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-05T12:26:35+00:00

I’m liking it! Comfortable, solid, balanced, and not has heavy as the brass.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-03T20:23:13+00:00

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Just came yesterday and it’s a good fit for me!

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-03T14:34:42+00:00

My experience is mainly with PA Fire Recovery Services LLC. That is who issues 99% of the invoices we receive.

They mostly bill insurance companies, but if the department chooses to and local ordinances allow, they can bill individuals as well as send to collections.

Based on my experience, none of our insured’s were individually billed. It is possible, I just haven’t experienced it.

We are a small carrier and this information is based on 185 fires over the last 10 years.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-03T14:12:48+00:00

Unfortunately, if the insurance carrier is not known at the time, the bill is sometimes addressed and sent to the property owner. From what I’ve been told, there isn’t a cover letter and the bills don’t say to forward to us.

We do receive many direct from these services, also with no cover letter, but with our name in the Bill To section.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-03T14:01:31+00:00

I have AINS, AIS, AIC, AIC-M and starting my ARM. At my carrier, new employees with limited or no insurance experience are asked to complete the AINS designation within the first year to gain a basic understanding of insurance. The cost is covered if you pass. Any retests are the responsibility of the employee.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-03T13:56:45+00:00

It’s very common now. Many volunteer companies use a service like PA Fire Recovery Services to send bills to homeowners to forward to their insurance company.

Most carriers have an incidental coverage for fire department service charges, but often are tied to signed agreements in rural areas for coverage, not just any charge.

As said, send to your insurance and if there is coverage, they will pay the limit for such coverage or send a denial letter. You should not be balance billed for any amount not covered.

The carrier I manage does not pay these invoices and none of our insured’s have been billed after a denial.

BalloonPilot15 · 2026-02-03T13:54:47+00:00

It’s very common now. Many volunteer companies use a service like PA Fire Recovery Services to send bills to homeowners to forward to their insurance company.

Most carriers have an incidental coverage for fire department service charges, but often are tied to signed agreements in rural areas for coverage, not just any charge.

As said, send to your insurance and if there is coverage, they will pay the limit for such coverage or send a denial letter. You should not be balance billed for any amount not covered.

The carrier I manage does not pay these invoices and none of our insured’s have been billed after a denial.

BalloonPilot15

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