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Confidence in using an estimating system

Confidence in using an estimating system

A United Heritage Insurance employee explains the importance of mastering an estimating system in order to develop a complete and accurate estimate.

Overview

Today the claims industry depends on software to manage workflows and provide accuracy of estimates. New entrants to the industry must learn the software and its use to be successful.

  • The Challenge

    Insurance adjusting relies on estimating software to develop a complete and proper estimate. The industry has many different systems used to estimate both auto and property damage. When working for insurance carriers, adjusters may be required to write estimates in specific software based on client requirements. Knowledge of the systems is critical. Additionally, as cycle time is a standard industry metric, knowing short cuts and soft keys to aid navigation and speed the development of the estimate is important to ensure KPI’s are met. Lastly, carriers use the estimating systems to review files; as a result there is little margin for error.

  • The Solution

    The classroom training and hands-on experience offered by Vale provide adjusters with the skills necessary to operate their chosen software. What is unique about the Vale program is students in the same class can work in their chosen software while sitting next to students using other systems.  The ability to learn, apply and correctly write estimates using their software is further enhanced by conversations with other students; becoming aware of other software being used in the industry. 

    Our estimating training programs are thorough, including assessments, trainer insights and workbooks to support learners back in the field. As our student explains: “The impact of class was felt immediately in the use of Xactimate writing on every claim.”

    By packaging our program with materials, hands-on experience, software training and constant support and feedback from our instructors, Vale delivers the key skills to use estimating software to develop accurate claim files.

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Furthering your career

Furthering your career

Mike from Turnpike Motors shares how Vale Training gave him new skills to advance to the role of estimator.

Overview

New to the auto collision industry, Mike sought help with preparing for a state license and establishing his credentials as an estimator. With Vale’s Auto Estimatics program, Mike obtained the necessary training to advance his skills and achieve his career goals.

  • The Challenge

    Career growth can be challenging in an industry that requires licensing and certifications. Job-shadowing skilled individuals is either not available, or insufficiently structured to develop the skills necessary to build the knowledge, expertise and overall confidence to perform on the job.

  • The Solution

    By enrolling in Vale’s two week Auto Estimatics course, Mike learned the fundamental elements of automotive construction, including exterior panels and interior components such as suspension and bumper systems.  Through online, classroom discussion and actual shop time, Mike became familiar with components commonly seen in estimates.  Once the foundational knowledge was established, the course provided in depth training on writing estimates using best practice methodologies to ensure accurate estimates.  The program also provides training on common estimating software platforms and requires students to write a series of estimates that are reviewed and graded by experienced instructors.

    “Vale enabled me to become a certified estimator, and further my career with my current company. The instructor did an amazing job engaging the students and making it easy to interpret the material,” said Mike. “Having only been in the Auto Body industry for a few months prior to my training, I was able to pass my licensing exam on the very first try. The confidence and knowledge you leave with after attending a Vale Training Course, is impressive to say the least.”

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Knowing Estimates are Accurate

Knowing Estimates are Accurate

The ability to discern the accuracy of an estimate becomes an important and critical skill to ensure a fair and equitable claims resolution to all parties involved.

Overview

A recent graduate of Vale, Sebastian recognizes the importance an accurate estimate has on the economics of an insurance company and the resolution of a claim that is fair and equitable to the insured. When receiving estimates from contractors and third parties, the ability to discern the accuracy of the estimate becomes an important and critical skill to ensure a fair and equitable claims resolution to all parties involved.

  • The Challenge

    Adjusters must rely on information supplied by multiple parties in order to evaluate a claim properly and provide an accurate estimate.  In the case of residential property claims, adjusters receive repair estimates from both contractors and roofers.  Understanding the terminology, measurements, materials and the necessity to repair or replace construction components are common burdens placed on adjusters.

  • The Solution

    The classroom training and hands-on experience offered by Vale provide adjusters with the skills necessary to recognize proper building materials and building techniques.  Vale’s learning methodology provides students a well-rounded perspective by incorporating actual building materials in classroom instruction and demonstrating real world claim scenarios in its state of the art training facility in Dallas, TX. This allows students a unique opportunity to observe a variety of materials and construction techniques, including HVAC and electrical systems, interior and exterior finishes, roofs and framing.  As Sebastian explains: “Vale has a wonderful course Residential Estimating that allowed me to learn in depth the fundamentals of home construction and rebuilding. This will allow me to better review estimates from contractors for fairness and accuracy.”

    Vale further enhances this experience by providing training on the software programs used to build and comment on claims files.  By packaging the program with materials, hands-on experiences, software training and constant support and feedback from our instructors, Vale delivers the key skills to develop and interpret estimates.

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Career Transition

Career Transition

Tab, a life and health insurance agent shares how Vale Training provided the foundation for a successful career transition.

Overview

Insurance adjusting is typically not a first career. Most people are familiar with insurance agents, actuaries and underwriters, but unless they interface with an adjuster, it is unlikely they consider a career in adjusting claims.

  • The Challenge

    To begin a successful career transition as an adjuster, building a strong foundational knowledge in residential, commercial and automotive insurance adjusting is critical. Proper training should be a robust instructional program using the tools and techniques unique to the insurance industry.

  • The Solution

    Vale has been in the business of training insurance adjusters and estimators for more than 70 years.  Our approach uses hands-on, real world training environments allowing students to experience and understand important elements that are critical for a successful adjusting career, including materials, software, techniques, insurance carrier instructions and client expectations.

    As Tab explains: “I am making the transition towards becoming an independent property adjuster, which will complement my existing career as a financial advisor/life & health insurance agent. The learning experience that I had at Vale was a tremendous foundation for getting me started in this new endeavor. The instructors, course materials and hands-on learning opportunities were spot on. I highly recommend Vale training courses for anyone interested in this career path.”

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Related services

  • Classroom & virtual courses

    Vale offers training to estimators, examiners, appraisers and adjusters in a classroom environment. We can also customize courses for businesses...

  • Our classroom facilities

    We provide classroom training using “real world” scenarios in our in Texas center.

Improving the Economics

Improving the Economics

Josh Wilson, manager at Fortune Collision Centre in Lexington, Kentucky shares how Vale Training gave his company greater perspective on writing complete and accurate estimates.

Overview

A recent graduate of Vale himself, Josh realizes the importance of managing a profitable business depends on the accuracy and completeness of estimates to ensure all aspects of a repair are identified and the full scope of repairs documented.  Estimate accuracy can have a major impact on the economic health of a shop.

  • The Challenge

    Even as an established business with an estimating process it can be possible to miss items that are necessary for a complete estimate to ensure all components are addressed and customer safety is never a question. Often working within the industry and staying current with industry periodicals is just not enough.

  • The Solution

    The classroom training and hands-on experience offered by Vale gives estimators the skills they need to build a complete and accurate estimate.  Vale’s learning methodology of writing, reviewing and critiquing estimates repeatedly can bring new perspective to items commonly overlooked. 

    As Wilson explains: “Vale Estimate Training helped me understand the opportunity to gain more profit per estimate, adding every necessary hour to fulfill a job”.

    The ability to write estimates on multiple makes and models with simple to complex damage provides each student the opportunity to experience a broad range of collision scenarios.  This experience combined with expert analysis by Vale staff and student interactions create a supportive learning environment that cannot be replicated by simply reading material or shadowing a colleague in a shop.  As a result, Wilson says “I thank you for the service and look to be sending additional staff for training.”

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Related Services

  • Our classroom facilities

    We provide classroom training using “real world” scenarios in our in Texas center.

  • Classroom & virtual courses

    Vale offers training to estimators, examiners, appraisers and adjusters in a classroom environment. We can also customize courses for businesses...

  • Online courses

    Vale offers comprehensive online courses for you to expand or add to your existing training.

Vale Training Solutions answers the call

Vale Training Solutions answers the call

Hurricanes reveal need for more catastrophe adjusters

Overview

Late August 2017 brought Hurricane Harvey to the US, targeting the Texas Gulf Coast as a CAT 4.  It was the first major hurricane to make landfall in nearly 9 years.  On the heels of Hurricane Harvey, CAT 4 Hurricane Irma struck the Leeward Islands before making its way to Florida and Georgia.  Hurricane Marie followed 10 days later as a CAT 4, striking Puerto Rico and impacting several other islands in the Caribbean.  In just three weeks, three major hurricanes brought a tremendous amount of devastation to many parts of the region. 

  • The Challenge

    The impact of these historic major storms in such a short time highlighted a clear problem for the loss adjusting market, with respect to a lack of adjusting capacity industry-wide.

  • The Solution

    Using its global scale and nationally-recognized training programs in the US, Cunningham Lindsey assisted by training new loss adjusters.

    We were aware of the need for additional loss adjusters to assist in managing claims in the US. We quickly provided a solution by immediately developing courses through Cunningham Lindsey’s subsidiary, Vale Training, which specializes in training adjusters and auto estimators in the insurance industry.

    At a time of obvious peak demand and interest, an email campaign was launched and we reached out through a network of family, friends, social media, LinkedIn and existing emails from previous classes to help spread the word about the free courses and opportunity to enter the adjusting industry by joining the firm.

    The course provided practical sessions and hands-on training, including the logistics, inspections and technology to process claims.  Three classes were offered and filled up instantly.  The training was held at the Vale Training facility in Dallas and at the Rollins Learning Center campus in Atlanta.

    The training provided a comprehensive, fast track program with pre-work in industry-specific courses, followed by a course comprised of experiential learning, which included classroom,

    lab and field.  The team leads supporting the instructor also conducted evening sessions to cover practical application of concepts.  The Vale and Rollins mock-house labs exposed the learners to actual claims, real material and outside conditions. 

    Results

    The recruitment campaign was closed in less than 48 hours due to strong interest and full capacity.  We received hundreds of applications for the classes.  Streamlining the applicant process included reviewing:

    – Backgrounds
    – Surveys on their experience
    – Narratives on why they wanted to be adjusters
    – Interest in helping others
    – Math skills and common insurance terms
    – Their ability to deploy

    The students came through the classes as a cross-section of family members:

    – Brothers
    – Father and son teams
    – In-laws
    – Friends of some of our industry partners 

    The common elements were their interest in learning skills for a new career and applying their newly-learned talents in the field.  They bonded as a team and established a network we believe will long survive the classes.

    Vale Training graduated over 50 new adjusters.  They were immediately deployed and on the ground with the loss adjusting teams in Texas and Florida assisting with inspections and handling the claims.

    Feedback

    The students indicated this approach is far and above expectations and substantially more   than other adjusting programs some of their friends chose during this time.  This finding is  further validated by a recent Vale alumni survey showcasing a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of  84, representing 84% of respondents indicated they would recommend Vale to a friend as a 9  or 10 – a proven model for 75 years.

    Below is some feedback from those who attended the most recent training:

    • The learning experience that I had at Vale was a tremendous foundation for getting me started in this new endeavor. The instructors, course materials and hands-on learning opportunities were spot on.  I highly recommend Vale training courses for anyone interested in this career path.
      – Property Adjuster
    • Vale Training Solutions’ top-notch instructors and state of the art facility provides a modern learning environment for industry professionals from entry-level to seasoned veterans. The small class environment promotes collaboration and provides the resources necessary to gain skills you need or hone the skills you have.
      – Property Adjuster
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Related services

  • Classroom & virtual courses

    Vale offers training to estimators, examiners, appraisers and adjusters in a classroom environment. We can also customize courses for businesses...

  • Our classroom facilities

    We provide classroom training using “real world” scenarios in our in Texas center.

Inspiring confidence

Inspiring confidence

Alan Romero, director of claims at specialist tribal insurer Amerind, explains how on the hands-on experience at Vale Training gives the company's first-time adjusters the confidence they need to go out into the field

Overview

A graduate of Vale himself, Romero thinks the ability to put new skills to the test is what makes the training unique

“For young field adjusters who are first starting out in their career this is a great opportunity to get the basic fundamental training you need to learn how to scope a repair, an estimate and interpret and understand an insurance policy.

The fact you then you get to go out to a mock-up house and put your skills to the test is really useful. Once you have run up an estimate from start to finish in that mock-up house, you’re ready for the field… you’re ready to go out and adjudicate some claims.”

  • The Challenge

    Even with the in-house training and support offered at Amerind, new field adjusters are often “hesitant” to apply their new skills, according to Romero.

  • The Solution

    The classroom training and hands-on experience offered by Vale gives new adjusters the confidence they need to get out into the field. As Romero explains: “After Vale they’re 100% ready. They’ve passed their certification, they understand what’s expected of them and the confidence level is definitely high. They are ready to write up a fire loss or a vehicle loss because they have the tools and resources wrapped around them, and they’re ready for the action part.”

    Continual professional development is another string to Vale’s bow, he adds. “Many of our staff take advantage of the opportunity to go back and get other additional resources, such as the flood training or earthquake training, and complete some of the more advanced courses once they get the fundamentals under their belt.

    My group has built very strong relationships with the teachers at Vale and that also helps them to further their careers.”

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Vale in the news

Vale in the news

Watch a report showcasing Vale's facilities from a Texas TV channel and read about how Canadian technicians did in our Paint Dent Repair (PDR) workshop

In the aftermath of the 2011 tornados in the South and Midwest, the high frequency of claims led to a shortage of insurance adjusters. WFAA-TV in Dallas/Fort Worth visited Vale Training Solutions to learn how we were helping to fill the gap. View the video or Read more.

North of the border, a Vale team visiting Canadian Hail repair for a training workshop attracted the attention of Collision Repair magazine, who claimed a record for Canada.

CHR-Repairmag

“It may literally be the closest to perfection anyone has ever come with PDR.” – Collision Repair magazine

  • The Challenge

    Canadian technician, Yannick Poirier knows he can repair a damaged car so the dent becomes invisible to the naked eye, but can he do it better than anyone else?

    Vale visited Canadian Hail Repair to train and certify several of their employees in PDR. We ended our session certifying 23 PDR technicians and another 21 in R&I.

    The PDR certification is a timed evaluation of work on steel and aluminum panels, using a state-of-the-art, digital-optic surface measurement device. We believe that this test is unique to the industry as a purely objective, hands-on demonstration of skill. Repairing various grades of dent can earn a technician one of three designations: journeyman, craftsman and master craftsman.

    The challenge was on in Canada…

  • The Solution

    Our high tech scanning delivered a precise score. Yannick had returned the dent to within .995 standard deviation from the original.

    It was an impressive score, Vale Program Director, Alan Anderson, believes “this is the closest we’ve ever seen anyone come. Bear in mind that these differences are far smaller than the naked eye can detect. You could look at two quality repairs and think they were identical, but the scanner knows better. We’ve had people come very close, but a result like Yannick’s is unprecedented.”

    Can you do better? Sign up to our PDR training and find out.

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