This post is a little different. Its unusual, and it will be unusual in this blog, for me to openly support any organization, group of individuals, or other people. My basic reason for this is that I think the blog should provide information. Yes, my information will be colored from my perspective, and it will be mostly contradictory to what you read from insurance companies, but its my perspective from 8 + years as an adjuster, time as a defense attorney, and now working as a plaintiff’s attorney.
However, despite all of that, I believe that insurance consumers can be safe with one thing. Find a CPCU (Chartered Property-Casualty Underwriter.) CPCU’s must make it through a rigorous program in order to earn the designation. There is a code of ethics that all CPCUs must agree to abide be. Once a person becomes a CPCU, they can join the CPCU Society, a voluntary organization for CPCUs. However, its not so easy. The CPCU Society also has a code of ethics that all CPCU Society members agree to abide by.
Why does it make a difference? Let me give you an analogy. You can go to an accountant for tax advice, but you can also go to a CPA. Who would you choose? The difference in the analogy is that a CPA probably costs more than an accountant, while a CPCU doesnt cost more than anyone else in the insurance industry.
When you are buying insurance, go to the CPCU Society’s website and find a CPCU near you. If you have an insurance claim, look for CPCU after your adjuster’s initials.