Do you have the right tools in your adjuster tool kit? When was the last time you check it to make sure nothing is missing or damaged? Bet you are thinking about it now. Today we are going to go over the essentials you need in your kit and a few extras. Some things will always need a backup, right? Ok, there are too many questions in this introduction, so to keep from asking any more, let’s get to it.
The Essentials
Camera
You might be thinking – I have a phone camera, I don’t need an extra camera. You always need a backup camera, always! As an adjuster, you never know what will happen so you want to always be prepared. It doesn’t need to be super fancy, just something that will take a good photo and has a flash.
Safety Vest
You might find yourself on the side of a road documenting an accident and you want to be visible. It’s a safety precaution that you should never skip on. And the reflective highlighter look is all the rage in fashion.
Clipboard
An explanation for this one really isn’t needed, but why not? A clipboard automatically adds a professional quality because people will see it and go – They know what they are doing, they brought their own portable write-on device that stops the pen from going through the papers. Genius! Thank you for dealing with the sarcasm. Next item…
Measuring Tape (also good to have a measuring wheel)
You always have things that need to be measured. Many adjusters have a few measuring tapes in their kit with a measuring wheel. Now, if you are big into using techy stuff instead of the old school tactical gear, there are a few measuring apps that do a great job. They can do the job of a measuring wheel as well as a measuring tape and you can apply measurements to particular items in images. We are working on a review of such ups, so stay tuned for that little gem coming up.
Documents Folder
A simple device that works wonders to keep your documents clean, neat, and organized. I would skip the manilla file folders or anything that thin. Look for something thicker that has something to secure it closed. It needs to be able to hold up to life in bag that get moved around a lot. Nothing is worse than handing someone a very important document to sign and it’s bent, dirty, and tattered.
Notebook
Somethings just need to be jotted down, so keep a notebook in the bag. To save space, look for the notebook folders that also come with a clipboard. That way everything is together in one place.
Extra Pens
Ever need a pen and can’t find one? Or have 2 pens in your pocket and not one of them wants to work? It happens. We swear they grow legs and just walk away. Always good to have extra pens. Again it’s all about being prepared for any situation.
Tow Rope
This might be an item to live adjacent to your tool kit, but you will be so glad you have it when the situation arises. If you do roof inspections, you probably already have rope on hand, but it you don’t you still want to have some type of tow rope handy. It all comes back to that being prepared thing. When you are an adjuster, you never know what can happen so it pays to be ready for anything.
Flashlight
You might want a few of these, they tend to go missing as well. A small flashlight that can fit your pocket or on your adjuster tool belt (if you carry one) is perfect for lighting up dark areas for photos or just when you work at night. Head lamps are great to, to have in your kit.
Portable Charger & Extra Charging Cables
Things run out of power and you need to keep them charged. A portable charger and a few extra charging cables will save you from any low-battery crisis.
As far as essentials go, the items listed above are what you need. There are a few more if you are working roof claims like shingle gauges and a pitch locator – available for purchase at our Adjuster Store. Comment below with any other items you would add to a basic adjuster tool kit.
Join our Adjuster Team! We are always growing our team and would love to talk to you more about it. Contact Ben the Recruiter Guy at bbarker@aanadjusters.com or give us a call at 865.573.7923 and get all the details. Can’t wait to hear from you!
The Essentials
Camera
You might be thinking – I have a phone camera, I don’t need an extra camera. You always need a backup camera, always! As an adjuster, you never know what will happen so you want to always be prepared. It doesn’t need to be super fancy, just something that will take a good photo and has a flash.
Safety Vest
You might find yourself on the side of a road documenting an accident and you want to be visible. It’s a safety precaution that you should never skip on. And the reflective highlighter look is all the rage in fashion.
Clipboard
An explanation for this one really isn’t needed, but why not? A clipboard automatically adds a professional quality because people will see it and go – They know what they are doing, they brought their own portable write-on device that stops the pen from going through the papers. Genius! Thank you for dealing with the sarcasm. Next item…
Measuring Tape (also good to have a measuring wheel)
You always have things that need to be measured. Many adjusters have a few measuring tapes in their kit with a measuring wheel. Now, if you are big into using techy stuff instead of the old school tactical gear, there are a few measuring apps that do a great job. They can do the job of a measuring wheel as well as a measuring tape and you can apply measurements to particular items in images. We are working on a review of such ups, so stay tuned for that little gem coming up.
Documents Folder
A simple device that works wonders to keep your documents clean, neat, and organized. I would skip the manilla file folders or anything that thin. Look for something thicker that has something to secure it closed. It needs to be able to hold up to life in bag that get moved around a lot. Nothing is worse than handing someone a very important document to sign and it’s bent, dirty, and tattered.
Notebook
Somethings just need to be jotted down, so keep a notebook in the bag. To save space, look for the notebook folders that also come with a clipboard. That way everything is together in one place.
Extra Pens
Ever need a pen and can’t find one? Or have 2 pens in your pocket and not one of them wants to work? It happens. We swear they grow legs and just walk away. Always good to have extra pens. Again it’s all about being prepared for any situation.
Tow Rope
This might be an item to live adjacent to your tool kit, but you will be so glad you have it when the situation arises. If you do roof inspections, you probably already have rope on hand, but it you don’t you still want to have some type of tow rope handy. It all comes back to that being prepared thing. When you are an adjuster, you never know what can happen so it pays to be ready for anything.
Flashlight
You might want a few of these, they tend to go missing as well. A small flashlight that can fit your pocket or on your adjuster tool belt (if you carry one) is perfect for lighting up dark areas for photos or just when you work at night. Head lamps are great to, to have in your kit.
Portable Charger & Extra Charging Cables
Things run out of power and you need to keep them charged. A portable charger and a few extra charging cables will save you from any low-battery crisis.
As far as essentials go, the items listed above are what you need. There are a few more if you are working roof claims like shingle gauges and a pitch locator – available for purchase at our Adjuster Store. Comment below with any other items you would add to a basic adjuster tool kit.
Join our Adjuster Team! We are always growing our team and would love to talk to you more about it. Contact Ben the Recruiter Guy at bbarker@aanadjusters.com or give us a call at 865.573.7923 and get all the details. Can’t wait to hear from you!