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Einhaus Details Proper Action and What Adjusters Should
Avoid Doing in Claims Handling at September CCCA

by Bryan Harrison
Association News Network, Inc.

CCCA Vice President, Shelly Lefore, of CAG, thanked guest speaker Steve Einhaus, of Einhaus Adjusting Services.

Congratulations to Kim MacFarlane, of PW Stephens, on winning the 50/50 Raffle cash prize.

Lisa Winn, of Vanderbuilt Construction, handled the 50/50 Raffle ticket sales.

Diane and Donn Peacock, of Paul Davis Restoration.

Bill Weber, of Anderson Group, Int'l, introduced Christina , the latest addition to his team.

Only thing consistent is change

Steve Einhaus has been in the adjusting game a long time. Having begun his career with DL Glaze in 1978, Steve has had a world of experience since, both from the carrier and independent side. "Things have changed considerably," he stated.

Now the owner of his own IA firm, Einhaus Adjusting Services, Steve's experience shined in his September 18, 2008 presentation at the Central Coast Claims Association luncheon meeting at The Left Bank restaurant.

His topic for the day,"the dos and don'ts of adjusting", covered a lot of ground, going far beyond simple instructions that could be useful for the upstart claims handler. Einhaus covered some key points for adjusters, as well as similar points, from an adjuster perspective, for service providers to the industry that were as insightful and useful. He then delved into some "war stories" that effectively illustrated some of the points of his talk. Recognizing the experience in the room, he then opened the conversation up to the floor for others to share some of their stories, as well.

"Don't deny a claim when you're on the roof," he wisely advised. "Don't go on ski trips in January," he said. "That's when you get your business and make your money. Work," he suggested, "then go to South America in the Summer, which is their Winter, and ski in the Andes."

Following a few more "don't's", Steve suggested some "Dos". "Do reach an agreement," he began. Communication with vendors is key, as it is with the insured involved. "Think along the lines that everything is discoverable," he advised. "Even email files."

Einhaus has clearly worked many claims in San Francisco. He described several of the more unique claims he's experienced over the years, before asking some folks in the crowd to share some of their stories and experiences.

He closed by commenting on "success", in business and in life. "Work hard, especially when you have the chance." On networking, he said "it's important to go to events like this." Meeting and knowing others in your industry, whether fellow claims professionals, or vendors to the industry, not only serves to provide valuable resources but also builds certainty and knowledge to assist us all in our chosen field.

Steve highly recommended getting involved in mentoring newcomers. "As an Independent, I've seen a lot of people who have not made it," he stated. "It's hard. Helps a lot to have a mentor," he said.

Lastly, "Marketing is crucial," he stated flatly. "It's eight times easier to get business from existing clients than new ones," but you still have to cultivate new business.

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September CCCA crowd at The Left Bank at Santana Row in San Jose.

Lisa Winn, of Vanderbuilt Construction, and Bob Tucknott, of Tucknott Electric Company at the September meeting.

Kim and Steve MacFarlance,
of PW Stephens, Inc.