Starting strong means knowing what to do—and what not to do.
Launching your career as an insurance adjuster is exciting, but it’s full of learning curves. Many new adjusters make common mistakes that can delay deployment, create stress in the field, or damage their reputation with staffing firms.
At MileHigh Adjusters Houston, we’ve trained thousands of adjusters—and we’ve seen it all. Here are the top mistakes beginner adjusters make, and how you can avoid them from day one.
1. Not Practicing Xactimate Enough
Why Xactimate Skills Matter for Insurance Adjusters
Xactimate is the industry’s leading estimating software. If you’re slow or inaccurate with it, you’re going to struggle in the field.
✅ Solution: Practice daily—even after class ends. Work on mock claims, watch updated tutorials, and memorize keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow.
2. Ignoring the Importance of Proper Claim Documentation
Documentation Errors Delay Catastrophe Claims
Sloppy or incomplete documentation is a fast-track to having files rejected by QA teams or delayed in processing.
✅ Solution: Take high-quality, labeled photos and write detailed inspection notes. In CAT deployments, it’s better to over-document than risk missing something important.
3. Waiting Too Long to Apply to Adjuster Rosters
Why Early Roster Registration is Critical
Delaying your application to adjuster firms can cost you deployments, especially when storms hit and rosters are already full.
✅ Solution: Apply to every staffing firm as soon as you’re licensed. Complete onboarding steps, upload all required documents, and keep your contact info current.
4. Showing Up Unprepared for CAT Deployment
What Should Be in Your Insurance Adjuster Go Bag
Lack of preparedness can cause last-minute panic—or make you miss deployment altogether.
✅ Solution: Assemble a “go bag” with essential inspection tools, PPE, device chargers, printed forms, and backup tech. Be ready to deploy within 24 hours.
5. Expecting Quick Success Without Persistence
The Truth About Insurance Adjusting Careers
This isn’t a “get rich quick” path. Adjusting takes consistency, resilience, and professionalism.
✅ Solution: Stay persistent. Follow up with firms, enroll in continuing education, and treat every touchpoint as a professional opportunity.
How MileHigh Adjusters Houston Prepares You for Success
We offer more than just adjuster licensing—we deliver real-world training that gets you ready for the field:
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Hands-on Xactimate labs to master estimating software
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Simulated inspections to build your confidence
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Deployment readiness checklists so you’re never caught off guard
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Field-tested instructors who share what really happens during storm season
Set Yourself Apart from Day One
Avoiding rookie mistakes puts you ahead of the competition—and that can mean the difference between sitting at home or working in the field.
📞 Call us at: 281-741-8505
🌐 Get trained right: www.milehighadjustershouston.com