Part 3: 2025 Wind & Hail Season Survival Guide for Independent Adjusters:
- Adjuster Prep
- May 24
- 4 min read
Updated: May 26
Part 3: Be Ready When the Call Comes as a Wind & Hail Adjuster
Continued:
8. Top Deployment Firms I’m Watching Closely This Season
One of the biggest mistakes I see new adjusters make? Waiting for a deployment call without being visible. Just because you’re on a roster doesn’t mean you’re on their radar.
Every year I pick my Top 10 IA firms and make sure my file is updated, my certifications are fresh, and my availability is listed. Here’s who I’ve got tabs on for 2025:
My Top 10 Wind/Hail Deployment Firms for 2025
Eberl Claims Service
Pilot Catastrophe
Alacrity Solutions
Worley (Crawford & Co.)
CNC Catastrophe
Renfroe
RYZE Claim Solutions
TheBestIRS
Wardlaw Claims
Brush Country Claims
I make sure I’m registered with each firm in the following ways:
Online portal fully completed
Licenses and CE certificates uploaded
Recent experience and certifications highlighted
Deployment availability marked as “open” or “ready immediately”
Contact info, E&O insurance, and address verified
My Go-To Subject Line When Reaching Out:
Subject: Deployment Ready – Licensed in TX, OK, FL | Xactimate Level 2 | Field-Ready 2025Body: “Hi [Name], just checking in. I'm currently deployment ready with gear packed, licenses active in TX, OK, LA, FL, AR, and E&O current. Please keep me in mind for 2025 wind/hail deployments. Available to travel within 24 hours.”
This kind of message gets opened, because it saves the coordinator time. They know you’re not going to slow down their roster.
9. Mental & Physical Conditioning: Your Deployment Stamina
Nobody talks about this enough—but I will: CAT deployments are exhausting.
We’re talking:
10–14 hour days
Climbing 5–7 roofs daily
Talking to stressed-out homeowners
Sleeping in hotels or trucks
Eating gas station food if you’re not prepared
So here’s how I prep my mind and body in the weeks before I deploy:
Daily Mental Conditioning
Wake up at 6:30 AM sharp (just like on CAT)
Review 1 claim training topic/day (roof type, flood policy, estimate line items)
Roleplay a policyholder phone call once/week with a friend or mirror
Watch 1 storm case study each weekend (I love NOAA event videos on YouTube)
Physical Prep
30-minute daily walk in boots and gear
Ladder climb drills (I use my backyard roof for practice)
Shoulder and back stretches for drone and ladder carry
Light weight training to prevent fatigue
It may sound like overkill—but I’ve seen too many adjusters burn out in week two. I’m prepping now so I can outwork everybody later.
10. Creating Opportunities Before the Phone Rings
Waiting for the storm doesn’t mean waiting to work. I’ve built steady income doing local jobs while waiting on deployments. You can too.
Here’s What I Do Locally:
Partner with roofing companies for free inspections
Offer to write estimates for mitigation and restoration firms (I charge flat fees)
Join storm tracking Facebook groups—offer help analyzing weather threats
Scout storm damage after any local event and network with contractors
You never know when a small hailstorm might generate 200 claims. I’ve been the first one on-site because I showed up before State Farm called in the cavalry.
11. Branding Myself as a CAT Adjuster
In 2025, if you’re not marketing yourself, you’re invisible.
Here’s what I’ve done (and you should too):
Professional business cards with QR code to portfolio
Email signature that includes license states and estimating platforms
Branded LinkedIn profile with your adjuster title
Uploaded a few sample reports (redacted) to show quality
Joined forums like ClaimsAdjuster.org and Adjuster University FB groups
If you’re a member of AdjusterPrep.com, we’re working on an Adjuster Directory that features active, trained adjusters with deployment availability. DM me to get your spot early.
12. When the Call Comes: 24-Hour Deployment Protocol
It happens like this: the phone buzzes, a voice says, “Hey Lamar, we’ve got 300 claims in Tulsa. Can you be there tomorrow by noon?”
You don’t hesitate. You say:
“Yes. Confirming: Is this daily rate or fee schedule? Will travel and lodging be reimbursed? What’s the first-day check-in time and location?”
My 24-Hour Deployment Checklist:
Vehicle fueled and inspected
Clothes packed for 10 days (including rain gear, business casual, and boots)
All devices charged with backup batteries
Printed maps and contact sheets
Paper forms (FNOL intake, inspection sheets)
AdjusterPrep Deployment Planner printed and filled out
And most importantly—I call my family, let them know I’m heading out, and make sure my affairs at home are in order.
This job is a lifestyle. Preparation is the only way to survive the grind and still come home successful.
13. Bonus Tools You Can Download Now
From me to you—here’s what I use every season:
Deployment-Ready Checklist (PDF)
2025 Field Gear Loadout List
AdjusterPrep Xactimate Shortcut Guide
Daily Deployment Planner (Editable)
If you’re part of AdjusterPrep Pro, log in and download these in the Tools section. If you’re not yet a member, this is a great time to join.
Final Thoughts
This season will test you. Not just your skill—but your patience, discipline, and endurance. If you’re reading this, you’re already ahead of 90% of adjusters out there.
Don’t wait for luck. Build readiness.
I’m here for you—reach out if you need help, training, or feedback. And when that phone call comes, don’t just answer it—own it.
See you in the field.
