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Brian A Schneider, PresidentIn the wake of a catastrophe, insurance companies often experience a sudden spike in claims volume. Setting up an in-house dedicated catastrophe (CAT) team is one response to such an event, but internally managing the size or types of incoming claims and call volume often becomes a challenge. This is where Schneider & Associates Claim Services comes to the rescue.
The full-service multi-line claim adjusting company alleviates the stress of handling large increases in claim volume by becoming an extension of a carrier’s brand.
“We make our customers’ jobs easier by quickly, expertly, and accurately completing assignments entrusted to us,” says Brian A Schneider, president at Schneider & Associates Claim Services.
Schneider & Associates’ approach to handling catastrophe claims hinges on a deep understanding and integration of the niche demands and specialized expertise this industry requires. It only hires adjusters with experience working within an insurance company claim department who understand what the client needs to resolve a claim since they have previously worked in the same role.
Many other firms will hire CAT adjusters with experience as a building or remediation contractor but no real claims background. Knowledge like that is valuable, but Mr. Schneider believes it’s incomplete.
Beyond their estimating ability, the Schneider team is well-versed in policy language, insurance law, and negotiation. The core catastrophe team (CAT) comprises adjusters who have been with the firm for years, starting as daily claim adjusters before transitioning to working catastrophes.
This approach differs from an industry norm where it is not uncommon for an IA firm to put together an almost entirely new team every season. Because of their familiarity with the clients and workflow, Schneider & Associates adjusters need less direction and can hit the ground running when a storm hits. This competency lies at the heart of its ability to complete assignments quickly and accurately.
We are focused on delivering a consistently excellent work product through systems integration in combination with a dedicated and diverse team of experienced claim professionals. We see our profession as a noble vocation, focused on compassionately assisting persons, on behalf of our clients, who have suffered physical or economic loss
Mr. Schneider credits his 6th-grade teacher, Mrs. Taglin, for teaching him the best way to create a detailed and readable outline, which is the basis for Schneider’s reporting structure. The outline intuitively breaks down the individual components of a claim, so clients don’t have to read through several pages searching for the one piece of information they are looking for. That saves time, and time is money.
Schneider & Associates’ proficiency in accurately adjusting any volume of claims lies in its proprietary workflow system, CATFORCE. It automatically triages claims based on zip code, adjuster skill set, and severity of damage. The CATFORCE app also enables field adjusters to send first reports on the claim directly from the risk location.
The report includes four damage overview photos, initial reserves, and potential coverage issues. While other firms might take several weeks to impart this information to the client, Schneider & Associates’ operating structure has proven to significantly reduce the time it takes for the company adjuster to receive important information that will assist in closing claims quickly.
The CATFORCE workflow system, in combination with a seasoned adjusting staff, has also fostered excellent audit results and customer satisfaction. As a result, it’s not uncommon for clients to make the strategic decision to partner exclusively with Schneider & Associates in their response to catastrophic events.
Word of the Schneider team’s performance has spread across the industry, with client adjusters recommending the company to other claim professionals and companies. This has resulted in the company’s organic expansion, adding many new service territories.
Looking into the future, Schneider & Associates has plans to become a national partner with a footprint capable of adjusting a wide variety of daily and catastrophe claims on behalf of its clients across the United States.
