Posted by NCsignguy on 10/15/08 8:02pm
Msg #267434

Insurance Inspections

I have done some minor field service work. Was the other day if I have experience doing insurance inspection? I said I didn’t. Does anyone know what is required or is different about an insurance inspection as opposes to any other type of field work?

Reply by MistarellaFL on 10/15/08 8:24pm
Msg #267436

The insurance field inspections I have performed consist of taking a certain amount and type of digital photos of collateral, be it homes or vehicles and uploading them to a website, or sending them in an email attachment to the agent/company.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 10/15/08 9:09pm
Msg #267438

In addition to the photos, I have also been asked to fill out a questionaire concerning such things as roof type, brush clearance, general conditions of the property etc.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 10/15/08 9:10pm
Msg #267439

I should have added ...

I did not take a class, I just happen to have a friend who works in the industry and their company need people to take pictures according to instructions and answer a check off sheet.

Reply by sue_pa on 10/16/08 7:32am
Msg #267446

Also, in addition to the questionairre and the photos, some require you to draw a diagram of the house to scale - means you need one of those little wheel things and you get out and walk around their house - you know, into back yards with dogs, etc. If there is a fence and no access, you are to go to the neighbors yard to see if you can look over the fence and get a rough idea of what's back there (addition, sun room, etc) I might add, all for VERY little money. This was back in 2001 - no idea today. By the way, even though homeowners are to receive a letter indicating you will be there at some point in time, most don't know so you must chat with them when they (or the neighbors) come storming out of the house. On occasion, you will be told to get off the property and wait in the car while they call their insurance agent ... and if they're not in the office, you've wasted that trip. All in all, a VERY labor intensive project for little pay but if you can get volume, as most things, it is a good pay check at the end of the month.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 10/16/08 12:35pm
Msg #267492

The one that I have done, the homeowner was notified by their agent that I was coming and knew my name. I called and made an appointment with the homeowner. I don't know how well it goes with internet only insurance sales. In my neck of the woods, I would not want to show up without prior notice.

Reply by Becca_FL on 10/16/08 11:17am
Msg #267461

Hi John,

With so many companies out there offering Insurance Inspections there is no true definition. What one company may call an "Insurance Inspection' another company may call a drive-by or a property condition inspection. It's always best to ask the scheduler what their definition of the inspection is and what is expected of you. I do 'insurance inspections' for a company that calls them drive byes.

With that said, *generally* an insurance inspection involves digital photos, an observational questionnaire, outside measurements and a sketch.

Before you say no ask a few questions and you just may realize that you have done this type of inspection before.

Reply by ML/PA on 10/16/08 4:24pm
Msg #267516

I couldn't believe the call I got for an "inspection". The company wanted me to take pictures of the outside of mobile homes, if the owner of the property was home I was to try to get them on the phone to speak to the lender. If not and the power was turned off and no "for sale" sign was posted I was to "gain access" inside and take about 30 pictures?? I asked how do I get inside? She said 'you can usually get in through a window or pop the lock'!!! What!!! Oh, and the best part was the pay- $45. Who in their right mind would do this? That's CRAZY!!! No thanks

Reply by Becca_FL on 10/16/08 4:38pm
Msg #267517

What you are describing sounds more like property preservation. Many field inspectors also work as property preservation specialists and regularly pop locks to change them and secure the property for the lender..

Reply by ML/PA on 10/16/08 4:46pm
Msg #267518

No it sounded like the lender wanted to know the condition of property, not sure if owners were behind in payments or what but I wouldn't be interested in ever doing something like this. I laugh when I think about climbing in through a window. That would be a first. I always said everyday is a possible adventure but I don't think this would be one I'd enjoy.

Reply by sue_pa on 10/16/08 4:51pm
Msg #267520

My son did a 'winterization' of mobile homes a few years ago. These were ones the bank had already taken back - he changed locks, boarded up any broken windows, drained all water lines & put anti-freeze in them, made sure utilities were off and finally posted them. He was working away one night in the dark (order came that same day) with his generator and flood lights. Next thing he heard was ... come out with your hands up.... The neighbors knew the place was empty and called the police. They had him handcuffed on the cold dark ground for about 15 minutes and then put him in the back of the police car. They could clearly see what he was doing - and the trailer was empty - nothing to steal. he showed them his work order but they took their good ole' time calling his client who was in Florida. He made $250 for these and still does a few here and there. He now calls the police dept. before going into any property. Good ole' fifedoms in PA where Barney Fife and Boss Hogg live and breath.

Reply by Tess on 10/16/08 5:06pm
Msg #267522

Sue, we must have been through the same places! : ) n/m

Reply by ML/PA on 10/16/08 5:35pm
Msg #267527

Sue that is too funny (but true). It's almost as funny as offering $45 considering exactly what you described could happen or worse.