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Property Adjusting

Property adjusting is at the very core of the RPA business model.   The role of the property adjuster is to inspect the loss and gather as much information as possible, and create an accurate and complete repair estimate.  RPA best practices are augmented with specific carrier requirements that meet the needs of each carrier client.  This combination has led to a RPA report package that is the most complete in the property claims market today.

Each inspection by a RPA  property adjuster involves:

  1. Investigating the Cause of Loss (COL) – Reading what was reported in the FNOL, interviewing the insured or their representative, observing the origin of the loss as it relates to the damage, and comparing them all to confirm the loss occurred as reported or to point out further investigation is required.

  2. Scoping the damage – The scope is the room by room listing of the damage caused by the loss. This includes a description of the quality of the item, its age and condition, and identification of repairability versus replacement.

  3. Photographing the damage and lack of damage – Perhaps the most important component of the field inspection, photographs can really tell a story.  RPA best practices include very specific requirements regarding what should be photographed. For example, if one side of a wall is damaged, the opposite side of the wall must also be photographed.

  4. Diagramming the risk – The diagram is used to further document the COL, justify the scope and simply illustrate the story the property adjuster is reporting.  For example, in a 2-story house, the diagram can demonstrate that 1st floor ceiling water damage is directly under the 2nd story origin of the leak.  Or it can highlight that the wind damaged roof and the interior water damage are located on opposite ends of the house.

  5. Gathering documents – The property adjuster gathers all documents related to the loss available at the time of the inspection and lists additional documents that are needed.  Examples include, mortgage statements, plumber’s invoices, water mitigation estimates, contractor estimates, etc.

Each report package submitted by a RPA Property Adjuster includes:

  1. Estimate of the damage – The property adjuster uses the scope prepared on-site and their local knowledge and application of the best estimating programs.  RPA clients typically require that specific estimating software be used and thus supports Xactimate, Simsol, and Symbility.  RPA requires usage of the software pricing unless special circumstances warrant a change, and all changes must be explained.


  2. Report with the facts – While the traditional narrative report brings together all the pertinent information, RPA report requirements provides a more in-depth view.  Details such as who found the loss, who has been to the loss, what happened, what the person who found the loss did or say, when the loss occurred, when the mitigation happened, where is the damage, why a damaged part may have been discarded and how it all ties together are critical.

While the items described above form the basis of a quality property adjustment that any good adjusting company should strive for, RPA’s attention to detail and thoroughness in execution differentiates us. Let us show you how.