A combination of holidays and employees taking vacation oftenthrows a wrench into the claims environment this time of year.

Manpower is essential when it comes to expediting the claimsprocess, especially during peak times when independent appraiserscan be a great supplement to an existing staff. 

With multiple options available, it's important to keep thesefive points in mind while searching for the right fit for youroperations:

 1. Accuracy

As satisfying as a quick cycle time is, it is not effective ifthe estimate is not written accurately. Make sure your independentappraiser is known for writing consistent estimates correctly thefirst time. Review metrics-driven performance for accuracy,especially the net promoter score, since customer satisfaction iscritical to the success of insurance agencies. An appraiser withpoor results won't be so willing to share these metrics.

 2. Competitive cycletime

Your independent appraiser should understand the tried and truestatement that "time is money." A speedy estimating process meansyou'll have happy customers. The industry standard for cycle timeis 24 hours to respond to your assignment, 48 hours to go see thedamage and 72 hours to complete the estimate. Look for an appraiserwho can at least compete with this standard — ifnot exceed it!

 3. Nationalnetwork

Since customers will likely be on the road when damage occurs totheir vehicle, it's important to have an independent appraisernearby. If a client is in Maine, Oklahoma, Oregon or travelingsomewhere in between, an appraiser from a national network can helpexpedite the process when it comes to preparing estimates andaccounting for every detail.

 4. Heavy equipmentcertification

Few independent appraisers are trained in estimating heavy equipment damage. Those who are know exactlyhow to estimate both on-road and off-road equipment. Be sure to askfor the appraiser's heavy equipment certification to make sure theyalign with your own standards. Look for companies who train theirappraisers to deliver consistent heavy equipment estimates.

 5. Moderntechnology

With technology always changing, it is necessary that theappraisers have access to state-of-the-art hardware, software andsmartphones. They should also supply their clients with moderntechnology options such as a smartphone estimating tool and a client portal that makesassigning claims, as well as viewing metrics and estimate statuseseasy.

Keeping these attributes in mind while reviewing independentappraisers will ensure you receive the best service for youradjusters and customers.

Ken Loose is the chief operations officer at Forth Worth,Texas-based Property DamageAppraisers. He can be reached at [email protected].

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