The most hazardous tool for adjusters is the telephone.

Modern technology is wonderful, but it's hazardous. For professionals, the most dangerous hazard is unclear communication. The most hazardous method of communication is oral. Three little words an adjuster never wants to hear are, "But you said … ." These mean that one is going to be fed their own words!

We love to talk on the telephone or text gobbledygook on our smartphones. It's the 21st century's way of communicating. Snail mail? Never! First, one has to write or type it. Stenographers aren't around any more — "shorthand" is a lost art. If a letter is to be written, it is usually done on a computer. Word processors have standard letter forms — excess or reservation of rights — where all the adjuster needs to do is add the name, address and policy number and hit "send." Using U.S. certified mail provides proof of sending and receipt. Both parties have a copy of what was stated.