PDA Executive Vice President Tom Slimak on Claims Pages: How COVID-19 WIll Impact the Relationship Between Insurance Carriers and Appraisers

Property Damage Appraisers ’ (PDA) Executive Vice President Tom Slimak published an article on Claims Pages , the most recognized online reference source for insurance claim professionals and adjusters, about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the relationships between insurance companies and appraisers moving forward. Slimak discussed how more insurance companies are laying off in-house appraisers and opting for independent appraisal firms, like PDA , while also heavily transitioning to virtual claims and submitting digital images for faster damage estimates.

“Looking ahead to a post-COVID future, insurance companies will be looking for appraisers that can strike a balance between using technology while providing the same claims experience the policyholder expected pre-COVID,” said Slimak. “Appraisal companies are offering no-touch, low-touch and human-touch damage estimate experiences to ensure customers have the experience they want and deserve.”

Slimak also detailed independent appraisal firms as the “malleable appraiser of the future”, due to their ability to already be in the field of most markets across the country. By having a company that is already all over the country, PDA reduces the number of field assignments required by in-house appraisers at some insurance companies. This transition can eliminate fixed costs that can lead to lower productivity levels by appraisers within insurance companies.

Slimak wrapped up the article with a note that in the future, insurance carriers will look for appraisers that can help them leverage technology and find alternative solutions to process claims quickly without carrying unnecessary fixed costs.