The need for large numbers of claims adjusters following a catastrophe has led to roughly 57,000 independent claims adjusters in the U.S. who can be deployed wherever and whenever a catastrophe strikes. These individuals earn a percentage of the damage they assess, and can earn in excess of $300,000 in the 6-8 months following a catastrophe.
For cat chasers, Harvey, Irma and Maria provide the big paydays that make their jobs so lucrative. Adjusters who work intensely and efficiently can make $60,000-$100,000 in the first month after a disaster, up to $300,000 in six to eight months. How do you get licensed? Take a 40-hour course. Build your reputation to get the best offers. The fee schedule advertised by Pyka and Associates shows that claims ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 pay $970 each. Claims ranging from $25,000 to $35,000 pay $1,850. Claims ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 pay 3.4 percent but not less than $10,200. One million dollars and up pays 2.1 percent but not less than $24,000. So for a $40,000 claim at a Homestead house that “looked like a Donald Trump house,” Kline earned about $2,000.
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