Working as a solo adjuster comes with freedom, flexibility, and the ability to build your own reputation. But it also comes with pressure. You are the inspector, the admin, the communicator, the closer, and everything in between.
Over the years, we’ve seen solo adjusters succeed and grow, and we’ve also seen good adjusters miss opportunities because of small but costly mistakes. These aren’t about skill or effort. They’re about structure, habits, and consistency. The good news is that every one of these can be fixed.
Here are five common mistakes solo adjusters make, along with practical ways to avoid them.
- Missing Deadlines or Failing to Follow Through
This is one of the most common reasons independent adjusters lose credibility. Whether it’s a late Proof of Loss, a slow estimate submission, or simply not responding when you said you would, these moments can damage trust quickly. Adjustment firms and carriers work on timelines. If they can’t count on you to meet them, they will send work elsewhere.
How to Avoid It
- Set reminders for key dates like inspections, report submissions, and signature follow-ups.
- Build in margin so you’re not constantly scrambling to meet deadlines.
- Communicate clearly and early if something might run behind.
Being consistent makes people trust you with higher-stakes claims.
- Disorganized Files and Scattered Documents
Your field work might be excellent, but if your documentation is buried in email chains or saved across six devices, you’re taking risks. A missing photo or form can hold up an entire claim. Disorganization slows down your process and creates extra work for whoever receives your file.
How to Avoid It
- Use one structured system to store everything related to each claim.
- Group photos, notes, invoices, reports, and communications together.
- Name files clearly and consistently so anyone reviewing the claim can follow the story.
When your files are clean and complete, your work moves faster, and you look more professional.
- Unclear or Inconsistent Communication
Silence creates doubt. If a client, examiner, or firm hasn’t heard from you, they may assume you’re behind or no longer engaged. Even when you’re busy, a quick message keeps the relationship strong. Lack of communication is often the difference between someone getting more work or being quietly removed from the rotation.
How to Avoid It
- Acknowledge assignments right away, even if you don’t start immediately.
- Keep people informed when you reach key points like inspection completion or file upload.
- Avoid switching between text, email, and messaging apps. Choose one channel and stick with it.
Clear communication shows reliability. It tells people you’re on top of your work, even when things are busy.
- Trying to Keep It All in Your Head
Solo adjusters often rely on memory. You might think, “I’ll remember to send that,” or “I already followed up.” When you’re managing multiple claims, this becomes risky. Forgetting a detail, skipping a task, or repeating a step adds unnecessary pressure and can lead to real mistakes.
How to Avoid It
- Use a system with task tracking and status updates so nothing gets lost.
- Create repeatable steps for every claim so you’re not starting from scratch each time.
- Get things out of your head and into a dashboard or checklist.
You don’t need more discipline. You need support that lets you focus on adjusting, not juggling.
- Delivering Work That Feels Disconnected or Rushed
The way you present your work affects how it’s received. Reports that feel patched together, file names that are unclear, or folders that are hard to navigate leave a poor impression, even if your inspection was solid.
Adjusters who take the extra step to make their deliverables clean and easy to follow get remembered.
How to Avoid It
- Use templates that create consistency from one claim to the next.
- Organize files in a way that the examiner or carrier can review with no confusion.
- Keep your notes clear and avoid unnecessary formatting or jargon.
Professional work doesn’t require a big team. It requires structure, clarity, and pride in presentation.
The Right Tool Won’t Replace Good Habits, but It Will Make Them Stronger
Solo adjusters who already value professionalism, consistency, and follow-through are the ones who rise fast. Tools alone won’t make someone better at the job, but if you’re already committed to doing things right, the right system can make a huge difference.
That’s why we built Dragonfile ONE. It’s a clean, simple platform built specifically for solo adjusters who want to stay on top of their files, track progress, and avoid the messy, manual work that slows things down.
With Dragonfile ONE, you can:
- Organize every claim in one place
- Share files securely with anyone
- Track what’s been submitted, what’s pending, and what’s missing
- Keep your process clear and consistent, even when things get busy
You don’t need more hours in the day. You just need a setup that works for the way you work.
Start Using Dragonfile ONE Today
DragonfileONE is $29.99 per month. No contracts. No commission cuts. No waiting period. Just a better way to manage your work. Sign up today!