Hurricane season is already testing the claims industry in 2025. As of July 29, two named storms, Hurricane Iris and Tropical Storm Logan, have made landfall along the Gulf Coast, causing widespread flooding in parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle. Forecasts from the National Hurricane Center suggest additional systems forming in the Atlantic, pointing to an above-average season.
For adjusters, these conditions bring both opportunity and pressure. Deployment calls increase. Claim volumes spike overnight. Homeowners look for quick answers while carriers demand clean files on tight timelines. Handling this surge efficiently can define your reputation and income for the year.
This guide shares practical strategies for independent adjusters and those working in firms to prepare for hurricane season and stay ahead once the storms hit.
- Refresh Certifications and Licensing Before the Calls Come In
When a hurricane makes landfall, deployment rosters fill fast. Adjusters who have up-to-date NFIP certifications, state licenses, and carrier approvals get the first calls. Double-check:
- NFIP Certification: Confirm you’ve completed the annual recertification and watched the most recent FEMA briefing.
- State Licenses: Make sure reciprocal licenses are active, especially in coastal states like Louisiana, Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas.
- Carrier and Firm Rosters: If you’re independent, notify firms of your availability and confirm your contact information is current.
Getting this administrative work done now saves critical time when assignments start rolling in.
2. Prepare Gear and Technology for the Field
Storm deployments test your ability to stay mobile and organized. Before leaving home, audit your gear:
- Hardware: Laptop, tablet, external hard drives, and portable chargers.
- Connectivity: Mobile hotspot and backup power banks for areas with outages.
- Inspection Tools: Measuring tape, moisture meter, ladder, PPE, and camera with extra SD cards.
- Digital Organization: Set up folder structures, file naming conventions, and templates ahead of time. This makes it easier to scale when handling dozens of claims at once.
For firm-based adjusters, coordinate with your team to ensure shared tools are standardized. Using the same templates and naming systems avoids confusion when multiple adjusters work on the same storm.
3. Build a File System That Can Handle CAT Volume
Hurricane claims are complex because they combine wind, flood, and sometimes surge damage in the same property. That complexity only multiplies when you’re managing dozens or hundreds of files at once.
You need a system that tracks every claim from start to finish. At the very least, this means:
- Organized Folder Setup: One folder per claim with subfolders for photos, estimates, correspondence, and documents.
- Consistent Naming Conventions: Include claim number, last name, and type of file (e.g., 12345_Smith_POL.pdf).
- Task Tracking: A spreadsheet or claims management tool to log inspections, Proof of Loss submissions, and examiner reviews.
For adjusters using a claims management platform like Dragonfile, these structures are already built in, which helps reduce setup time and keeps files consistent across teams during high-volume CAT events.
4. Master Time Management in the Middle of Chaos
During hurricane deployments, adjusters juggle inspections, documentation, carrier calls, and homeowner questions. Without a system, days blur and deadlines sneak up.
Field-tested approaches that work:
- Block Time for Admin Work: Dedicate early mornings or late evenings to uploading photos and updating files rather than squeezing it in between inspections.
- Buffer After Each Inspection: Build 20–30 minute windows after site visits to record notes while details are fresh.
- Plan Your Route: Group inspections geographically to minimize drive time and maximize productivity.
Small habits like these prevent burnout and reduce mistakes that cost time later.
5. Communicate Clearly with Homeowners and Carriers
Storm-impacted policyholders are stressed, often displaced, and eager for updates. Adjusters who communicate clearly earn trust and reduce back-and-forth questions.
- Set Expectations Early: Explain next steps, typical timelines, and what information you’ll need from them.
- Provide Status Updates: Even a quick text or call can ease anxiety and prevent escalations to carriers.
- Be Honest About Delays: Weather, access issues, or volume may slow progress. A proactive heads-up goes a long way.
For firm-based adjusters, keep your internal team updated too. Shared calendars or dashboards help managers allocate resources and avoid duplicate work.
6. Learn From Each Storm to Build Long-Term Resilience
Hurricane deployments are demanding but also career-defining. After each storm, evaluate what worked and what didn’t:
- Which tools or templates saved the most time?
- Where did bottlenecks happen in communication or file handling?
- How can you prepare better before the next deployment?
Solo adjusters can refine their personal workflows. Firm adjusters can suggest process improvements to their managers, strengthening the entire team for future CAT events.
7. Leverage Technology Without Overcomplicating It
Every adjuster has preferred tools, but the key is choosing systems simple enough to use consistently during high-stress events. Look for solutions that:
- Centralize files and communications
- Are mobile-optimized for use in the field
- Integrate easily with carriers or firm workflows
Technology should reduce friction and help you focus on inspections and service.
Final Thoughts
As Hurricane Iris and Tropical Storm Logan highlight this year, 2025 is shaping up to be an intense season. More storms are likely, and the adjusters who prepare now will be the ones who succeed in the months ahead.
Stock your gear, standardize your systems, and communicate with clarity. Independent adjusters and firm-based adjusters alike can set the tone for their entire year by how they manage this season’s surge.
If you’re looking for a way to simplify claim file management and stay organized during high-volume storm events, Dragonfile was built with adjusters in mind. It helps centralize documents, track deadlines, and reduce the chaos that comes with CAT deployments so you can focus on inspections and service instead of spreadsheets.
- Independent Adjusters: Explore Dragonfile ONE — a lightweight solution designed for solo workflows.
- Adjusting Firms: Book a Demo to see how Dragonfile can support your entire team and streamline file management at scale.