You will hear this term a lot when you get out and start adjusting. But what are paperless files exactly?

Paperless files basically mean that the files that you write in the computer will be uploaded via the internet to the carrier. Once they get into their system, the files then can be reviewed by examiners in the office. If they determine that there are corrections that need to be made, they will reject the file and send it back to you with the summary of the needed corrections, at which point you will download the file again, make the corrections and send it back up for review. Once the file is accepted, you will receive a notice through the system that it is OK to archive the file and send a copy of the estimate to the insured.

Does this mean that you do not have to print and send a copy of this file?

NO!!!!!!

While some carriers ARE truly paper less, most still require that you print out a hard copy of the file and send it to the office. The reason for this I believe is because during the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons when this paperless program was just being implemented, some of the files that were sent up over the net system were lost or partially lost and if the adjuster had not also sent in a hard copy, no record of the file would have been at hand. They have corrected many of the problems that the system had in regards to uploading files, but a lot of the carriers still want the hard file (JUST IN CASE ).

You can't blame them, as claim files are just too important.

But what does this mean for you the adjuster?

It means you still will need to buy your printers, copy paper, ink cartridges just like we always have. So don't be misled when you're told that your claims are paperless.