As in any trade, we as adjusters have particular tools that we use on our job.

Some are inexpensive but many can be quite pricey, such as laptop computers, digital cameras, GPS systems, lasers and ladders.

If you drive into any hotel parking lot where there are adjusters working in the area, you will see at least a half a dozen trucks and SUV's with ladder racks and one if not two ladders tied down or attached.

Unfortunately this says to the thieves in the area (Cha-Ching).

One adjuster I know came in from the day's inspection and left his Garmin in the vehicle. Although he parked in front of his room he was staying in AND locked the SUV, someone broke out the driver's window and got the GPS including the wiring. This was in broad daylight around 3:00 PM. The cost to replace this unit will be around 600 dollars. Yikes!

Never leave anything in your vehicle if you can avoid it, especially in plain sight. Take the GPS off the windshield and put it somewhere out of sight when you stop to eat or go into a store. Take it into the room with you at night. Same for your computers, cameras etc.

Many adjusters will have two printers, one for the room and one for the vehicle so they don't have to drag the printer in each night. Take a towel or blanket to cover it up at night so that it's not a temptation for someone to break in to see what else is there.

Get cable locks for your ladders, as these will disappear also. Always be aware of anyone just hanging around or anything that looks out of place. This keeps both you and your belongings safe.