Merlin Law Group attorney Larry Bache leads by example. On Saturday, he texted me his passing grade for his course leading to an Associate in Claims designation. The best insurance lawyers practicing policyholders law are not just reading insurance cases but learning about the insurance industry.

What is an Associate in Claims, and what do you have to do to get the designation? I often say it the first step towards a CPCU Designation, but it is the coursework needed to demonstrate a mastery of claims fundamentals. It has five courses, and one can concentrate in the property insurance fundamentals if you are so inclined. Here is the coursework for one specializing in a property insurance specialty within the AIC designation:

  • AIC 30: Claims Principles and Practices
  • AINS 21: Property and Liability Insurance Principles
  • AIC 31: Property Claims Practices
  • AIC 41: Property Coverages
  • Ethics 311: Ethical Decision Making in Risk and Insurance

Larry did well passing his first class. But not everybody is so happy with the exam. Here is one reviewer complaining of the exam process:

This is my third time taking this test and failing. The test had to be taken virtually due to covid. It was only 50 questions, but then you have to do really well in order to pass (I believe you’d have to get at least 35 correct). They give you 65 minutes to complete the test. Unfortunately, I am the type that I have to read certain questions a few times to comprehend exactly what is being asked in the hypothetical type questions. I felt extremely rushed and finished the last question with 2 seconds to spare. I was unable to go back and review any of the questions I rushed through in order to get to all the questions in time. You really need to know everything and fast. I will not be taking this test again.

One of the things about the internet is that anybody can say anything and act like an authority. One of my suggestions to everyone is to review the credentials of whoever is saying something upon which you want to rely. People say they are experts in Xactimate, and when you examine their background, no certifications. People say they are experts on claims handling, but they have never been promoted to claims management nor have any designations. While we can and should look to learn from everyone, you always have to consider the source.

For Larry Bache and all of you striving to be the best you can be in the insurance claims world by doing more and truly educating yourself—cheers! For those who want to but have not taken the leap, there is always more room for better educated and trained claims professionals.

Here is a link to The Institutes®.

Thought For The Day

It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.
—Aristotle