Part of your responsibilities as an adjuster is to properly care for the insured.
But what exactly does that mean?
First of all, show them respect in how you talk to them, and while you're inspecting their property. Be mindful of plants and flower beds...nothing upsets an insured more than if you trample their flowers during your exterior inspection. When you do enter their home wipe your feet so that you're not tracking in dirt or mud from the outside.
Present yourself in a professional manner. Introduce yourself. Give them your card with your contact number on it.
Keep them informed as to what you are doing, let them ask questions and answer them if you can. If you don't know the answer, let them know that you will research it and call them back.
Try to complete their claim in a timely manner. Let them know when they can expect a settlement.
One thing you need to watch out for is getting overly personal with them. You need to be empathetic and show concern, but you must maintain a certain amount of professional distance. Remember you have to do your job with the integrity that the company you're representing is expecting from you.
Do not deviate from the guidelines the company gives you. I say this in respect to the damage you find and the coverage that is extended by the insured's policy. Sometimes an insured will want things covered that are not. Sometimes these things will have damage that is not related to the storm event or that are old maintained issues. Make sure you explain well to the insured if there is something that you cannot cover and back it up with the policy. If you're nice when you explain this to the insured, and you can show them why it's not covered it shouldn't become a problem.