I find it interesting how all of a sudden the 'insurance game' is getting such rave reviews in the 'down' economy. I've posted this many times before. Although we were all newbies at one time, the insurance restoration industry is not for the weak at heart. It has a huge learning curve and you most likely will not just 'get in' by asking. If you are going to work for the HO, which I recommend, then you need to do them a service and learn the ins and outs very well. This will include how to properly read and understand policy, deal with adjusters, engineers, claims examiners, etc, scope a loss, restore a loss, file 10x the paperwork you normally would in a remodel, and mostly the funnest part of putting weeks into selling one small roofing job after you meet with the HO, the adjuster, a possible team leader, a possible engineer, and then call them for days on end to get your file closed so a check can be sent to your insured. There is a ton of legwork and I've only mentioned a small part. The learning curve is huge and reputation is the most important thing you can have in this business. Being from Texas, I have met with the 'big boy' engineers such as Koontz, Patterson, Treider, Haag (Marshall, Morrisson, Teasdale, etc) on commercial losses dozens of times. I have worked hard to get a reputation as a guy who calls it like I see it, but always with an open mind. If I believe I am right, I will fight to the bitter end for my clients. Call a spade a spade and don't try to fabricate extra curricular damage to build up your claim and you will do just fine. If it can be repaired, repair it. If it needs replaced, replace it. Noone gets to retire from one job. Just do your homework and don't jump in too fast. Discuss claims....don't argue them with adjusters. Respect their opinions regardless of whether they are wrong. There is always someone to go to above them.
That was a small scattershot for you.