Below is a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions for your convenience. Should your immediate question not be addressed, please choose from the links provided in the left navigation bar.Customers General Questions Why should I choose AFS
What
does a Survey consist of?
A Survey consists of a physical site visit which is necessary to collect the information required based upon the scope of a reporting form.
The information is obtained from an exterior observation, and is limited
to the general condition of the risk, and a summary of any hazards or
exposures related to the risk. No physical systems or utilities are
tested, holes drilled, access points removed or results measured.
The Survey is normally performed without an appointment, unless an
interior observation is requested.
Perimeter measurements of the dwelling are obtained to develop the
estimated square footage.
Photographs of the front, rear and noted conditions, hazards and
exposures are routinely taken.
What is the purpose
of a Survey?
The Survey provides the agent, broker or insurance carrier
(underwriting dept) with a comprehensive report summarizing any condition, hazards or exposures, associated with the risk. The information is used
to determine whether a risk meets the carrier’s eligibility
requirements.
The physical characteristics and exterior measurements are used to
develop an estimated replacement cost. The replacement cost is used to
set the policy limits, so that the home is properly ‘insured to value’.
When is a Survey
ordered?
The Survey is ordered when a new application for insurance coverage
has been placed. The Survey allows the agent, broker or insurance
carrier to determine whether the home is eligible for coverage, and to
determine the amount of coverage necessary to insure the home to its
full replacement cost value. The Survey is ordered prior to the renewal of an existing policy. The Survey assists the insurance carrier with determining whether the home remains eligible for coverage, and provides the estimated
replacement cost used to set the amount of coverage.
Who
will ultimately complete the physical Survey?
AFS utilizes employee-based Field Reporters to complete the physical site
surveys. In rural and remote areas, an Independent Contractor (Insurance
Reporting Professional) may be utilized.
For security purposes, all Field Reporters carry an AFS issued Identification Card
indicating that they are responding to a request from the Insurance
Carrier, on behalf of AFS. A contact phone number on the ID card can be
used for verbal confirmation of the Field Reporter's identity.
How do I
obtain a copy of the Survey report?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act states that you have a right to obtain a
copy of the Survey completed for your carrier – in the event this
information was used to alter or change your insurance policy, or you
were denied coverage as a result of a Survey report.
Your Insurance Carrier can provide you with a copy of the Survey.
If the Insurance Carrier is unable to provide you with a copy of the
Survey – you can request a copy by sending a written request and
self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Advanced Field Services
Attn: Physical Records Department
25331 Commercentre Drive, Suite #250
Lake Forest, CA 92630
How do I order a Survey?
You will be assigned a username and password to access our web-based workflow system. Enter your username and password, then select "Order a Survey" to display your order form. Some orders may be placed directly on the website, using a credit card for payment. To view the orders available by credit card, please go to the AFS Home Page and select "Order". Batch electronic ordering alternatives are also available upon request.
I forgot my login information. What do I do?
Click the Lost Login Info option in the login region of the AFSweb homepage. You will give the opportunity to retrieve either your lost Password or lost User Login via e-mail. In addition, users given 'Administrative' access will be able to reset your password, and a new temporary password will be sent to you via e-mail. Please check to see if an administrator has been assigned to your account. If you need additional assistance, please contact your Client Services Representative.
How do I check the status of Surveys I ordered?
You'll first need to access our web-based workflow system. Once you have successfully logged in, click on the menu to view unposted, active, completed and archived Surveys.
How do I view completed Survey reports?
You'll first need to access our web-based workflow system. Once you have successfully logged in, click on the menu to view completed and archived Surveys.
What exactly does the position of a Field Representative entail? The role of Field Representative is to provide fulfillment services for an assortment of interior and exterior property observation surveys, replacement cost valuations, real estate property Surveys, and digital photography services to the insurance and real estate industries.
What type of employment opportunities do you offer? We offer full-time and part-time employment opportunities, as well as Independent Contractor partnerships. Your employment status is governed by many varying factors. For additional information, click here…
How many assignments can I expect to receive on a weekly or monthly basis? In most cases, this opportunity is meant to supplement your existing income. How many assignments you receive depends solely upon the volume in your geographic area. However, if you are located in major metropolitan area or suburb, your earning potential generally increases, and may ultimately translate into a primary source of income.
What are your standard product turn times? Standard product turn times for Insurance services range from 4-21 days.
Real Estate product turn times range from 1-5 business days.
How much money will I earn as a Field Representative?
Our standard Field Representative fee schedule ranges from $4 to $12
per report for our traditional Observation products, while our
High-Value products range from $46 to $122. A wide assortment of
additional supplements and photographs are also available for completion
along with these product lines. We also provide performance-based
incentive programs which are tied directly to the timely return of our
assignments. Our fee scales increase accordingly based on the distance
the assignment is located from a major metro region. The fee schedule we
offer for services rendered are not solely based upon physical
geographic location, but on the overall scope and complexity of the task
assigned.
How are territories assigned? The Field Manager for your respective state is fully responsible for assigning Field Representative territories. Individual territories are assigned based upon volumes, performance, and turn times, and are based upon either a radius distance from your home base, by county, or by zip code.
Why do I need to provide my Automobile Insurance policy information? AFS requires that all applicants provide the name and policy number of their Auto insurance, to show proof of insurance coverage. Ultimately, you are personally liable for any damage should you hit a fence, vehicle, or person when out performing Surveys. This info is passed on to our client in the event of an incident.
Am I required to maintain E&O Insurance Coverage? No. Although E&O insurance is not required to register with AFS, it is highly recommended that you carry this type of additional protection. AFS carries a blanket E&O insurance policy that covers our Approved Field Representatives while completing assignments for us in the amount of up to two million dollars. An individual policy will provide you with a second level of protection in the event of an incident.
I’m a new Field Reporter, how do I get my work?
First you need a User Name and Password to access our web-based workflow system. Your Field Manager should have given this to you at the time you were hired. If you have not received this information, you must immediately contact your Field Manager. Once you have logged in with your User Name and Password, you will be directed to your Field Reporter Homepage where you can view and print your newly assigned Surveys.
How do I change my password? You'll first need to access our web-based workflow system. Once you have successfully logged in, click on
the Profile link in the top navigation bar,
then choose the Change Password option from
the left navigation bar. At that point you
will be prompted to enter your current
password then retype your new password
twice.
Can I use AOL with your system? Unfortunately, AOL does not support the technologies that are implemented in our web-based workflow system. If you decide to utilize AOL as your internet service provider, we will be unable to provide any technical assistance with any issues you encounter. AFS recommends high-speed cable or DSL connections where available.
Can I use the Netscape or Opera browser with your system? Our site is optimized for Microsoft-based browser technologies. Netscape and other web browsers do not currently support these Microsoft technologies, and there are known incompatibility issues. It is required that you utilize Microsoft’s Internet Explorer (version
6.x or greater) to access our web-based workflow system.
Windows Vista + IE7 Compatibility Issue If you encounter any compatibility issues with our system using Windows Vista + Internet Explorer 7, please Reset your IE7 settings. You can access this button by clicking Tools > Internet Options > Advanced Tab from the IE7 window bar at the top. If this does not solve the issue, please submit a Tech Request.
