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Customer FAQs
General Questions
Why should I choose AFS?
What does an Inspection
consist of?
What is the purpose of
an Inspection?
When is an Inspection ordered?
Who will
ultimately complete the physical Inspection?
How do I
obtain a copy of the Inspection report?
How do I track the
status of an order request?
Technical Questions
How do I order an Inspection?
How can I get a login to your site?
I forgot my login information. What do I do?
How do I store my login ID on this computer for my next visit?
How do I check the status of Inspections I ordered?
How do I view completed Inspection reports?
Inspector FAQs
General Questions
Are you currently hiring Field Inspectors?
What exactly does the position of a Field Representative entail?
What types of technology must I have to work with AFS?
Can I register if I do not currently meet the minimum technology requirements?
Do you offer any support programs or assistance if I am a technology newbie?
What type of employment opportunities do you offer?
How many assignments can I expect to receive on a weekly or monthly basis?
What are your standard product turn times?
How much money will I earn as a Field Representative?
What can I expect to earn on a yearly basis?
How are territories assigned?
Why do I need to provide my Automobile Insurance policy information?
Am I required to maintain E&O Insurance Coverage?
Am I able to subcontract my assignments to multiple employees or vendors?
Technical Questions
What equipment & software do I need to work with AFS?
I’m a new Inspector, how do I get my work?
How do I turn in completed work?
I forgot my login information. What do I do?
How do I store my login ID on this computer for my next visit?
How do I change my password?
I no longer have access to the e-mail address on file, how can I retrieve my login info?
Can I use AOL with your system?
Can I use the Netscape or Opera browser with your system?
Answers:
Why should I choose
AFS?
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We are a national provider of professional risk reporting services to the Insurance and Real Estate industries.
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Our Core Competency focuses around the field inspection profession.
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We are the only national Risk Reporting Company utilizing employee-based Field Inspectors and regionalized Field
Managers.
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Our internal business process has been completely automated, and we operate in a totally paperless web environment.
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We provide our V3 Web Technology at no additional CHARGE, as there are never any additional transaction charges or usage fees required.
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Our prices are competitive, and the professional services we provide are tailored to each client's individual business needs.
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The person or individual arriving ‘at the door’ to conduct an inspection is the original individual hired by AFS.
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The physical survey results are NEVER outside of an AFS Employee’s control.
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We do not rely upon outside management, data service or other pass through
accounts to service your Inspection request.
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We can provide you with the positive results and returns you well deserve.
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We maintain competency – to the core.
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What
does an Inspection consist of?
An Inspection 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 Inspection 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.
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What is the purpose
of an Inspection?
The inspection 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’.
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When is an Inspection
ordered?
The inspection is ordered when a new application for insurance coverage
has been placed. The inspection 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 inspection is ordered prior to the renewal of an existing policy. The inspection 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.
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Who
will ultimately complete the physical Inspection?
AFS utilizes employee-based Field Inspectors to complete the physical site
surveys. In rural and remote areas, an Independent Contractor (Insurance
Reporting Professional) may be utilized.
For security purposes, all inspectors 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 Inspector identity.
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How do I
obtain a copy of the Inspection report?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act states that you have a right to obtain a
copy of the inspection 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 an Inspection report.
Your Insurance Carrier can provide you with a copy of the inspection
survey.
If the Insurance Carrier is unable to provide you with a copy of the
Inspection – you can request a copy by sending a written request and
self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Advanced Field Services
Attn: Physical Records Department
W. 280 Prairie Ave, Suite 3
Coeur d’Alene,
ID 83815
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How do I track the
status of an order request?
To track the status of an order request, you'll need to access our web-based workflow system. Should you not have access to this system, you will need to contact our Client Services department for assistance.
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How do I order an inspection?
You will be assigned a username and password to access our web-based workflow system. Enter your username and password, then select "Order an Inspection" to display your order form. Orders placed by FAX must be directed to your local processing center. Batch electronic ordering alternatives are also available upon request.
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How can I get a login to your site?
Customer logins are assigned by the AFS Sales Associate upon initial setup of your corporate account.
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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.
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How do I store my login ID on this computer for my next visit?
On the AFSweb homepage, click on the checkbox beside “Remember ID” before clicking on the "go" button.
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How do I check the status of Inspections 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 inspections.
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How do I view completed Inspection 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 inspections.
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Are you currently hiring Field Inspectors?
Yes. For additional information and opportunities, click here.
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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 inspections, and digital photography services to the insurance and real estate industries.
^Back to top. What types of technology must I have to work with AFS?
You are required to own or have access to a computer system, digital camera, and internet connection. For additional information and minimum technology specifications, click here.
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Can I register if I do not currently meet the minimum technology requirements?
Yes. As long as you agree to purchase the items prior to accepting your first assignment with us. This must be communicated to us in your initial interview.
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Do you offer any support programs or assistance if I am a technology newbie?
Yes. Telephone-based orientation sessions are available for “Approved” Field Representatives, and are scheduled accordingly by your respective Field Manager.
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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…
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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.
^Back to top. 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.
^Back to top. 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.
^Back to top. What can I expect to earn on a yearly basis?
Depending on your geographic location and the volume of inspections, Field Representatives could earn an average of $30-$40K per year.
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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.
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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 inspections. This info is passed on to our client in the event of an incident.
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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.
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Am I able to subcontract my assignments to multiple employees or vendors?
No. Unfortunately, this type of relationship is no longer available.
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I’m a new Inspector, 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 Inspector Homepage where you can view and print your newly assigned inspections.
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How do I turn in completed work?
All orders completed for AFS are required to be delivered electronically via our web-based workflow system..
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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.
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I no longer have access to the e-mail address on file, how can I retrieve my login info?
You must contact your respective Field Manager for assistance.
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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.
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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.
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