It’s No Accident: Her Workplace Is a Disaster Area

Rebecca Peak follows disaster.

As a claims adjuster for State Farm Insurance, Peak is part of a 33-member team handling claims from victims of natural disasters in an area stretching from Orange County to the Mexican border. Peak occasionally travels across the country to help with major catastrophes.

Over the past five years, Peak has chalked up quite a few frequent-flier miles. She spent six weeks in Florida, assisting victims of Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and another six in South Carolina in 1993 helping flood survivors. For the past 15 months, Peak has worked exclusively with victims of the Laguna Beach fires.

“(This job) has given me a great outlook, in general, about people,” Peak said. “To see them start over from ground zero, it’s amazing how strong the human spirit is. (My work has) made me appreciate what I have.”

Peak, 28, lives in Mission Viejo. Though she spent her high school years in Spokane, Wash., Peak was reared near Santa Ana. In 1986, Peak returned to Southern California to study business and marketing at UC San Diego.

Peak begins what sometimes become 12-hour days by telephoning clients to make appointments. At the scene, she discusses their situation, makes diagrams, takes photographs and measurements of roofs, floors and other parts of damaged homes. Peak said that four out of five claims can be decided on the spot.

“Our first priority is to make sure people are safe; we often send them to hotels. We give them money to get food, clothes and, if they need them, prescriptions. We try to make them as comfortable as possible,” she said.

Adjusters analyze, investigate and decide on claims daily. But, what they use most are their communication, organization and people skills. Because they may have to handle up to 70 claims at a time, adjusters must be adept at managing time and balancing responsibilities. Peak said she tries to deal with her clients candidly, letting them know what to expect.

“I tell them what (details) I need from them and how we’ll work to solve the problem,” Peak said. “I try to let them know we are here for them.”

But her work isn’t over when a check is written.

“I’ll be here from now until those homes are rebuilt,” Peak said. “As long as those people need me.”

OCCUPATION: Insurance claims adjuster

* What’s involved: Investigating, analyzing and handling home insurance claims.

* Qualifications: Good written and verbal communication, organization and people skills. State Farm also looks for assertive, service-oriented people.

* Outlook: By 1998, the number of jobs is expected to increase by 8.5%, to 2,560.

* Salary range: Varies; at State Farm, salaries start at $28,161.

* Pros: Freedom to set own schedule.

* Cons: Sometimes long hours, very heavy workloads.

* Advancement: Adjusters can move up to management positions.

* Quote: “Being able to help and see a smile come across (clients’) face feels good.”--REBECCA PEAK

Researched by VALERIE WILLIAMS-SANCHEZ / Los Angeles Times