Expertise:
- Virtual and on-site inspection services
- Leadership and team development
- Technology integration in claims processing
Career journey and the path forward:
Jay Blake began his career in insurance as a CAT adjuster in 2005, embarking on his first deployment during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Over the next five years, he participated in various deployments before joining Cunningham Lindsey as a staff adjuster. During his tenure there, Jay garnered experience holding multiple positions, culminating in his role as a Property General Adjuster for Major & Complex Loss. His extensive field experience laid a solid foundation for his career at Crawford & Company, which began in 2016 when he joined as a Team Manager.
Today, Jay serves as the vice president – managing director of the Alternative Inspection Solutions (AIS) division at Crawford & Company. His ground-up journey has prepared and empowered him with a deep understanding of the industry and the unique challenges and opportunities it presents.
Moving the needle through innovative claims handling:
In his current role, Jay oversees two primary verticals within AIS. The first focuses on roof and exterior inspections, providing comprehensive ladder assists. The second vertical is dedicated to virtual adjustments, offering rapid, efficient handling of high-volume, low-severity claims. By leveraging the latest technological advancements and a talented team, Jay and the AIS team ensure quick and accurate claim resolutions for clients who may be experiencing workforce shortages or who are looking to reduce time-in-process and increase customer satisfaction.
The AIS team, with Blake at the helm, includes director of operations, Bruce Karr, along with a cadre of virtual adjusters and an extensive roster of inspectors across the nation. Jay’s leadership emphasizes quality, accuracy, expertise, and speed as the cornerstones for anticipated significant growth for Crawford’s AIS in the coming years. All inspectors are encouraged to obtain Haag certification, while virtual adjusters are trained to be Xactimate L2 certified, promoting high operational standards and subsequent output.
Cultivating growth & excellence through exemplary leadership:
Jay’s proudest achievements revolve around fostering growth and advancement within his team. His leadership style is characterized by leading by example, leveraging individual strengths, and helping team members overcome challenges with patience and a positive attitude. Jay credits Larry Milburn, COO of Loss Adjusting at Crawford & Company as a mentor and friend, for providing guidance and opportunities that have been instrumental in his career at Crawford.
Jay has also been actively involved in multiple committees at Crawford,s including the CIQ mobile app Committee, Atlas Committee, and Technology Committee. His contributions have been pivotal in developing Crawford’s first mobile application and other technological advancements.
“At Crawford, our technology + people have always been our great differentiator. This allows us to embrace alternative methods of inspections and thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of loss adjusting.”
– Jay Blake
Why partner with Crawford’s AIS?
Crawford's AIS department offers a robust suite of technology-forward inspection options tailored to meet diverse client needs. Qualified adjusters work closely with client teams to triage and process claims efficiently, utilizing tools such as Matterport, Hover, Claims Xperience, and EagleView. These technologies address resource scarcity, improve consumer experiences, and reduce cycle times, ensuring swift, accurate estimate delivery.
AIS stands out in the virtual claims adjusting space due to its seamless integration of cutting-edge technology united with highly skilled personnel. Long-standing partnerships with companies such as Verisk, Hover, Hosta AI, and Planr allow AIS to utilize the latest innovations to manage claims from start to finish. Technological integration, combined with a dedicated team, ensures the delivery of best-in-class solutions to clients.
Looking ahead:
Jay and the AIS team are committed to providing tailor-made solutions that meet the unique needs of their clients. With a focus on quality, efficiency, and innovative technology, AIS aims to continue delivering exceptional service and enhancing customer satisfaction in the claims handling process.
AIS, under Jay Blake’s leadership, is a testament to Crawford & Company’s commitment to innovation, quality, efficiency and overall client satisfaction. With these goals at the forefront, AIS is well-positioned and ready to restore.
To learn more about Crawford’s Alternative Inspection Solutions, e-mail Jay Blake at jay_blake@us.crawco.com.
