What Is an Insurance Adjuster?

An insurance adjuster is a professional who investigates insurance claims to determine whether the insurance company should pay out on a claim and, if so, how much should be paid.

What Do Insurance Adjusters Do?

Investigating claims: They examine the circumstances of an incident (like a car accident, house fire, or theft) by reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses, inspecting damaged property, and gathering relevant evidence.

Assessing damages: They evaluate the extent of property damage or loss, often working with contractors, repair specialists, or medical professionals to get accurate estimates.

Determining coverage: They review the insurance policy to understand what is and isn’t covered, checking for any exclusions or limitations that might apply.

Negotiating settlements: They work with policyholders, attorneys, or other parties to reach fair settlement amounts based on their investigation findings.

Documentation: They maintain detailed records of their investigation process and findings to support their recommendations.

Types of adjusters:

• Staff adjusters – Direct employees of insurance companies
• Independent adjusters – Freelance professionals hired by insurers on a contract basis
• Public adjusters – Work for policyholders, not insurance companies, to help maximize their claim settlements