Insurance adjusters assess property damage for insurance companies. Training is essential, and there are various ways to obtain it, including on-the-job training, college degrees, and insurance adjuster training schools. Continuing education is also necessary. The job outlook is positive.
Insurance adjusters are individuals who are employed by an insurance company or are independent contractors. They are experts in the field of assessing property damage to buildings or automobiles. Evaluators often also need to be experts in content evaluation. With the amount of knowledge required for this position, training for insurance adjusters is essential and there are several ways to obtain the appropriate training.
In addition to training for insurance adjusters, many insurance companies prefer to hire people with a college degree or extensive experience, but there is no specific degree recommended, and many two-year degrees will also be acceptable. Suitable prior experience would include working in an auto body shop for an auto appraiser or employment as a construction contractor for a property appraiser.
For individuals hired into an appraiser position without formal insurance adjuster training, on-the-job training is provided to learn the specific appraisal software and systems required. Some insurance company employees with other titles may transition to the appraiser position and receive additional training. This is not a route available to everyone, and for these job seekers, insurance adjuster training schools can provide the necessary tools to become an adjuster.
There are several training facilities for insurance adjusters located across the United States. These facilities provide a rigorous program based on the field of damage a trainee wants to study – car damage or building damage, for example. The duration of training depends on the courses studied and the field of study. Some programs last for four days, while others last for three months.
When deciding on training facilities, students should opt for those that are accredited and certified in the appropriate fields. Prospective students should also consider requirements for attending classes. Some insurance adjuster training schools offer individual courses and students can attend the required classes at their own pace. Other schools mandate that all courses be taken consecutively and in a specific order.
Another issue when deciding on an insurance appraiser school is cost. The average tuition price for a full certificate program in 2010 is approximately $5,000. Some private loans may be available to those who qualify, but training facilities offer few repayment options and do not offer scholarships.
Insurance adjusters also need to take many continuing education courses throughout their career. These courses ensure that appraisers are up to date on the latest vehicle models and appraisal software. Employers usually pay or reimburse this continuing education and send the evaluator to the training center of their choice.
Training for insurance adjusters is extensive and can be costly, but for some the result is worth it. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected seven percent job growth between 2008 and 2018.
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