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An insurance claims adjuster investigates and analyzes insurance claims, negotiating compensation with claimants. They may interview witnesses, review medical records or repair estimates, and may be required to provide expert testimony in court. A high school diploma is typically required, with many employers preferring a degree in business administration or accounting. Licensing requirements vary by state, with stricter requirements for public and independent adjusters. On-the-job training and certification from professional organizations can improve job prospects.
An insurance claims adjuster gathers and analyzes information about various insurance claims. He or she tries to determine the legitimacy of a claim, deciding whether or not an incident should be covered by a specific insurance policy. An appraiser negotiates compensation terms with the claimant. A claim that is not resolved is usually taken to court, where an insurance claims adjuster may be required to provide expert testimony and file reports with a judge.
To uncover information about an accident, injury, or property damage claim, an insurance adjuster may conduct interviews with law enforcement personnel, witnesses, and the claimant. He or she may investigate hospital records in the case of personal injury or review a mechanic’s repair estimates in the case of an automobile accident. An appraiser often conducts first-hand inspections of property and auto damage and consults with experts to assess fair compensation rates. After collecting enough information, an assessor will usually create a complaint report and attempt to reach a settlement with the complainant.
Many claims adjusters find employment with companies that specialize in property and casualty insurance services, although others find work with public companies or become independent independent adjusters. A claims adjuster at a public company is employed by the claimant and not by the insurance provider. Although the duties and responsibilities of the job are the same, public adjusters attempt to negotiate claims on behalf of the individual rather than the insurance company. Freelance claims adjusters are usually hired by insurance carriers that do not have permanent employees.
To become an insurance adjuster, a person typically must have at least a high school diploma, although many employers prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in business administration or accounting. Many universities, community colleges, and accredited online schools offer helpful programs for prospective claims adjusters. Established claims adjusters often seek continuing education to stay current on changes in insurance laws and new legal procedures.
Many states require appraisers to be licensed, meet certain education requirements, and pass the standard exam. Licensing requirements are generally stricter for public and independent adjusters than for employees of an established insurance company. Once licensure requirements are met, a new insurance adjuster usually receives on-the-job training from experienced adjusters. New adjusters often start by handling small claims to gain experience. Additionally, many professionals receive certification from various professional organizations to improve their chances of finding fitter jobs.
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