Insurance adjusters may work for insurance companies or work independently under a fee-for-service agreement. Those employed by insurance companies are called staff or company adjusters.
Whether they are self-employed or work for an independent adjusting firm, independent adjusters may represent either an insurance company or an insured person.
Insurance claims may arise from auto accidents, fires, industrial accidents, theft, product defects, professional errors, or aircraft mishaps. In general, adjusters:
- Investigate the causes and origins of an insurance claim
- Determine whether the insured person’s policy covers the event that led to the claim
- Obtain evidence that there has been, in fact, a loss covered by the policy
When people present insurance claims, adjusters:
- Determine whether the policy holder’s claim is valid by deciding, for example, who is responsible for the accident
- Obtain evidence that the amount being claimed is appropriate
- Advise the parties involved
- Negotiate settlements
Determining and documenting the validity of a claim often involves interviewing or corresponding with policy holders, claimants, or witnesses. It can involve obtaining statements and copies of documents from police officers, medical personnel, and others with special expertise.
