Insurance adjusters
An insurance adjuster is a licensed professional who evaluates insurance claims for accuracy and settlement, with over 306,000 adjusters working in the U.S. As of 2023 according to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Insurance companies employ staff adjusters–such as those at State Farm or Allstate–to investigate property damage by assessing photos, repair estimates, and witness statements.
Independent adjusters, including firms like Crawford & Company, handle claims for multiple insurers during catastrophes such as hurricanes or wildfires, as reported by Your Insurance Info. Public adjusters represent policyholders directly and typically charge fees averaging 10% of the claim payout for negotiating higher settlements on damages like fire loss or water intrusion.
Adjusters use software platforms such as Xactimate to generate itemized reports quantifying damages in dollars based on market repair costs. State departments of insurance regulate licensing for adjusters, which involves passing exams covering policy interpretation, state law, and ethics.
Many states require continuing education; for example, Texas mandates 24 hours every two years for license renewal. Catastrophe adjusters travel nationally to inspect disaster sites such as tornado-hit neighborhoods or flooded cities, often processing over 100 claims per week during peak events according to National Association of Catastrophe Adjusters data.
An insurance adjuster’s authority is capped by insurer-set limits; for example, junior staff may only authorize payments up to $25,000 per claim. Delays in claims resolution sometimes occur due to high caseloads following severe weather–Hurricane Ian resulted in average claim closure times exceeding 60 days across Florida carriers in 2022 (Florida Office of Insurance Regulation).
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners lists adjuster misconduct risks–such as undervaluation or failure to communicate–as chief drivers of consumer complaints related to home or auto claim settlements.
What are insurance adjusters?
Insurance adjusters are professionals who examine claims related to insurance policies and assess the extent of damages or injuries. They investigate whether or not a claim is covered under an insurance policy, and estimate the amount of money the insurer should pay out to the claimant. They usually work with other professionals such as lawyers,…
How do insurance adjusters work?
Insurance adjusters work by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses and investigating the facts of an insurance claim. They analyze the data to assess damage or determine liability. Adjusters use this information to calculate a fair settlement for both parties, based on the policy language and applicable laws. Adjusters may also negotiate with claimants and other parties…
What do insurance adjusters do?
Insurance adjusters are responsible for investigating and evaluating insurance claims made by policyholders. They examine the coverage, interview witnesses, inspect damaged property, estimate repair costs, review police reports, verify medical information and ultimately negotiate a fair settlement with the claimant. In addition to investigating and resolving individual claims they also provide ongoing support to policyholders…
How do I deal with car insurance adjusters?
1. Start by familiarizing yourself with your own car insurance policy, as well as any applicable state laws or regulations that may apply to the situation. Knowing this information will give you a better understanding of what to expect from the insurance adjuster and how to handle the process. 2. Once you know your rights,…
How do I effectively communicate with home insurance claims adjusters?
The most effective way to communicate with home insurance claims adjusters is to be prepared and organized. Before speaking with an adjuster, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and documents on-hand that support your claim. If applicable, compile a detailed list of repairs or replacements needed along with cost estimates from contractors. Clearly…
Are insurance adjusters honest?
Yes, insurance adjusters are generally honest. They must adhere to ethical standards laid out by professional organizations such as the International Association of Insurance Professionals and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). They are required to be certified in many jurisdictions before they can offer advice or handle claims on behalf of an insurer.…
How do insurance adjusters decide on a settlement?
Insurance adjusters typically decide on a settlement amount based on the facts and evidence presented in a claim. They will take into account things like property damage, medical costs, legal fees, and any other relevant factors. In order to assess the situation accurately, they must evaluate all of the information they receive from both parties…
How long does it take for insurance adjusters to complete their work?
The amount of time it takes for an insurance adjuster to complete their work varies depending on the complexity of the claim. On average, most claims are completed within a few weeks after submission. More complex or large-scale claims may take several months to complete due to factors such as multiple parties being involved in…
Can you negotiate with insurance adjusters?
Yes, it is possible to negotiate with insurance adjusters. When negotiating, it is important to be patient and remain calm. It can also help to have a clear understanding of the policy coverage limits and any applicable deductibles. Having documents that support your position in the negotiation such as bills or estimates can provide additional…
How much money do insurance adjusters make?
Insurance adjusters typically make between $30,000 and $70,000 per year, depending on their experience and location. Adjusters working in major metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those located in rural areas. In addition to a base salary, many adjusters are eligible for bonuses or commissions depending on the company they work for and their…
How are insurance adjusters paid?
Insurance adjusters are typically paid on a contingency fee basis. This means they only receive payment when a claim is successfully settled. The exact percentage of the fee depends on factors such as the type and size of the insurance company and the complexity of the claim. Some states impose regulations on how much an…
How do you handle insurance adjusters?
When dealing with insurance adjusters, it is important to remain calm, professional and organized. Start by listening to the adjuster’s questions and any of their assessments; be prepared to answer all inquiries thoroughly and accurately. Collaborate openly with the adjuster in order to facilitate a fair and amicable resolution. When necessary, it is recommended that…
See also Insurance adjustment.