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Adjuster vs field investigator

The differences between adjusters and field investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an adjuster and a field investigator. Additionally, an adjuster has an average salary of $49,396, which is higher than the $34,305 average annual salary of a field investigator.

The top three skills for an adjuster include customer service, strong customer service and litigation. The most important skills for a field investigator are excellent time management, background checks, and mental health.

Adjuster vs field investigator overview

AdjusterField Investigator
Yearly salary$49,396$34,305
Hourly rate$23.75$16.49
Growth rate-6%-6%
Number of jobs7,93649,068
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does an adjuster do?

An adjuster is responsible for evaluating the extent of loss in the company by calculating the damage costs, determining the settlement payment to the client, and managing the reputation of the company for claims accountability. Adjusters must have extensive knowledge of the insurance principles and processes, following the state and federal regulations to protect clients and the business from insurance fraud. They collect documents from different organizations, perform field research, and interview witnesses to verify the accuracy of claims statement.

What does a field investigator do?

A field investigator is responsible for collecting information and evidence to support ongoing investigations of law enforcement agencies. Field investigators analyze the occurrence and connections of criminal activities by gathering related cases and coordinating with scene witnesses. They also validate the information by conducting surveillance operations and coordinating with law professionals. A field investigator may also work for private clients, updating them regularly for the progress, and informing them of additional actions as needed to solve complicated cases.

Adjuster vs field investigator salary

Adjusters and field investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

AdjusterField Investigator
Average salary$49,396$34,305
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $68,000Between $23,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityParsippany-Troy Hills, NJSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyCalifornia
Best paying companyFCCIThe Travelers Companies
Best paying industryInsuranceInsurance

Differences between adjuster and field investigator education

There are a few differences between an adjuster and a field investigator in terms of educational background:

AdjusterField Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorBusinessCriminal Justice
Most common collegeStanford UniversityCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Adjuster vs field investigator demographics

Here are the differences between adjusters' and field investigators' demographics:

AdjusterField Investigator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 56.9% Female, 43.1%Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between adjuster and field investigator duties and responsibilities

Adjuster example responsibilities.

  • Manage strict confidentiality of documents and comply with HIPAA regulations stipulate by the facility and government.
  • Review evidence obtain in liability investigations to evaluate a claim for success in recovery through litigation or arbitration.
  • Document measurements and relevant data to author estimates and appraisals utilizing Xactimate 28software.
  • Charge with answering and defending policy holders and company interests through independent and binding third-party arbitration proceedings.
  • Review departmental reports and financial data; prepare reports of findings, negotiating settlement demands or recommending litigation.
  • Prepare computerize estimates utilizing Xactimate and document all activity associate with the claim in clients web base claims management system.
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Field investigator example responsibilities.

  • Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
  • Conduct SIU investigations and activity checks/interviews.
  • Complete advanced SIU training in arson investigation, forensics, interrogation and statistical analysis.
  • Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
  • Work with lawyers, insurance investigators, medical providers, Medicaid clients, and co-workers to resolve issues.
  • Complete additional training and implementation of health insurance billing, both commercial and government (Medicare and Medicaid).
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Adjuster vs field investigator skills

Common adjuster skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Strong Customer Service, 7%
  • Litigation, 7%
  • Liability Claims, 6%
  • Policy Coverage, 6%
  • Insurance Claims, 4%
Common field investigator skills
  • Excellent Time Management, 29%
  • Background Checks, 9%
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Criminal Justice, 5%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
  • Comprehensive Reports, 4%

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