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.
Adjuster responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real adjuster resumes:
- 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.
- Research and review delinquent mortgage cases, financial scenarios and individual homeowner situations to develop solutions compliant with investor policy.
- Complete photos, diagrams, and estimates using Symbility.
- Maintain disability files with pertinent client information according to HIPAA privacy rules throughout the disability process.
- Complete repair estimate along with photographs using MSB estimating software.
Adjuster skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Adjusters are proficient in Customer Service, Strong Customer Service, and Litigation. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Adjusters that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 19%
Resolved property and injury liability claims in a timely and efficient manner by providing excellent internal and external customer service.
- Strong Customer Service, 7%
Use strong customer service skills to negotiate with policy holders, claimants, or attorneys to settle the claim to completion.
- Litigation, 7%
Reviewed evidence obtained in liability investigations to evaluate a claim for success in recovery through litigation or arbitration.
- Liability Claims, 6%
Investigated liability claims by taking recorded statements, scene investigations, obtaining accident reports and communicating with officials when necessary.
- Policy Coverage, 6%
Interpreted and made decisions using independent judgment on moderate-to-difficult claims and policy coverage and determined if coverage applied to claims submitted.
- Insurance Claims, 4%
Investigate property and casualty Personal and Commercial lines insurance claims involving all automobiles and commercial vehicles.
"customer service," "strong customer service," and "litigation" are among the most common skills that adjusters use at work. You can find even more adjuster responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an adjuster to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "adjusters and examiners must each evaluate whether the insurance company is obligated to pay a claim and determine the amount to pay." Adjusters often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "reviewed departmental reports and financial data; prepared reports of findings, negotiating settlement demands or recommending litigation. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling adjuster duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "claims adjusters and investigators must get information from a range of people, including claimants, witnesses, and medical experts." According to an adjuster resume, here's how adjusters can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "maintained communication with the insured, and claimant regarding property losses. "
Detail oriented. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of adjusters is detail oriented. This skill is critical to many everyday adjuster duties, as "adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators must carefully review documents and damaged property, because small details can have large financial consequences." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "prepare complex detailed reports and analysis for our clients and the company including diagrams, charts, and litigation materials. "
Interpersonal skills. A big part of what adjusters do relies on "interpersonal skills." You can see how essential it is to adjuster responsibilities because "adjusters, examiners, and investigators often meet with claimants and others who may be upset by the situation that requires a claim or by the settlement the company is offering." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical adjuster tasks: "honed superior interpersonal skills to explain coverage(s) and policy language. "
The three companies that hire the most adjusters are:
- INDEPENDENT'S SERVICE64 adjusters jobs
- Sedgwick LLP46 adjusters jobs
- Crawford & Company22 adjusters jobs
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Compare different adjusters
Adjuster vs. Claims service representative
Claims service representatives evaluate customer insurance claims. Their tasks in this career include interviewing witnesses or customers and visiting accident sites to assess the scope of the claim. Also, they determine whether it is worth arranging a settlement and make sure all settlement claims are managed quickly. In addition to evaluating accidents and claims, they renew customer policies based on their history. Qualifications for the job include a firm knowledge of overall company policy, computer literacy, and excellent customer service.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an adjuster are more likely to require skills like "litigation," "auto claims," "xactimate," and "process claims." On the other hand, a job as a claims service representative requires skills like "phone calls," "claims process," "csr," and "claims adjusters." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Claims service representatives earn the highest salaries when working in the government industry, with an average yearly salary of $38,986. On the other hand, adjusters are paid more in the insurance industry with an average salary of $50,894.The education levels that claims service representatives earn slightly differ from adjusters. In particular, claims service representatives are 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an adjuster. Additionally, they're 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Adjuster vs. Senior claims representative
A senior claims representative serves as a client's primary point of contact when processing insurance claims. Their responsibilities include meeting with clients to identify their needs, gathering and verifying documentation, conducting investigations to determine the validity of insurance claims, liaising with external parties, and negotiating the amount of compensation. Furthermore, as a senior claims representative, it is essential to lead and serve as a mentor to junior claims representatives, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, adjuster responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "strong customer service," "auto claims," "insurance coverage," and "process claims." Meanwhile, a senior claims representative has duties that require skills in areas such as "automobile claims," "claims process," "coverage analysis," and "strong negotiation." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Senior claims representatives earn similar levels of education than adjusters in general. They're 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Adjuster vs. Claim processor
A Claims Processor is responsible for processing and verifying insurance claims, in adherence to the policies, laws, and regulations of the company involved. Aside from examining its authenticity, they must also oversee new policies and recommend modifications should it be needed. Moreover, it is also the task of the Claims Processor to prepare the necessary documents and guidelines for the policyholder, process reimbursements upon approval, provide answers to inquiries, and report issues and updates to the management.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from adjuster resumes include skills like "strong customer service," "litigation," "liability claims," and "policy coverage," whereas a claim processor is more likely to list skills in "data entry," "medical terminology," "cpt," and "claims processing. "
Claim processors make a very good living in the insurance industry with an average annual salary of $47,078. On the other hand, adjusters are paid the highest salary in the insurance industry, with average annual pay of $50,894.When it comes to education, claim processors tend to earn similar degree levels compared to adjusters. In fact, they're 1.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Adjuster vs. Subrogation specialist
Types of adjuster
Updated January 8, 2025
