How To Become An Auto Claims Adjuster: What It Is and Career Path

What is an auto claims adjuster and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

An auto claims adjuster is a person who assesses and evaluates insurance claims related to automobile accidents. Their primary responsibility is to investigate and determine the extent of damage caused to a vehicle, estimate repair costs, and negotiate settlements with claimants and repair shops. They also review policy terms and conditions, gather information from witnesses, and collaborate with law enforcement officers and medical professionals to ensure accurate and timely resolution of claims.

ScoreAuto Claims AdjusterUS Average

Salary

4.1

Avg. Salary $52,621

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

8.3

Growth rate -6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.50%

Asian 5.08%

Black or African American 12.14%

Hispanic or Latino 16.26%

Unknown 4.39%

White 61.62%

Gender

female 47.84%

male 52.16%

Age - 43

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43

Stress level

8.3

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being an auto claims adjuster?

Pros

Good salary and benefits
Opportunities for career advancement
Variety of work and challenges
Ability to help people in difficult situations
Chance to learn about cars and the automotive industry

Cons

Dealing with upset or angry customers
High stress levels and pressure to meet performance metrics
Need to make tough decisions regarding payouts and coverage
Constantly changing regulations and policies to keep up with
Limited opportunities for creativity or innovation in the work itself

Key steps to become an auto claims adjuster

Explore auto claims adjuster education requirements

Most common auto claims adjuster degrees

Bachelor's

71.7 %

Associate

14.1 %

Master's

5.4 %

Start to develop specific auto claims adjuster skills

Skills	Percentages
Repair Process	14.13%
Body Shop	9.57%
Strong Customer Service	8.73%
Vehicle Inspections	8.11%
Insurance Claims	7.10%

Complete relevant auto claims adjuster training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New auto claims adjusters learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an auto claims adjuster based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real auto claims adjuster resumes.

Gain additional auto claims adjuster certifications

Auto claims adjuster certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific auto claims adjuster certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for auto claims adjusters include Associate in Claims (AIC) and Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU).

More About Certifications

Research auto claims adjuster duties and responsibilities

Manage file inventory by utilizing CCC pathways diary system documenting claim file activities in accordance with establish procedures
Work closely with staff attorneys to develop litigation strategies and prepare for depositions.
Provide feedback and implement strategies on claim investigation, reserving, settlement and litigation.
Research and review delinquent mortgage cases, financial scenarios and individual homeowner situations to develop solutions compliant with investor policy.

Prepare your auto claims adjuster resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your auto claims adjuster resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an auto claims adjuster resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable auto claims adjuster resume templates

Build a professional auto claims adjuster resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your auto claims adjuster resume.