How to hire an auto claims adjuster

How to hire an auto claims adjuster, step by step

Here's a step-by-step auto claims adjuster hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write an auto claims adjuster job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new auto claims adjuster
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does an auto claims adjuster do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the auto claims adjuster you need to hire. Certain auto claims adjuster roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them an auto claims adjuster to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire an auto claims adjuster that fits the bill.

   Here's a comparison of auto claims adjuster salaries for various roles:

   Type of Auto Claims Adjuster	Description	Hourly rate
   Auto Claims Adjuster	Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators evaluate insurance claims. They decide whether an insurance company must pay a claim, and if so, how much... Show more	$18-34
   Field Investigator	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... Show more	$11-24
   Insurance Examiner	A claims examiner is responsible for conducting a claim review of a client against a particular insurance company-usually a health and life insurance company. An examiner must review claims and then approve them, reject them, or develop a possible settlement... Show more	$16-36

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Repair Process
   • Body Shop
   • Strong Customer Service
   • Vehicle Inspections
   • Insurance Claims
   • Customer Service
   • Liability Claims
   • Repair Shops
   • Vehicle Repairs
   • Vehicle Damage
   • Issue Payments
   • Insurance Policy
   • Process Claims
   • Coverage Issues

   Check all skills

   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 written arguments for arbitration and provide all supporting documentation and evidence.
   • Compile and submit arbitration applications against the insurers of at-fault parties who refuse liability.

   More auto claims adjuster duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your auto claims adjuster job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. An auto claims adjuster salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, auto claims adjusters' average salary in mississippi is 34% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level auto claims adjusters earn 46% less than senior-level auto claims adjusters.
   • Certifications. An auto claims adjuster with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in an auto claims adjuster's salary.

   Average auto claims adjuster salary

   $52,621yearly

   $25.30 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level auto claims adjuster salary

   $38,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 1, 2026

   Average auto claims adjuster salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	New Jersey	$65,975	$32
   2	California	$63,074	$30
   3	Washington	$59,832	$29
   4	New York	$57,400	$28
   5	Hawaii	$57,267	$28
   6	Massachusetts	$56,898	$27
   7	Wisconsin	$53,592	$26
   8	Pennsylvania	$53,026	$25
   9	Minnesota	$52,857	$25
   10	South Dakota	$52,758	$25
   11	Kansas	$52,376	$25
   12	Nevada	$51,516	$25
   13	North Carolina	$51,124	$25
   14	Indiana	$50,768	$24
   15	Colorado	$50,422	$24
   16	Missouri	$50,249	$24
   17	South Carolina	$49,460	$24
   18	Delaware	$49,021	$24
   19	Texas	$48,789	$23
   20	Georgia	$48,673	$23

   Average auto claims adjuster salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	EMC Insurance	$75,901	$36.49
   2	The Travelers Companies	$70,171	$33.74	142
   3	The Hanover Insurance Group	$66,267	$31.86	35
   4	PMA Companies	$65,541	$31.51	1
   5	Sedgwick LLP	$59,455	$28.58	1,746
   6	Kemper	$57,038	$27.42	4
   7	Liberty Mutual Insurance	$56,412	$27.12	181
   8	Safety Insurance	$56,375	$27.10	2
   9	Concord Group Insurance	$55,960	$26.90
   10	Physicians Group Management	$55,429	$26.65
   11	The General	$55,256	$26.57
   12	American Family Insurance	$55,154	$26.52	16
   13	Stevens Transport	$54,810	$26.35	1
   14	Gallagher	$54,007	$25.96	2
   15	Progressive	$53,856	$25.89	65
   16	Great West Casualty Company	$53,757	$25.84	23
   17	Farm Bureau Financial Services	$53,443	$25.69	10
   18	Federated Insurance	$53,274	$25.61
   19	National General Insurance	$52,559	$25.27
   20	PEMCO Insurance	$52,253	$25.12

4. Writing an auto claims adjuster job description

   An auto claims adjuster job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of an auto claims adjuster job description:

   Auto claims adjuster job description example

   Within defined guidelines and framework, responsible to adjust auto non-injury insurance claims presented by or against our members to include the end to end claims process and settling claims in compliance with state laws and regulations. Accountable for delivering a concierge level of best in class member service, in a contact center environment, through setting appropriate expectations, proactive communications, advice, and empathy.
   Job Requirements Let’s do something that really matters. We have an important mission: serving the members of the military community and their families. It’s both a chance to say thank you and the opportunity to put your talents to work in a meaningful way. To do it right, we need the right people. We’re looking for those who share our values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and service. Because what we do is just as important as how we do it. Come be a part of what makes us so special! It is all about learning and growing. There’s a lot to learn, but the journey is mapped out to help you build a lasting career and USAA is willing to invest in you! Our comprehensive, fully paid four-month training program includes all training materials, class discussions, hands-on training, e-learning modules, and the instructor led guidance will help you to support our membership independently. We also pay for all licensing costs! In addition to experienced adjusters, military veterans and spouses/domestic partners are highly encouraged to apply.
   Our in-office development program provides the training you need and the encouragement to create a proactive and independent support style to service our membership. After six months in-office, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a hybrid model where you can work from home 2 days a week.
   Job Requirements
   We are currently seeking dedicated professionals to work in our San Antonio office for future claims customer service opportunities in 2022/2023. Work schedule times will vary and may include some weekends. We have new training classes starting soon so apply now.
   As a Claims Adjuster in Auto Non-Injury, you’ll work under supervision to investigate, evaluate, negotiate, and adjust low to moderately complex claims presented by or against our insureds to confirm coverage, resolve legal liability and equitably settle/defend in compliance with all state regulatory requirements. In this role, you will make a difference to our members as you recognize life events, understand needs, and provide advice to deliver appropriate solutions to the member.
   Primary Responsibilities: Acquires and applies basic knowledge of Property & Casualty insurance industry products, services, and processes to include P&C insurance policy contracts and coverages and the USAA claim handling process and procedures. Provides claims service via internal channels (phone/fax/email/mail) to members and third-party customers. Adjusts low to moderately intricate Auto claims. Seeks mentorship from team members to resolve issues and identify appropriate issues for additional review. Partners with/ advises vendors and business partners to facilitate claims resolution. Contributes to business goals, performance measurements, and efficiently uses tools & technology. Supports workload surges and catastrophe operations during designated catastrophic events. Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma or GED Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with members by phone, fax and email to process information for claims Successfully acquire an insurance adjuster license and applicable state registrations within 90 days of hire (USAA provides study materials and the training environment to assist you with the licensing exam) Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree 1+ years of auto claims adjusting experience preferred to include coverage determination, complex liability, physical damage OR total loss Insurance Adjuster’s license US military service or a military spouse 2 years of customer service experience Experience in an inbound phone-intensive, contact center environment using a headset Digital literacy in a Windows operating environment The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be performed in the job.
   Compensation : USAA has an effective process for assessing market data and establishing ranges to ensure we remain competitive. You are paid within the salary range based on your experience and market position. The hiring range for this position is: $50,130.00 - $52,380.00.
   Employees may be eligible for pay incentives based on overall corporate and individual performance and at the discretion of the USAA Board of Directors.
   Geographical Differential: Geographic pay differential is additional pay provided to eligible employees working in locations where market pay levels are above the national average.
   Shift premium: Addressed on an individual basis for applicable roles that are consistently scheduled for non-core hours.
   Benefits : At USAA our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellness. These benefits include comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, 401(k), pension, life insurance, parental benefits, adoption assistance, paid time off program with paid holidays plus 16 paid volunteer hours, and various wellness programs.
   Additionally, our career path planning and continuing education assists employees with their professional goals.
   To see details on our outstanding benefits, visit USAA Total Rewards.
   Relocation assistance is not available for this position USAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find auto claims adjusters for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your auto claims adjuster job on Zippia to find and recruit auto claims adjuster candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit auto claims adjusters, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new auto claims adjuster

   Once you've decided on a perfect auto claims adjuster candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new auto claims adjuster first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire an auto claims adjuster?