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Claims representative vs adjuster

The differences between claims representatives and adjusters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a claims representative, becoming an adjuster takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an adjuster has an average salary of $49,396, which is higher than the $38,796 average annual salary of a claims representative.

The top three skills for a claims representative include customer service, quality standards and policy coverage. The most important skills for an adjuster are customer service, strong customer service, and litigation.

Claims representative vs adjuster overview

Claims RepresentativeAdjuster
Yearly salary$38,796$49,396
Hourly rate$18.65$23.75
Growth rate-6%-6%
Number of jobs18,5657,936
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4444
Years of experience64

What does a claims representative do?

A Claims Representative is an agent who works for insurance companies in order to investigate and settle claims. The agent acts as an intermediary between customers and insurance companies by evaluating the customers' facts surrounding claims and determining whether the loss is covered or should be compensated. Such a role is important because an agent makes sure that no fraud claims are being paid out. It is also highlighted that an agent works in compliance with state regulations.

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.

Claims representative vs adjuster salary

Claims representatives and adjusters have different pay scales, as shown below.

Claims RepresentativeAdjuster
Average salary$38,796$49,396
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $53,000Between $35,000 And $68,000
Highest paying CityDearborn, MIParsippany-Troy Hills, NJ
Highest paying stateNew JerseyNew Jersey
Best paying companyW. R. BerkleyFCCI
Best paying industryGovernmentInsurance

Differences between claims representative and adjuster education

There are a few differences between a claims representative and an adjuster in terms of educational background:

Claims RepresentativeAdjuster
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeStanford UniversityStanford University

Claims representative vs adjuster demographics

Here are the differences between claims representatives' and adjusters' demographics:

Claims RepresentativeAdjuster
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 37.5% Female, 62.5%Male, 56.9% Female, 43.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black 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%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between claims representative and adjuster duties and responsibilities

Claims representative example responsibilities.

  • Perform initial set-up and continuously manage claims in the Juris claims management system.
  • Investigate, evaluate, and manage call to complete coverage analysis confirming or denying coverage using Xactimate estimating software.
  • Prepare necessary state filings within statutory limits, manage litigation and vocational rehabilitation process, used appropriate cost containment techniques.
  • Assist the training department in developing CSR training in order to set expectations.
  • Create custom templates and guide sheets for new trainees in the CSR Internet division to ensure consistency and increase department efficiency.
  • Utilize proper SIU reporting procedures for extensive investigation as required.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Claims representative vs adjuster skills

Common claims representative skills
  • Customer Service, 26%
  • Quality Standards, 6%
  • Policy Coverage, 6%
  • Reservations, 5%
  • Claims Handling, 3%
  • Insurance Coverage, 3%
Common adjuster skills
  • Customer Service, 19%
  • Strong Customer Service, 7%
  • Litigation, 7%
  • Liability Claims, 6%
  • Policy Coverage, 6%
  • Insurance Claims, 4%

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