Claims representative vs auto claims adjuster

The differences between claims representatives and auto claims 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 auto claims adjuster takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an auto claims adjuster has an average salary of $52,621, 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 auto claims adjuster are repair process, body shop, and strong customer service.

Claims representative vs auto claims adjuster overview

	Claims Representative	Auto Claims Adjuster
Yearly salary	$38,796	$52,621
Hourly rate	$18.65	$25.30
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	18,565	16,187
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	6	4

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 auto claims adjuster do?

A claims adjuster inspects insurance claim liability for property damage or personal injuries and calculates payments. They can either work in-house for insurance companies or as external freelancers. They collect gathered information from different reliable sources to determine insurance obligations based on the degree of damage caused. It is part of their responsibility to interview claimants and witnesses and refer with experts like engineers or policyholders to estimate the damage and if it's covered by insurance policies.

Claims representative vs auto claims adjuster salary

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

	Claims Representative	Auto Claims Adjuster
Average salary	$38,796	$52,621
Salary range	Between $28,000 And $53,000	Between $38,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	Dearborn, MI	Jersey City, NJ
Highest paying state	New Jersey	Alaska
Best paying company	W. R. Berkley	EMC Insurance
Best paying industry	Government	Insurance

Differences between claims representative and auto claims adjuster education

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

	Claims Representative	Auto Claims Adjuster
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	Stanford University

Claims representative vs auto claims adjuster demographics

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

	Claims Representative	Auto Claims Adjuster
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5%	Male, 52.2% Female, 47.8%
Race ratio	Black 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, 12.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.3% Asian, 5.1% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between claims representative and auto claims 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.

Auto claims adjuster example 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.

Claims representative vs auto claims adjuster skills

Common claims representative skills

Customer Service, 26%
Quality Standards, 6%
Policy Coverage, 6%
Reservations, 5%
Claims Handling, 3%
Insurance Coverage, 3%

Common auto claims adjuster skills

Repair Process, 14%
Body Shop, 10%
Strong Customer Service, 9%
Vehicle Inspections, 8%
Insurance Claims, 7%
Customer Service, 5%

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Claims Representative vs Auto Claims Adjuster

Updated January 8, 2025

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