Insurance investigator vs auto claims adjuster

The differences between insurance investigators and auto claims adjusters can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an insurance investigator and an auto claims adjuster. Additionally, an auto claims adjuster has an average salary of $52,621, which is higher than the $40,373 average annual salary of an insurance investigator.

The top three skills for an insurance investigator include insurance claims, insurance benefits and general liability. The most important skills for an auto claims adjuster are repair process, body shop, and strong customer service.

Insurance investigator vs auto claims adjuster overview

	Insurance Investigator	Auto Claims Adjuster
Yearly salary	$40,373	$52,621
Hourly rate	$19.41	$25.30
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	38,201	16,187
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

What does an insurance investigator do?

A claims investigator is responsible for examining and investigating in a particular insurance claim is valid. They ensure that the insurance company will settle claims as soon as possible. They resolve issues to prevent fraudulent allegations. This career also requires effective communication. Claims investigators must often conduct interviews.

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.

Insurance investigator vs auto claims adjuster salary

Insurance investigators and auto claims adjusters have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Insurance Investigator	Auto Claims Adjuster
Average salary	$40,373	$52,621
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $61,000	Between $38,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City	-	Jersey City, NJ
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	EMC Insurance
Best paying industry	-	Insurance

Differences between insurance investigator and auto claims adjuster education

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

	Insurance Investigator	Auto Claims Adjuster
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Insurance investigator vs auto claims adjuster demographics

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

	Insurance Investigator	Auto Claims Adjuster
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 58.0% Female, 42.0%	Male, 52.2% Female, 47.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 5.5% White, 61.4% 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 insurance investigator and auto claims adjuster duties and responsibilities

Insurance investigator example responsibilities.

Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
Research commercial coverage plans and government plans such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Follow all HIPPA guidelines and procedures to protect patients and company interest.
Analyze high risk transaction activity and provide final approval of investigative case analyses utilize for SAR preparation and filing.
Prepare facility specific HIPAA authorizations for release of records.

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.

Insurance investigator vs auto claims adjuster skills

Common insurance investigator skills

Insurance Claims, 14%
Insurance Benefits, 12%
General Liability, 9%
Scene Investigations, 7%
Insurance Laws, 6%
Consumer Complaints, 6%

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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Insurance Investigator vs Auto Claims Adjuster

Updated January 8, 2025

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