Insurance investigator vs senior claims adjuster

The differences between insurance investigators and senior 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 a senior claims adjuster. Additionally, a senior claims adjuster has an average salary of $58,688, 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 a senior claims adjuster are customer service, litigation, and coverage issues.

Insurance investigator vs senior claims adjuster overview

	Insurance Investigator	Senior Claims Adjuster
Yearly salary	$40,373	$58,688
Hourly rate	$19.41	$28.22
Growth rate	-6%	-6%
Number of jobs	38,201	11,495
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
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 a senior claims adjuster do?

A senior claims adjuster is in charge of inspecting and analyzing insurance claims to validate and adjust payments. Among their responsibilities include reviewing and verifying claims documents, visiting sites to investigate property damages and personal injuries, gathering evidence such as photos and videos, and conducting interviews with witnesses and clients. Moreover, as a senior claims adjuster, it is essential to lead and serve as a mentor to fellow claims adjusters while enforcing and promoting the company's policies and regulations.

Insurance investigator vs senior claims adjuster salary

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

	Insurance Investigator	Senior Claims Adjuster
Average salary	$40,373	$58,688
Salary range	Between $26,000 And $61,000	Between $37,000 And $91,000
Highest paying City	-	Roseville, CA
Highest paying state	-	New Jersey
Best paying company	-	EMC Insurance
Best paying industry	-	Insurance

Differences between insurance investigator and senior claims adjuster education

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

	Insurance Investigator	Senior Claims Adjuster
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 62%	Bachelor's Degree, 70%
Most common major	Criminal Justice	Business
Most common college	California State University - Bakersfield	Stanford University

Insurance investigator vs senior claims adjuster demographics

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

	Insurance Investigator	Senior Claims Adjuster
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 58.0% Female, 42.0%	Male, 48.2% Female, 51.8%
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, 11.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 5.2% White, 61.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	10%	10%

Differences between insurance investigator and senior 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.

Senior claims adjuster example responsibilities.

Manage file inventory by utilizing CCC pathways diary system documenting claim file activities in accordance with establish procedures
Experience litigation adjuster proactively investigating, evaluating, and negotiating commercial and homeowner general liability casualty and property damage liability claims.
Prepare and calculate consumer pensions as well as variable & fix annuities.
Develop relationships with other departments such as sales, underwriting, and SIU in order to meet business goals.
Prepare property repair estimates utilizing Xactimate estimating software.
Structure settlement options with annuities and Medicare set-aside programs.

Insurance investigator vs senior 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 senior claims adjuster skills

Customer Service, 25%
Litigation, 9%
Coverage Issues, 6%
Strong Customer Service, 5%
Settlement Authority, 5%
Claims Handling, 3%

Insurance Investigator vs. similar jobs

Insurance Investigator related careers

Insurance Investigator related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Business and Financial Industry
Insurance Investigator
Insurance Investigator vs Senior Claims Adjuster

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse business and financial jobs