Post job

Property claims adjuster vs field investigator

The differences between property claims adjusters and field investigators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a property claims adjuster and a field investigator. Additionally, a property claims adjuster has an average salary of $54,520, which is higher than the $34,305 average annual salary of a field investigator.

The top three skills for a property claims adjuster include customer service, claims handling and xactimate. The most important skills for a field investigator are excellent time management, background checks, and mental health.

Property claims adjuster vs field investigator overview

Property Claims AdjusterField Investigator
Yearly salary$54,520$34,305
Hourly rate$26.21$16.49
Growth rate-6%-6%
Number of jobs16,95749,068
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a property claims adjuster do?

Property Claims Adjusters are individuals who evaluate the insurance claims of their clients. They specialize in the appraisal of property-related insurance claims such as damages or other concerns. They often work outside the office, typically always on fieldwork, since their job entails them to visit the property involved in the insurance claim. Property Claims Adjusters appraise the property, check the damages, evaluate whether the claims are valid, and provide their verdict. Insurance Claims on the property are adjusted based on their recommendations and final verdict. Property claims adjusters should be familiar with building codes, property laws, and insurance guidelines.

What does a field investigator do?

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. They also validate the information by conducting surveillance operations and coordinating with law professionals. A field investigator may also work for private clients, updating them regularly for the progress, and informing them of additional actions as needed to solve complicated cases.

Property claims adjuster vs field investigator salary

Property claims adjusters and field investigators have different pay scales, as shown below.

Property Claims AdjusterField Investigator
Average salary$54,520$34,305
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $74,000Between $23,000 And $50,000
Highest paying CityTrenton, NJSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyCalifornia
Best paying companyEMC InsuranceThe Travelers Companies
Best paying industryInsuranceInsurance

Differences between property claims adjuster and field investigator education

There are a few differences between a property claims adjuster and a field investigator in terms of educational background:

Property Claims AdjusterField Investigator
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 77%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorBusinessCriminal Justice
Most common collegeStanford UniversityCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Property claims adjuster vs field investigator demographics

Here are the differences between property claims adjusters' and field investigators' demographics:

Property Claims AdjusterField Investigator
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 59.2% Female, 40.8%Male, 72.5% Female, 27.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.3% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 10.7% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between property claims adjuster and field investigator duties and responsibilities

Property claims adjuster example responsibilities.

  • Manage file inventory by utilizing CCC pathways diary system documenting claim file activities in accordance with establish procedures
  • Offer diligent investigations and evaluation of commercial and third party liability claims, investigative and litigation management.
  • Represent the insurance company in an arbitration settlement in NYC.
  • Write denial letters, reservations of rights letters, and other complex correspondence.
  • Recognize potentially fraudulent claims, utilizes SIU and other sources as needed, consults with management.
  • Negotiate with attorneys, order police reports, assist with the SIU department for possible fraud claims.
  • Show more

Field investigator example responsibilities.

  • Manage and dispose of claims in litigation by preparing and developing strategy with defense counsel and consensus relative to litigation handling.
  • Conduct SIU investigations and activity checks/interviews.
  • Complete advanced SIU training in arson investigation, forensics, interrogation and statistical analysis.
  • Investigate and open cases on customers and non-customers who have potentially engage in activity which goes against federally mandate BSA/AML regulations.
  • Work with lawyers, insurance investigators, medical providers, Medicaid clients, and co-workers to resolve issues.
  • Complete additional training and implementation of health insurance billing, both commercial and government (Medicare and Medicaid).
  • Show more

Property claims adjuster vs field investigator skills

Common property claims adjuster skills
  • Customer Service, 34%
  • Claims Handling, 11%
  • Xactimate, 8%
  • Strong Customer Service, 5%
  • Damage Estimates, 5%
  • Policy Coverage, 3%
Common field investigator skills
  • Excellent Time Management, 29%
  • Background Checks, 9%
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Criminal Justice, 5%
  • Law Enforcement Agencies, 5%
  • Comprehensive Reports, 4%

Browse business and financial jobs