Do adjusters work for insurance companies?
Asked by: Berneice Hermiston | Last update: December 8, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (73 votes)
What is the difference between a claims adjuster and an insurance adjuster?
An insurance adjuster, also known as a claims adjuster, is a person who investigates an insurance claim to determine if the insurer should pay for damage or injuries, and if so, how much they should pay.
Is it worth getting an insurance adjuster?
No. Public Adjusters are rarely a good idea unless you have a specific circumstance that warrants one (you don't live locally, aren't able to speak with the adjuster, etc) They are paid based on a percentage of the settlement of the claim. That means they work for their own interest, not yours.
How much do adjusters make per claim?
The adjuster will receive between 60-70% of the fee, with the other 30-40% going to the adjusting firm they work for. Hurricane adjusters can easily average a $10,000 settlement per claim, which would put between $400 and $500 in their pocket per claim.
What not to say when talking to an insurance adjuster?
Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.” “I did not see the other person/driver.”
What does a Claims Adjuster Do?
When should you call an insurance adjuster?
Once you file a claim, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to assess the damages. However, this process can take time, especially if there's a high volume of claims. By calling an insurance claims adjuster first, you can expedite the process and ensure that your claim is processed quickly.
What happens if you don't agree with insurance adjuster?
File a Complaint: If necessary, file a complaint with the insurance company or regulatory authorities. Don't Settle for Less: Refrain from accepting a low settlement offer without proper evaluation. Be Prepared for Legal Action: If negotiations fail, be ready to file a lawsuit to protect your interests.
Do insurance adjusters get bonuses for denying claims?
Insurers are driven to increase their profits. In that vein, some of them give bonuses to adjusters who successfully and consistently deny claims. Adjusters who pay too many claims may find themselves without a job.
What company pays claims adjusters the most?
The best companies for claims adjusters to work for in 2024 are Progressive and Allstate. If you are looking for the best-paying companies for claims adjusters, you should consider Merchants Insurance Group with a median claims adjuster salary of $56,902 or Mercy Health with a median salary of $55,418.
What are the duties of an insurance adjuster?
Adjusters inspect property damage or personal injury claims to determine how much the insurance company should pay for the loss. They might inspect a home, a business, or an automobile. Adjusters interview the claimant and witnesses, inspect the property, and do additional research, such as look at police reports.
When should I hire an insurance adjuster?
However, it's typically best to hire a public adjuster early in the claims process, ideally before you've had significant interactions with your insurance company. This allows the public adjuster to fully assess your situation, review your policy, and advocate for your interests from the beginning.
Can you negotiate with adjuster?
Yes, you absolutely can and should negotiate with insurance adjusters. Negotiation is a normal part of the claims process. The first offer is usually not the final one. Insurance companies often start low to see if you'll accept less than what you're entitled to.
How long should it take for an insurance adjuster?
Typically, after reporting a claim to your insurance provider, you can expect a claims adjuster to reach out within 24 to 48 hours. This initial contact will be to gather more details about the incident and potentially schedule a time for an in-person inspection of the damages.
How do adjusters determine damage?
While the adjuster investigates an individual's claim, they assess every bit of damage to the vehicle. They look for whether a crack or dent occurred before or after an accident. They want to make sure the company pays for the repairs related to the traumatic event.
How do insurance adjusters make money?
Public adjusters can earn a flat rate, hourly rate, or a contingency fee based on the outcome of the insurance claim. Similar to an independent adjuster, public adjusters typically choose to receive a percentage of the settlement. The policyholder is then responsible for paying the firm they hired.
Why do insurance companies use third-party adjusters?
Expertise in specialized claim areas
TPAs are skilled in fraud detection and prevention, to protect insurers from potential losses. They can access claims data and analytics and often have in-depth knowledge of specific industries, which ensures accurate assessments and fair claim settlements.
Do claims adjusters make 6 figures?
The truth is, insurance adjusters can make six figures with the right tools and tenacity, even if they're just starting out. To give you an idea of the earning potential with an insurance adjuster salary, look at major hail storms across the United States each year.
How much do claims adjusters make in the US?
As of Jan 10, 2025, the average annual pay for a Day Claims Adjuster in the United States is $64,609 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $31.06 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,242/week or $5,384/month.
What makes a successful claims adjuster?
Clear and consistent communication
An adjuster assuages fears, addresses concerns, and alleviates doubts. There are emotional, intellectual, and philosophical components in successful field claims adjusting. Clear, concise, and consistent communication is key to mastering field adjusting.
What should you not say to a claims adjuster?
Admitting Fault, Even Partial Fault.
Even if you think you may be partly at fault for the accident, do not discuss this with an adjuster. Avoid any language that could be construed as apologetic or blameful.
Do insurance adjusters lowball?
Insurance adjusters are often given bonuses or other incentives based on how much money they save the company by getting claimants to accept low settlements. Making lowball offers is a key way insurers try to minimize payouts and protect their bottom line.
Can an adjuster cancel a claim?
Yes, the adjuster is free to close their file, and they could even withdraw any settlement offers (We do not see this happen very often). However, state law, not the adjuster, determines the time limit you have to pursue your case.
Should I trust an insurance adjuster?
That said, it's always prudent to use caution when you're speaking to an insurance adjuster after an accident. These individuals have the tough job of thoroughly reviewing your case to determine an appropriate payout, and they may not always have your best interests at the forefront of their minds.
Which insurance company has the most complaints?
The auto insurance company with the most complaints is United Automobile Insurance, which receives roughly 40 times more complaints than the average insurer its size, according to the latest NAIC complaint index.
What should you not say to a loss adjuster?
Understand that everything you say whether in person or over the phone, can be used against you in their final assessment. Avoid providing incomplete or potentially detrimental information that could be used to lower the settlement offer, like failing to mention pre-existing damage.