What does a claims adjuster do for an insurance company?
Asked by: Hayley Feest | Last update: December 13, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (66 votes)
What can I expect from a claims adjuster?
Interviewing Witnesses: Adjusters will also interview any witnesses of the accident to help them better understand what happened and how it may have impacted the insurance claim. Reviewing Medical Records: Adjusters will also request and review the policyholder's medical records following their accident.
What are the duties of a claims adjuster?
- Investigate, evaluate, and settle insurance claims.
- Determine whether the insurance policy covers the loss claimed.
- Decide the appropriate amount the insurance company should pay.
- Ensure that claims are not fraudulent.
- Contact claimants' doctors or employers to get additional information on questionable claims.
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 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.
Day in the Life--Part 2 --Claims Adjuster
How do claims adjusters get paid?
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.
What are the three key goals of a claims adjuster when settling claims?
Quick Answer: An insurance adjuster is a professional who evaluates insurance claims to determine the insurance claim liability. Their main goals are to assess the damage, determine the insurance cover, and negotiate a settlement.
What questions do claims adjusters ask?
- Questions About the Involved Vehicles. ...
- Questions About How the Car Accident Happened. ...
- Questions About Shared Liability. ...
- Questions About Vehicle Damages. ...
- Questions About Your Injuries. ...
- Insurance Tactics Used to Reduce Your Car Accident Insurance Payout.
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.
How long does it take for an insurance adjuster to call?
Standard Waiting Time
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.
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.
Which approach would a claims adjuster use to investigate a claim?
Insurance claims investigations rely on evidence, interviews, and records to conclude whether a claim is legitimate or illegitimate.
How to deal with an insurance adjuster?
Be Polite, But Not Hostile
If the insurance adjuster contacts you, you must treat them politely and respectfully. Refrain from arguing with them because it will not help your case. However, it is best to decline to speak with them and give any information about the accident or your condition.
What to do before an insurance adjuster comes?
Safety First: Before the adjuster comes over, make sure your place is safe for inspection. If there are any dangers from the damage, like wet floors, take steps to prevent accidents while they assess it. Document the Damage: Take some photos and jot down notes about the damage before the adjuster shows up.
What happens if you don't agree with an 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.
Can you negotiate with a claims adjuster?
Here's how to negotiate with insurance adjusters like a pro:
Gather all evidence, including photos, medical records, and repair estimates. Stay calm, be polite, and firm in your communications. Start with a reasonable demand backed by evidence, and be ready to counter low offers.
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.
Why does insurance adjuster want to meet with me?
After you file a claim, the adjuster will contact you about the accident. They are looking for facts about the case to determine whether you are entitled to a settlement and for what amount.
Are insurance adjusters fair?
Insurance adjusters are responsible for assessing the extent of damages and estimating the appropriate compensation. However, their evaluations may be biased, incomplete, or undervalued. They may overlook hidden damages or fail to consider the long-term consequences of an incident.
Do insurance adjusters deny claims?
Pressure to Deny Claims: Overwhelmed and overworked adjusters will look to deny claims rather than pay them. A denial is faster and clears time and resources for the adjuster to handle more incoming claims. Unfortunately, this leads to many improperly denied claims throughout the insurance industry.
What is the first thing an insurer must investigate before taking on a claim?
Insurance companies must search for and consider evidence that supports coverage for the claim. Thus, insurance companies cannot close their eyes to evidence that supports coverage and focus solely on the evidence that denies coverage. Too narrow a focus of investigation?
Why does a claim adjuster call you?
The adjuster may be calling to exchange information, give you a contact for making your claims, advise you about how to make a claim for your vehicle loss, or other reasons. So, the adjuster could be helpful.
What is the main duty of an insurance adjuster?
A claims adjuster investigates insurance claims to determine the extent of insuring a company's liability. Claims adjusters may handle property claims involving damage to structures, and/or liability claims involving personal injuries or third-person property damage.
What are the four steps in settlement of an insurance claim?
- Notification. The first step is to notify: advising your insurance company that you want to file a claim. ...
- Investigation. ...
- Repair. ...
- Settlement.
What are the 4 types of claims adjusters?
A claims adjuster investigates insurance claims to determine an appropriate settlement amount. There are three types of claims adjusters: staff, independent and public adjusters.