what is a claims adjuster?
A claims adjuster, also known as an insurance adjuster, investigates insurance claims to determine how much the insurance company should pay. When a policyholder experiences a loss—such as property damage or an accident—they file a claim. As a claims adjuster, your role is to assess the claim, verify coverage, and determine the settlement amount.
Claims adjusters handle a variety of cases, including property damage, liability claims, and personal injury cases. Your job involves speaking with policyholders, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical and police reports, and inspecting properties or vehicles. The goal is to ensure claims are legitimate and reach a fair settlement.
A strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and investigative skills are essential in this role. If you’re interested in a career that requires analysis and negotiation, read on to learn about the qualifications, salary, and career opportunities for claims adjusters in the U.S.
claims adjuster jobsaverage claims adjuster salary
According to recent data, the median salary for a claims adjuster in the U.S. is $89,300 per year. Entry-level claims adjusters typically start at $69,000 per year, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $92,625 annually.
how to increase your salary as a claims adjuster?
- Experience Level: More experience leads to higher salaries.
- Type of Claims: Adjusters handling high-value or complex claims often earn more.
- Location: Working in large metropolitan areas can increase earning potential.
- Independent vs. In-House Adjusters: Independent adjusters can earn higher fees based on a percentage of claim settlements.
are you being paid what you're worth?
Use our salary comparison tool to check your earnings against industry standards.
types of claims adjusters
There are three main types of claims adjusters:
- Company Adjuster: Works as a full-time employee for an insurance company, handling claims exclusively for that company.
- Independent Adjuster: Works as a contractor for multiple insurance companies, often specializing in large-scale claims or emergency situations.
- Public Adjuster: Represents policyholders rather than insurance companies. Public adjusters negotiate claims on behalf of businesses or individuals for a percentage of the final settlement.
working as a claims adjuster
If you are interested in working in insurance, check out the duties, responsibilities and work environments of claims adjusters:
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work environment of a claims adjuster.
As a claims adjuster, you work in the insurance industry. While you spend most of your time in the office reviewing claims and policies from policyholders, you also work outdoors when investigating claims. For instance, you travel to the accident scene to review incidents and take photos. Claims adjusters also work from home or in hybrid work settings with minimal outdoor work.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the company you work for, you are likely to interact with insurance brokers and agents, data analysts, claims specialists, and legal professionals such as lawyers and investigators. You may also collaborate with underwriters, risk assessors, and regulatory compliance officers to ensure claims are handled accurately and efficiently.
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claims adjuster work schedule.
- A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or criminal justice is recommended but not always required.
- A college diploma or relevant certification can also prepare you for the role.
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career opportunities as a claims adjuster.
The demand for claims adjusters in the U.S. is expected to remain stable, with over 29,900 job openings projected between 2022 and 2031. Specializing in areas like property claims, auto insurance, or catastrophic losses can open new career opportunities.
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advantages of finding a job as a claims adjuster through Randstad.
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
claims adjuster skills and education
- Communication Skills: You will interact with policyholders, witnesses, and legal professionals, requiring strong verbal and written skills.
- Critical Thinking & Analysis: You must evaluate complex insurance claims, review reports, and determine appropriate settlements.
- Attention to Detail: Small details can impact claim validity and payout amounts.
- Negotiation Skills: You will negotiate settlements with policyholders and insurance companies.
FAQs about claims adjuster
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of a claims adjuster.
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how much does a claims adjuster make in the US?
The average salary for a claims adjuster is $89,300 per year, with entry-level salaries starting at $69,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $92,625 annually.
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how do I become a claims adjuster?
To become a claims adjuster, pursue a bachelor's degree in business, finance, or any related field. Some college diploma programs also prepare you for the role. After completing your education, you require several years of experience as a claims clerk. Alternatively, complete on-the-job training to gain general insurance experience.
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why do insurance companies use adjusters?
Insurance companies rely on claims adjusters to investigate claims and determine the best settlement for both the insurer and claimant. Adjusters investigate claims and can verify whether the claimant deserves an insurance claim. Insurers use adjusters to get independent claims verification.
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how do I find a job as a claims adjuster?
Finding a job near you as a claims adjuster is easy. Search our job offers. Have you found what you're looking for? Then submit your application using the ‘Apply’ button top right on the page. No jobs available right now? Send us your resume and we'll pass it on to a recruiter who will contact you if an opportunity opens up for you.
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