What Does a Claims Adjuster Do?
Claims Adjusters typically work for insurance companies or insurance adjuster firms to help claimants receive the correct amount of funds in response to personal injury or property damage. They use their knowledge of their employer’s coverage options to apply claim criteria to the policyholder’s situation. Their job is to analyze the events surrounding property damage or personal injury to determine whether there’s a viable claim for compensation from the insurance company.
They may also need to maintain frequent communications with the claimant to update them on the claim process and when they can expect an answer about payment.
Claims Adjuster Skills and Qualifications
A Claims Adjuster interviews claimants and witnesses, inspects properties and completes additional research, including reviewing police reports when necessary. Skills and qualifications that assist in efficiently completing this job include:
- Analytical skills to evaluate if the insurance company is required to pay the claim. Claims Adjusters must consider multiple pieces of information to carefully make a decision.
- Communication skills to gather information from individuals, including medical experts, claimants and witnesses. They must know the correct questions to ask to get the information they need.
- Attention to detail to carefully review damaged property and documents.
- Interpersonal skills to meet with claimants and other relevant individuals who may be upset by a situation. Claims Adjusters must be able to be understanding, yet firm with the company’s policies.
- Math skills for calculating property damage.
Claims Adjuster Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Claims Adjuster is $59,194 per year. This information is based on 2,375 anonymously submitted salaries along with information gathered from Indeed users and current and past job listings within the last 36 months.
Claims Adjuster Education and Training Requirements
While a high school diploma is a minimum requirement for an entry-level Claims Adjuster position, most employers look to hire individuals with a bachelor’s degree or other insurance-related work experience. In the beginning, Claims Adjusters work on smaller claims under the supervision of an experienced employee. As their knowledge grows about the claims process, including investigation and settlements, they are assigned more complex, larger claims.
Claims Adjuster Experience Requirements
Licensing requirements for a Claims Adjuster will vary from state to state. While some states have minimal requirements, others require either successful completion of pre-licensing education or a passing score on a licensing exam. Public Adjusters may be required to meet additional or separate requirements. Some states don’t require a Claims Adjuster to be individually licensed; instead, the Adjuster works under the company’s license. In some states that require licenses, Claims Adjusters must also complete a specific amount of continuing education credits each year to renew their licensure.
State and federal laws, along with court decisions, often affect what insurance policies are required to cover and how claims are handled. Claims Adjusters who work on health and life claims should stay up to date on the latest prescription drugs and new medical procedures. Adjusters who work with auto claims should be familiar with current repair techniques and new car models. To fulfill continuing education requirements, a Claims Adjuster can attend workshops or classes, write articles for claim publications or give presentations and lectures.
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