What is an insurance adjuster's job?
The job of an insurance adjuster, also called a claims adjuster, is to investigate claims and determine who was at fault, what coverage applies, and how much the settlement should be. Insurance company claims adjusters work for the insurance company, while public adjusters are hired by policyholders to represent them.
How is the adjuster involved in a claim?
An adjuster is assigned to each claim filed with an insurance company and is involved in the process from initial investigation to settlement. The adjuster will review the claim, inspect the damage, determine the coverage, and calculate a settlement. They will also interact with the other insurance company's adjuster regarding liability and payments.
What are independent or public adjusters?
An independent adjuster is someone who does not work for a specific insurance company but may be contracted by various companies. A public adjuster, on the other hand, is not hired by an insurance company. They are hired by an insured person to handle their claim. They act as an advocate for whoever hires them.
Independent adjusters are most often hired during a major disaster, for temporary help, and in less populated areas where companies don't have staff.
A public adjuster is not authorized by the company, so the insured who hires them must pay them. They may work for a flat fee, or for a percentage of the claim payout. Since they usually assess property damage, this obviously cuts into the amount available to repair or replace damaged property.
Public adjusters mostly work major loss property claims, such as house fires or business losses. You are not likely to encounter public adjusters on an auto claim.
FAQ: Insurance adjusters
What is the difference between an insurance agent and an insurance adjuster?
An insurance agent helps you shop for and then sells you an insurance policy, while an adjuster handles claims. An agent may help you file a claim, but isn't involved the process after that. You won't work with an insurance adjuster unless you have filed a claim.
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