Insurance adjuster duties: what an adjuster does

What are an insurance adjuster's duties?

BLS lists these as the typical duties of claims adjusters, examiners and investigators:

• Investigate, evaluate and settle claims
• Decide whether the policy covers the loss
• Work out the right payment
• Make sure claims aren't fraudulent
• Contact claimants' doctors or employers about questionable claims
• Consult lawyers when needed
• Negotiate settlements and authorize payments

Adjusters inspect property damage or injuries, interview claimants and witnesses, and write reports for claims examiners. Once an examiner approves a claim, the adjuster negotiates the settlement.

Other claims jobs

• Appraisers estimate the cost or value of insured items. Most are auto damage appraisers who estimate repair costs, and they spend much of their time at body shops.
• Claims examiners review claims to check that claimants and adjusters followed the rules. Health examiners check whether costs are reasonable, and life examiners review causes of death.
• Insurance investigators handle claims that may involve fraud, such as arson or staged accidents, and often do surveillance.