What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
An insurance adjuster investigates insurance claims to determine the extent of the insurer’s liability. These professionals assess property, vehicle, or bodily damage after accidents or natural disasters, verify policy coverage, and calculate fair settlement amounts. Depending on their specialty, adjusters may work in the field, physically inspecting damage, or in an office setting, reviewing documentation and interviewing claimants remotely.
Insurance adjusters play a crucial role in protecting both the insurer and policyholder by ensuring claims are resolved fairly and efficiently. They collect evidence, consult with experts, and negotiate settlements with claimants or third parties. Adjusters must stay up to date with state regulations, insurance law, and company policies to ensure each decision complies with legal and ethical standards. Their work requires a balance of investigative skills, attention to detail, and compassion for individuals experiencing loss.
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Insurance Adjuster Core Responsibilities
- Investigate insurance claims by reviewing reports, photographs, and supporting documentation
- Inspect property, vehicles, or injury sites to assess the extent of damage or loss
- Analyze policy terms and determine coverage eligibility
- Interview claimants, witnesses, and involved parties to gather facts
- Collaborate with contractors, appraisers, medical professionals, or law enforcement
- Prepare detailed reports, claim valuations, and settlement recommendations
- Negotiate settlements with policyholders or third-party claimants
- Maintain accurate records of all claim activities in claims management systems
- Ensure claims handling complies with state laws, regulations, and company standards
- Testify in court or depositions if disputes arise
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in claims management software (e.g., Guidewire, Xactimate, CCC One)
- Working knowledge of insurance policy structures and legal terminology
- Familiarity with damage estimation, construction terms, or auto body repair
- Strong documentation and reporting skills
- Understanding of liability, subrogation, and indemnification
Soft skills
- Investigative mindset and attention to detail
- Empathy and professionalism in sensitive situations
- Conflict resolution and negotiation skills
- Time management and ability to handle multiple claims
- Clear verbal and written communication
Education
- High school diploma or GED required
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in insurance, criminal justice, or related field preferred
Certifications
- State-issued insurance adjuster license(s) required (varies by state and claim type)
- Xactimate or CCC training certifications are recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience handling property, casualty, or auto claims
- Bilingual capabilities for customer communication
- Knowledge of regional laws, disaster recovery, or workers’ compensation claims
- Background in construction, automotive repair, or law enforcement
National Average Salary
Insurance adjuster salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Insurance Adjuster is:
$65,338
Sample Job Description Templates for Insurance Adjusters
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring an insurance adjuster. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Property Claims Adjuster
Position Overview
The property claims adjuster investigates and resolves claims related to residential or commercial property damage, such as fire, water intrusion, natural disasters, or vandalism. This role involves onsite inspections, estimating repair costs, and determining policy coverage.
Responsibilities
- Inspect damaged structures and contents in person or via digital tools
- Review repair estimates and collaborate with contractors or engineers
- Determine cause of loss and coverage eligibility based on policy terms
- Prepare detailed estimates using tools such as Xactimate
- Negotiate fair settlements with policyholders and vendors
- Document all claim activity and maintain claim file integrity
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Xactimate or similar property estimating software
- Understanding of residential/commercial construction methods and materials
- Familiarity with homeowner’s or commercial property policies
Soft skills
- Customer empathy during stressful situations
- Attention to detail and recordkeeping
- Clear verbal and written communication
Education
- High school diploma required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred
Certifications
- State-issued property adjuster license (as required by state)
- Xactimate Level 1 or 2 certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience with catastrophe (CAT) property claims
- Background in construction, real estate, or home inspection
Auto Claims Adjuster
Position Overview
The auto claims adjuster handles claims related to personal or commercial vehicle damage. This role evaluates damage, verifies coverage, and determines the cost of repairs or replacement, including potential third-party liability.
Responsibilities
- Review accident reports, photos, and repair estimates
- Coordinate vehicle inspections and appraisals
- Communicate with body shops, towing companies, and rental providers
- Identify liability and negotiate settlements
- Document all findings and maintain accurate claim records
- Monitor repair progress and follow up with claimants and providers
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with CCC One, Mitchell, or Audatex systems
- Understanding of auto parts, repair processes, and salvage valuations
- Familiarity with liability, no-fault, and third-party claims
Soft skills
- Problem-solving and quick decision-making
- Strong customer service skills
- Effective time and file management
Education
- High school diploma required; college coursework preferred
Certifications
- State-issued auto adjuster license (as applicable)
- CCC/Mitchell certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience in automotive repair or appraising
- Ability to work across personal, fleet, and commercial auto claims
Casualty Adjuster
Position Overview
The casualty adjuster investigates claims involving bodily injury, liability, or third-party damages. This includes slips and falls, product-related injuries, or vehicle-related injuries. The role involves extensive documentation, negotiation, and legal awareness.
Responsibilities
- Investigate incidents to determine liability and policy coverage
- Interview claimants, witnesses, and medical providers
- Review medical records, legal reports, and accident documentation
- Negotiate settlements with attorneys, claimants, or insurance carriers
- Monitor claim progression and prepare reports for litigation when necessary
- Collaborate with legal and risk management teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Understanding of tort law, negligence, and comparative fault
- Ability to read and analyze medical documentation
- Experience with bodily injury claim software (e.g., Colossus)
Soft skills
- Strong negotiation and conflict resolution abilities
- Critical thinking and legal judgment
- Professional demeanor when handling sensitive claims
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, legal studies, or related field preferred
Certifications
- State-issued casualty adjuster license required
- Industry certifications in liability adjusting (recommended)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience handling premises liability or complex injury cases
- Background in legal support, healthcare, or law enforcement
Catastrophe Adjuster
Position Overview
The catastrophe (CAT) adjuster is deployed to areas affected by large-scale disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, or floods, to assess damage and process claims rapidly. This role requires travel, high-volume case management, and the ability to work in challenging conditions.
Responsibilities
- Travel to affected regions to inspect damage and assess losses
- Work with mobile tools and satellite offices for field documentation
- Estimate repair and replacement costs using Xactimate or similar software
- Communicate with displaced policyholders empathetically and efficiently
- Prioritize urgent claims and meet strict reporting deadlines
- Maintain compliance with FEMA or state-specific guidelines
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced Xactimate proficiency
- Knowledge of disaster recovery protocols
- Mobile claims tools (e.g., remote inspection apps, drones)
Soft skills
- Adaptability and resilience in high-pressure situations
- Ability to handle long hours and field deployment
- Empathy and calm under emotional circumstances
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent; additional training preferred
Certifications
- State CAT license(s) and NFIP (National Flood Insurance Program) certification required
- Adjuster license for multiple jurisdictions strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with FEMA-related claims or mass-loss events
- Background in emergency response or disaster logistics
Workers’ Compensation Adjuster
Position Overview
The workers’ compensation adjuster evaluates claims involving workplace injuries or illnesses. This role determines compensability, coordinates medical treatment, and ensures compliance with labor laws and insurance regulations.
Responsibilities
- Review injury reports, medical records, and employer statements
- Coordinate with healthcare providers and monitor treatment plans
- Determine wage loss compensation and benefits eligibility
- Communicate with employees, employers, and legal counsel
- Document claim files and ensure compliance with state-specific WC rules
- Monitor claim progression and manage return-to-work strategies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Knowledge of state workers’ comp statutes and medical billing codes
- Experience with claims systems (e.g., Origami Risk, Guidewire)
- Familiarity with Independent Medical Evaluations (IME) and utilization review
Soft skills
- Compassionate communication with injured employees
- Accuracy in benefits calculations
- Confidentiality and discretion
Education
- Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in insurance, business, or healthcare preferred
Certifications
- Workers’ compensation adjuster license (state-specific) required
- WCCA or WCCP certification (recommended)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with return-to-work programs or employer compliance
- Background in occupational health, case management, or HR