When a home or business is damaged by a covered peril, the insurer will assign the claim to a representative. Depending on the company, that person may be called a specialist, examiner, or investigator, but these professionals are commonly referred to as adjusters. In this guide, readers can learn more about the job of an insurance adjuster.

Company Adjusters

Insurers hire adjusters who specialize in everything from minor home damage claims to major cases involving national businesses. Regardless of their specialty, these adjusters typically fall into two categories: inside and outside.

An inside adjuster usually handles small claims and works at a higher volume. They may simply ask for contractors’ estimates and a description of the damage before paying the claim.

An outside adjuster is called in when the damage is major or when coverage issues arise. Outside adjusters make preliminary contact by phone but they follow up with in-person visits. The damage is assessed and the claim is discussed before repairs are addressed.

Independent Claims Adjusters

An Independent Adjuster is a person who works for themselves, providing claims services to insurers on a contract or per-claim basis. In most cases, these adjusters have worked for and received training from insurance companies. They work just as company adjusters do, but they normally can’t settle claims, verify coverage, or make payments. Some insurers don’t have adjusters on staff, so they work with regional or local independents to process and settle insurance claims.

Public Adjusters

A public Insurance claims adjuster is an independent consultant who works for the customer rather than the insurer. Like a company adjuster, they can assess coverage, review damage, and work with contractors. Like an independent contractor, they often have insurance company experience and training. Like many attorneys do, they work on contingency, which means they collect a portion of the client’s insurance settlement.

Most public adjusters receive a commission rate of 10%. Unlike an independent claims adjuster who handles claims on an incoming basis, a public adjuster must sell his or her services and solicit customers. Becoming a public insurance adjuster is somewhat challenging as well; new adjusters must post bonds, pass a background check, and work for up to a year as an apprentice.

To a first-time claimant, the differences between the company, private, and public adjusters can be difficult to understand, but the information given here can help. If a claimant needs help with the fine print on their insurance policy, they can call today to learn more about insurance adjusters and what they do.