The role of an insurance adjuster is to review and estimate the payment of claims for an insurance company. They inspect the damage, check police reports, talk to witnesses, and request more information when reviewing a claim. Adjusters estimate the cost or value of an insured item, such as a damaged vehicle or real estate. They gather evidence and report it to examiners, and then negotiate with the policyholder to arrive at the final amount of their claim payment.
Medical claims adjusters are a distinct subgroup that focuses on health insurance claims. While there are regulatory exemptions for offices with fewer than ten employees that can manually file claims, most adjusters use sophisticated claims adjustment software for help. Some states allow claims adjusters who work for large companies to work under the company's license, while other states require that all adjusters have an individual license to practice. The job of an insurance adjuster is to assess the damage and determine how much the insurance company must pay for the loss. They must be able to evaluate the situation objectively and accurately assess the value of the claim.
Adjusters must also be able to negotiate with policyholders in order to reach a fair settlement. Adjusters must be knowledgeable about insurance policies and regulations in order to properly assess a claim. They must also be able to communicate effectively with policyholders in order to explain their decisions and reach a settlement. Adjusters must also be able to work independently and manage their time efficiently in order to meet deadlines.