Insurance Adjusters: What You Need to Know

When it comes to insurance claims, the role of the insurance adjuster is critical. These professionals are responsible for assessing the damage and determining the amount of compensation that the policyholder is entitled to. If you’re dealing with an insurance claim, it’s important to understand how insurance adjusters work and what you can expect from the process.

What is an insurance adjuster?

An insurance adjuster is a professional who is hired by an insurance company to assess claims made by policyholders. Their job is to investigate the cause of the loss and determine the amount of compensation that the policyholder is entitled to under the terms of their insurance policy.

Adjusters can work for either the insurance company or the policyholder, depending on the type of claim and the agreement in place. For example, if you hire a public adjuster to represent you, they will work to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to.

Types of insurance adjusters

There are two main types of insurance adjusters: staff adjusters and independent adjusters.

Staff adjusters

Staff adjusters are employed by insurance companies to handle claims made by policyholders. They are typically assigned to specific geographic areas and are responsible for assessing claims in their assigned region.

The advantage of using a staff adjuster is that they are familiar with the policies and procedures of the company they work for. They may also be able to provide quicker turnaround times on claims because they work directly for the insurance company.

Independent Adjusters

Independent adjusters are not employed by any specific insurance company. Instead, they work on a contract basis and are hired by insurance companies to assess claims when staff adjusters are not available or when an independent assessment is needed.

The advantage of using an independent adjuster is that they may be able to provide a more objective and unbiased assessment of the claim. They may also be able to provide a quicker turnaround time on claims because they are not bound by the same policies and procedures as staff adjusters.

What does an insurance adjuster do?

The job of an insurance adjuster is to assess the damage caused by an event covered by an insurance policy, such as a natural disaster or car accident. Their job includes the following:

Task
Description
Investigate
They investigate the cause and extent of the damage to determine if it is covered by the policy and how much compensation is appropriate.
Document
They document the damage and take photographs to support their assessment.
Contact
They contact witnesses and gather any other relevant information that may be needed to determine the cause and extent of the damage.
Evaluate
They evaluate the policy language to determine the extent of coverage and the amount of compensation the policyholder is entitled to.
Negotiate
They negotiate with the policyholder and any other parties involved in the claim, such as contractors or repair shops, to reach a settlement that is fair and reasonable for all parties.

FAQ

How long does it take for an insurance adjuster to assess a claim?

The length of time it takes an insurance adjuster to assess a claim can vary depending on the nature and extent of the damage. In some cases, an adjuster may be able to assess the damage and provide a settlement offer within a few days. In other cases, it may take several weeks or even months to complete an assessment.

Should I hire a public adjuster?

If you feel that your insurance company is not providing you with a fair settlement offer, you may want to consider hiring a public adjuster. Public adjusters work on behalf of policyholders and are trained to negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to under your policy.

What should I do if I disagree with the insurance adjuster’s assessment?

If you disagree with the insurance adjuster’s assessment, you have the right to appeal their decision. You can provide additional evidence or documentation to support your claim or hire an independent appraiser to provide a second opinion. If all else fails, you may need to pursue legal action to resolve the dispute.

Can I negotiate with the insurance adjuster?

Yes, you can negotiate with the insurance adjuster to try to reach a settlement that is fair and reasonable for both parties. However, it’s important to remember that the adjuster is working on behalf of the insurance company and may not always have your best interests in mind. If you’re not comfortable negotiating on your own, you may want to consider hiring a public adjuster to represent you.

What should I do if my claim is denied?

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can provide additional evidence or documentation to support your claim or hire an attorney to help you navigate the appeals process.

Dealing with an insurance claim can be a complicated and stressful process, but understanding the role of the insurance adjuster can help you navigate the system more effectively. If you’re unsure about your rights or have any questions about the process, it’s always a good idea to seek professional advice.