Insurance Adjuster

Insurance Adjuster Certification

Although certification requirements vary from state to state, insurance adjusters undergo certain schooling before entering the work force. Many colleges offer insurance adjuster courses, and some even offer courses online.

Some companies will hire potential insurance adjusters and provide all the training they need. This is to the company's advantage because the paid training results in qualified employees, and it is to the employee's advantage because they get the training without paying for it themselves. Since the job entails so many different aspects, potential adjusters must have the ability to not only know all the state and federal regulations involved but must also have the ability to deal with people in a professional and friendly manner.

Insurance adjusters work with various types of insurance claims, such as:

• Homeowners
• Auto
• Boat
• Business
• Renters' insurance

Each type of insurance has its own rules and regulations, and insurance adjusters must know the ins and outs of their particular specialty.

Company Representatives

Often people don’t have many dealings with their insurance company until something occurs to merit the company’s involvement. An adjuster is their primary company contact. Not only must an adjuster be able to answer questions posed to them by the insured person, but they must also conduct themselves in a way that sheds a favorable light upon the company.

Insurance adjusters are also responsible for filing the proper paperwork needed to ensure claims are paid promptly and accurately. Insurance adjusters may find their job exciting and enjoy the variation from case to case. Since not every insurance claim is alike, adjusters often deal with unique situations when analyzing claims. This factor attracts many people to this occupation.

Public Adjusters

A public adjuster does not work for a particular insurance company, but instead is employed by a company of adjusters. In instances of a homeowners insurance claim, for example, the homeowner may contract the services of a public adjuster, to ensure they are paid the most money possible for their claim.

Adjusters who are employed directly by insurance companies must answer to the company, whereas public adjusters answer to the client. They can focus on getting the largest settlement possible for the insured person. Insurance adjusters are paid a percentage of the settlement, but the amount they earn varies by state.

Many people are uncomfortable hiring a public adjuster, because they do not like the idea of someone taking a portion of their settlement. Public adjusters, however, claim to use their expertise to maximize the settlement amount received. In theory, this makes hiring one a sound financial decision. There is no lack of public adjusters available, since there is an abundance of companies that specialize in this field.

Before securing the services of a public adjuster, it is best to check with the Better Business Bureau to ensure the company is sound.

Contesting a Decision

There are times when an insured person may feel he is not paid the maximum value for his loss. In this case, the insured person should first attempt to negotiate with the adjuster, who may be able to raise the offer. Several agencies can assist with such matters. If the deficit in the adjuster’s offer is so great that it merits legal action, some insured people take the insurance company to court. Sometimes the mere threat of legal action results in a higher offer from an insurance company, because they do not want to deal with the hassle and the legal costs involved with going to court.

Insurance adjusters are experts in their field, but that does not mean they are always correct, or looking out for the insured's best interests. An adjuster may be instructed by their company to start with a low offer and eventually work their way up. Do not be apprehensive about demanding the fair amount for a claim.

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