Insurance Claims Adjusters
Overview
Insurance claims adjusters are like detectives for insurance companies, investigating accidents, damages, and losses to determine if claims are legitimate and how much money should be paid out. They use modern technology like digital cameras, databases, and mobile apps to gather evidence, interview people involved, and analyze policy details. This job requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and good communication abilities, with many adjusters working flexibly between office settings and field investigations. A bachelor's degree in business, finance, or a related field is typically preferred, along with specialized training in insurance regulations.

Did you know?
Most states require claims investigators to obtain specific licenses or certifications, with continuing education requirements that vary by jurisdiction.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$75,254.12 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Service Orientation
Key Responsibilities
- Present cases and participate in their discussion at claim committee meetings.
- Resolve complex, severe exposure claims, using high service oriented file handling.
- Review police reports, medical treatment records, medical bills, or physical property damage to determine the extent of liability.
- Prepare reports to be submitted to company's data processing department.
- Examine titles to property to determine validity and act as company agent in transactions with property owners.
- Communicate with former associates to verify employment record or to obtain background information regarding persons or businesses applying for credit.
- Maintain claim files, such as records of settled claims and an inventory of claims requiring detailed analysis.
- Communicate with reinsurance brokers to obtain information necessary for processing claims.
- Examine claims investigated by insurance adjusters, further investigating questionable claims to determine whether to authorize payments.
- Report overpayments, underpayments, and other irregularities.
- Collect evidence to support contested claims in court.
- Conduct detailed bill reviews to implement sound litigation management and expense control.
- Obtain credit information from banks and other credit services.
- Contact or interview claimants, doctors, medical specialists, or employers to get additional information.
- Supervise claims adjusters to ensure that adjusters have followed proper methods.
- Negotiate claim settlements or recommend litigation when settlement cannot be negotiated.
- Adjust reserves or provide reserve recommendations to ensure that reserve activities are consistent with corporate policies.
- Attend mediations or trials.
- Analyze information gathered by investigation and report findings and recommendations.
- Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.
- Refer questionable claims to investigator or claims adjuster for investigation or settlement.
- Verify and analyze data used in settling claims to ensure that claims are valid and that settlements are made according to company practices and procedures.
- Pay and process claims within designated authority level.
- Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation.
- Enter claim payments, reserves and new claims on computer system, inputting concise yet sufficient file documentation.
- Investigate, evaluate, and settle claims, applying technical knowledge and human relations skills to effect fair and prompt disposal of cases and to contribute to a reduced loss ratio.
- Interview or correspond with agents and claimants to correct errors or omissions and to investigate questionable claims.
- Investigate and assess damage to property and create or review property damage estimates.
- Interview or correspond with claimants, witnesses, police, physicians, or other relevant parties to determine claim settlement, denial, or review.
Career Considerations
State Licensing Requirements
Most states require claims investigators to obtain specific licenses or certifications, with continuing education requirements that vary by jurisdiction.
Technology Proficiency
Modern claims investigation increasingly relies on digital tools, databases, and analytical software for fraud detection and case management.
Legal and Regulatory Knowledge
Success requires understanding of state insurance laws, federal regulations, and legal procedures that govern claims processing and investigation practices.