What Is an Insurance Adjuster and What Do They Do?

What an Insurance Adjuster Does

An insurance adjuster is an employee or contractor of an insurance company who investigates accident claims, evaluates liability and damages, and determines what the company will pay. Their job is to resolve claims efficiently — but in the company's financial interest, not necessarily the claimant\'s.

Types of Insurance Adjusters

• Staff adjuster: Full-time employee of the insurance company
• Independent adjuster: Contractor hired by the insurer on a per-case basis
• Public adjuster: Retained by the policyholder (not the insurer) — primarily used in property damage claims

The Adjuster's Investigation

Adjusters investigate accidents by reviewing police reports, inspecting vehicles, interviewing witnesses, reviewing medical records, and assessing liability. They assign fault percentages and evaluate damage amounts. Their initial assessment forms the basis of settlement offers.

First Party vs. Third Party Adjusters

A first-party adjuster handles claims under your own insurance policy. A third-party adjuster handles claims against the at-fault party's policy. The third-party adjuster works for the other driver\'s insurer and has no obligation to protect your interests. This is an important distinction when deciding whether to give statements or accept offers.

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