Claims Adjuster

Your Fit

Income

$77K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

-3.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Claims Adjuster?

A Claims Adjuster investigates insurance claims to determine the extent of insuring a company's liability. They are responsible for inspecting property damage or personal injury claims to evaluate the validity and calculate the appropriate payout.

Sample job titles:

Claims Adjuster, Claims Analyst, Claims Examiner, Claims Representative

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Claims Adjuster.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Claims Adjuster earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$60K per year	$77K per year	$96K per year	$112K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $27K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Claims Adjuster do?

Work environment

Claims Adjusters typically work for insurance companies, either in offices or as field adjusters. Their work often includes traveling to the site of a claim, interviewing claimants, and conducting on-site inspections.

Quick task list

Investigates and assesses insurance claims.
Interviews the claimant and witnesses, consulting police and hospital records.
Inspects property damage or reviews personal injury claims.
Determines claim validity and calculates settlement amounts.
Negotiates settlements with claimants.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Property Claims Adjuster: Specializing in property damage claims, such as homes or businesses affected by accidents or natural disasters.
Automobile Claims Adjuster: Focusing on claims related to vehicular accidents.
Workers' Compensation Adjuster: Handling claims related to workplace injuries or illnesses.

Description

A Claims Adjuster plays a crucial role in the insurance industry, acting as the bridge between the claimant and the insurer. Their primary goal is to ensure that claims are valid and that payouts are fair both to the claimant and the insurance company. This involves a detailed investigation of each claim, which may include visiting the site of an incident, conducting interviews, and reviewing documents.

The role requires a combination of analytical skills and empathy, as adjusters must thoroughly investigate claims while being sensitive to the circumstances of claimants. They must possess a strong understanding of insurance policies and the ability to interpret various types of data and evidence.

The work of a Claims Adjuster is varied and can often be unpredictable. One day might involve desk research, while the next could require on-site inspections in potentially challenging environments. This variety, along with the responsibility of making significant financial decisions, makes the role both challenging and rewarding.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Providing fair and equitable resolutions to claimants.
The variety and investigative nature of the work.
Opportunities for specialization and advancement in the insurance industry.

You might make a good Claims Adjuster if you are...

Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills.
Empathetic and possess good interpersonal skills.
Comfortable working independently and making significant decisions.
Interested in law, insurance policies, and investigative work.
Able to negotiate and resolve conflicts effectively.

Pros:

Diverse work environments and tasks.
Opportunities for problem-solving and helping others.
Potential for high job satisfaction through fair claim resolution.

Cons:

Can be emotionally challenging when dealing with distressed claimants.
High-pressure situations with significant financial implications.
Fieldwork may require travel and exposure to various environments.

How to become a Claims Adjuster

Typical education

Most positions require a bachelor's degree, although some jobs may only require a high school diploma and relevant work experience. Additional training or certification in insurance and claims adjusting is often beneficial.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics and accounting for understanding financial aspects.
Psychology or sociology to develop empathy and communication skills.
Law-related classes for understanding legal aspects of insurance.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Debate clubs to enhance negotiation skills.
Volunteer work to develop empathy and interpersonal skills.
Part-time work or internships in customer service or insurance.

Preparation after high school

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in fields like finance, law, or business administration.
Obtaining certifications like the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) or Associate in Claims (AIC).
Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in insurance companies.

More resources

Insurance Information Institute - Provides comprehensive information about various types of insurance.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) - Offers resources and information for insurance regulatory professionals.
Claims and Litigation Management Alliance - A membership group providing training and networking for claims professionals.
The Institutes - Offers educational programs and professional certifications in the insurance industry.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.