Claims Adjuster - Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Claims Adjuster

If you have a car accident, a break-in or a house fire, and you have insurance, one of your first steps will be to file a claim with your insurance company. Your claim will be processed by the insurance company's claims adjuster.

Job Description

Property claims adjusters and insurance claims adjusters plan and schedule the work necessary for processing a claim. They investigate claims by:
  • checking police and hospital records
  • inspecting property damage
  • interviewing the claimant and any witnesses.
 
Adjusters compile the information in a report that is used to evaluate claims. If the claim is valid, the adjuster negotiates and settles the claim. If a claim is contested, claims adjusters may work with lawyers and witnesses to defend the company's decision.

Salary Guide

Salaries for claims adjusters vary widely depending on experience, location and the company for which the adjuster works. In 2006, median annual earnings for claims adjusters were $50,660. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,220 while the highest 10 percent earned over $68,420.
 
Many claims adjusters, especially those working for big insurance companies, receive a number of perks along with their salary. These bonuses may include:
  • cell phones
  • company car
  • laptop computers
  • reimbursement for business use of their personal vehicle.
 

Education and Training

While you do not technically need a college degree to be a claims adjuster, most companies prefer to hire college graduates. Graduates in any major can find a job in claims adjustment.
 
Claims adjusters generally need a license. Licensing requirements vary from state to state. Some states require that licensed claims adjusters complete a certain number of continuing education classes each year in order to keep their license.
 
Much training happens on the job. Entry-level claims adjusters handle small claims under the supervision of more experienced co-workers. As their training and coursework continues, they take on bigger and more complex claims and assume more responsibility.

Prior Work Experience

Many entry-level claims adjusters find positions directly out of college. However, in some areas of insurance, a solid work background in another field may be helpful. These areas include:
  • financial claims: A business or accounting background allows you to specialize in claims of financial loss due to strikes, equipment malfunctions or damage.

  • industrial claims: A college degree or experience in architecture or engineering comes in handy if you would like to handle industrial claims such as damage from fires, floods or other accidents.

  • medical and life insurance claims: A medical or pharmaceutical background is helpful with these claims.

  • worker's compensation and liability claims: A legal background gives you an edge if you want to work with these types of claims.
 

Career Advancement

Employment opportunities for claims adjusters are expected to grow about as fast as the national average through 2016. However, potential claims adjusters face tough competition for these positions. During tough economic times, many large companies are downsizing their claims departments.
 
Stellar employees may advance to managerial or administrative positions. Claims adjusters also have the opportunity to earn professional certifications and designations as a testament to their expertise. These usually require at least five to 10 years of experience and yearly education credits.

Related Associations and Groups

Many groups and associations exist at the local and national level to guide claims adjusters and other insurance professionals through their careers. They include:
  • National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters
  • National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters
 
Local and state-level organizations are good sources of licensing and career information. Examples are:
  • Seattle Claims Adjusters Association
  • Tacoma Claims Adjusters Association
  • Utah Claims Adjusters Association.
 
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