How To Get A Job As A Claims Adjuster

There is an increasing demand for educated, experienced Claims Adjusters.

Many Claims Adjusters work for insurance companies.  Although they may be paid by the insurance company, they must still keep the welfare of the client in mind, or the credibility of the insurance company could be lost.  Some claimants prefer to hire private Claims Adjusters.  These Claims Adjusters are known as public adjusters.

Insurance is purchased to protect against loss.  When an individual, group, or company, suffers personal loss, or property damage, they make a claim for payment from their insurance company.  It is the job of the Claims Adjuster to investigate these claims and negotiate a settlement.  When calculating a monetary payment, the Adjuster must be fair and unbiased, whether they are employed by the insurance company or are employed privately.

Successful Insurance Adjusters are knowledgeable, observant, honest, persuasive, and persistent.  Because they must work with clients as well as other professional, they have excellent communication skills and are skilled interviewers.

Although Insurance Adjusters usually do some of their work in an office setting, they also spend time at claim sites, with clients, collecting evidence, and on the road.  Because of the nature of many claims, Adjusters may need to work irregular hour.

When a claim for monetary payment is made by a client, the Insurance Adjuster will start an investigation.  He/she opens a file and keeps records of all the information collected.  He gathers information from police records, photographs, witness reports, medical records, and his own observations.  As part of his investigations, he may interview claimants and others, as well as visiting, and examining, damaged property.  He uses the information gathered to determine who is liable and for what sum.  If this amount is contested, further investigation may be necessary and other professional help may become involved in order to reach a settlement acceptable to all parties.

Education

If you are interested in getting a job as an Claims Adjuster, and are still in high school, take courses in English, business practices, and computer technology.  Get some experience, paid or volunteer in an insurance office.

Training in auto mechanics, or auto body repair, would be an asset, as would any experience in law enforcement.

Although many, presently employed, Claims Adjusters do not have a college education, more employers are now looking for individuals with a degree.  Useful degrees would be those in business, law, accounting, or engineering.  A degree is never wasted, especially if, at some time in the future, you wish to change your career.  The most educated employees are those that are in highest demand, earn the highest salaries, and are the first to be promoted.

Initially Claims Adjusters receive on-the-job training and work for a period of time under the supervision and guidance of an experienced Adjuster.

Licensing requirements vary from state to state.  Requirements may include passing an exam, having relevant education and posting a bond.  Most licensing requires ongoing education.

With sufficient education and experience, Claims Adjusters can become certified.  Certification is not a requirement for employment in any state, but it is a concrete testament to the skill and knowledge of the certified individual.

Claims Adjusters with sufficient experience can advance to positions as supervisors and managers.  They can also move on to open their own Claims Adjusting business.

There is a national association for independent Insurance Adjusters, which you may find of interest.  Its site is as follows.

http://www.naiia.com/