How to Become a Claims Adjuster

A claims adjuster works for an insurance company and examines any property damage occurring as a result of an accident that is covered by an insurance plan. Claims adjusters also negotiate settlements and authorize payments to policyholders. Although claims adjusters work with their companies' interests in mind, their main priority is working to acheive a fair settlement for both parties. The US Department of Labor projects that the number of jobs for claims adjusters will experience average growth within the next 5 or 10 years.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide what type of claims adjuster you want to be. While independent adjusters are independent contractors, staff adjusters seek employment with an insurance company. Additionally, public adjusters are employed by the policyholders.

2. Obtain a 4-year college degree in business or related field. Liberal arts majors can become claims adjusters, too.

3. Update your computer technology skills. You must be able to send email correspondence, keep track of massive amounts of information and produce documents. Many companies are relying more on technology to allow adjusters to process more claims in a shorter amount of time.

4. Find out if your state requires certification to work as a claims adjuster. Contact your state's department of insurance, or equivalent department, for more information.

5. Become employed by a firm that will hire insurance claims adjusters. Consult the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (NAIIA) for a directory of job openings for independent adjusters (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• A good claims adjuster should respond quickly to claims, communicate effectively with policyholders, demonstrate accuracy and keep immaculate files.

• Claims adjusters must engage in continued education throughout their careers. For example, a claims adjuster may attend a training session on identifying falsified claims.

• Although most claims adjusters have a 5-day workweek with benefits, they must also be flexible and open to working more than 40 hours a week. Many of their appointments with clients occur on the weekends or after normal business hours.

• How much you want to work may determine what sort of adjuster you become. Most independent adjusters, for example, work longer hours than staff adjusters.

• To become a claims adjuster in a particular field, such as auto insurance, you may need experience in auto repair or some related field.

Resources

• Employment listings at National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters