How to Get a Job as an Insurance Adjuster

There are two main paths to getting a job as an insurance adjuster: working for an insurance company directly, and working as an independent adjuster. If you want adjuster jobs, there are two main things you need to focus on: networking and training.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• College degree or experience is preferred for most positions

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of position you want. Staff claims adjusters work for one company, are salaried, and stay in one location. Independent adjusters work for several companies on a per-claim or per-day commission and travel frequently. There is more risk to being an independent adjuster, but there is also the potential for more income in good years (years with lots of storms). Your choice will depend on your personal circumstances.

2. Once you know what kind of job you want, you'll need to review your resume. Do you have a college degree? Do you have 4-5 years experience in insurance, building, or estimating? If you have either, you're qualified for most entry-level staff adjusting jobs and independent adjusting jobs. Start looking for companies that are hiring (see resources below for helpful links) and getting your resume out there!

3. If you lack a degree and experience, or are moving from a completely different field, you'll need to complete training to make yourself stand out. Seek out adjuster training. You can take adjuster classes online or in a classroom setting.

4. If you're serious about being an adjuster, an associate in claims certification will give you the training you need. See the link in resources for more information.

5. Next, build your network, as networking is big in the insurance industry. Any time you go to adjuster training classes, you'll want to meet as many people as you can. Exchange information. Stay in touch. Logon to adjuster forums (linked in resources). The network of other adjusters is the best way to find the good companies to work for, and to know where the adjuster jobs are.

6. Whenever you send in a resume, follow up with a call. Talk to the human resources manager or staff. Get their name. Be polite. These are the people who decide whether or not you work! Stay in touch. It's always good to find something they like to talk about- children, pets, fishing, and sports are all good topics.

7. When you get adjusting jobs or are deployed as an adjuster, do a good job. You can have all the training in the world, but if you make an insurance company look bad you'll always have trouble finding work. In this job, customer service and speed are key!

Tips & Warnings

• Get all the adjuster training you can!

• There is a high level of risk to being an independent adjuster. When the jobs are there, it's great. When they're gone, it's dicey.

Resources

• Great Insurance Jobs
• State Insurance Commissions
• Cat Adjuster Forums
• how to get an AIC certification
• How to become a catastrophe adjuster