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How to become an Insurance Adjuster?
Tell us everything we need to know to become an Insurance Adjuster!
Note: Given the growing interest in the insurance field, we're inviting our experienced professionals to share their knowledge.
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2 answers
Rachel Carlin
Workers Compensation Claim Representative
1
Answer
Melville, New York
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Insurance is a very broad field and there are many types of claims to adjust. There is property, general liability, auto, workers compensation, no fault, etc. each type of claim differs but in general, you are adjusting the claim on behalf of an insured and working with all parties to come to a resolution. Depending on the type of claim, resolution can be speedy, or not! You can be dealing directly with a first party, or you may be dealing with their attorney instead. As a Workers Comp adjuster, there are medical and legal guidelines that we follow to adjust the claim according to the law and to follow best practices. Learning these guidelines was very interesting to me and it helped to be a strong reader with a decent knowledge of legalese and an interest in the medical field.
Depending on the type of claims you want to adjust, the education requirements may differ. Some types of claims may only require a GED, others like liability that involve greater complexity may prefer higher education as well. Some types of claims are more customer-facing so you will want to have strong communication skills. Also, some companies require State licenses but they may not require that at the time of hiring. For example, my company does not require an adjuster to be licensed upon hiring, but there is an expectation that the adjuster will become licensed within a few years, so that’s something you could certainly ask the company upon interviewing (they likely will mention it).
You will likely go through training. My company paired me with a mentor and had many training sessions including at home office. Training was both online and in person, hands-on and also a lot of reading.
As a workers compensation claims adjuster, I have colleagues who do not have a college degree; I myself have a Bachelor of Arts. I have passed the license exam and most of my colleagues are licensed. I am in a very customer-facing role, fielding questions from injured workers, and from insureds, doctor offices, law offices, and other involved parties. I try to be as friendly, helpful, and kind as possible, even when the volume of calls can be high at times. I do a lot of reading through medical reports, analyzing, writing, on a large scale since I handle many claims at once. Helps to be a strong multitasker and an empathetic person. Remembering that these claims each involved a person who suffered a loss, I feel good at the end of the day knowing I am helping someone. If you want a career where you can be sure you are helping folks, and where you are always learning and growing, you will thrive in insurance. No two claims are alike!
Depending on the type of claims you want to adjust, the education requirements may differ. Some types of claims may only require a GED, others like liability that involve greater complexity may prefer higher education as well. Some types of claims are more customer-facing so you will want to have strong communication skills. Also, some companies require State licenses but they may not require that at the time of hiring. For example, my company does not require an adjuster to be licensed upon hiring, but there is an expectation that the adjuster will become licensed within a few years, so that’s something you could certainly ask the company upon interviewing (they likely will mention it).
You will likely go through training. My company paired me with a mentor and had many training sessions including at home office. Training was both online and in person, hands-on and also a lot of reading.
As a workers compensation claims adjuster, I have colleagues who do not have a college degree; I myself have a Bachelor of Arts. I have passed the license exam and most of my colleagues are licensed. I am in a very customer-facing role, fielding questions from injured workers, and from insureds, doctor offices, law offices, and other involved parties. I try to be as friendly, helpful, and kind as possible, even when the volume of calls can be high at times. I do a lot of reading through medical reports, analyzing, writing, on a large scale since I handle many claims at once. Helps to be a strong multitasker and an empathetic person. Remembering that these claims each involved a person who suffered a loss, I feel good at the end of the day knowing I am helping someone. If you want a career where you can be sure you are helping folks, and where you are always learning and growing, you will thrive in insurance. No two claims are alike!
Brandie Ramsey
Audit Manager
11
Answers
Orchard City, Colorado
Updated
Brandie’s Answer
Becoming an insurance adjuster involves a combination of education, skills development, and obtaining the necessary certifications or licenses. Insurance adjusters are professionals who evaluate insurance claims to determine the insurance company's liability. They inspect property damage or personal injury claims to decide how much the insurer should pay for the loss. Here's a comprehensive guide to becoming an insurance adjuster:
1. **Education Requirements:**
- **High School Diploma or Equivalent:** This is the minimum educational requirement for most entry-level insurance adjuster positions.
- **Postsecondary Education:** While not always required, having a bachelor's degree in a field such as finance, business, or any other related field can be beneficial and may provide better job prospects.
2. **Skills Development:**
- **Analytical Skills:** Adjusters must carefully read policies and analyze claims to determine the extent of the insurance company's liability.
- **Communication Skills:** Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for dealing with claimants, lawyers, and other professionals.
- **Attention to Detail:** Adjusters must be detail-oriented to accurately assess claims and ensure that all relevant facts are considered.
- **Interpersonal Skills:** The ability to empathize with claimants while maintaining professional detachment is important.
- **Math Skills:** Basic math skills are necessary for calculating claim amounts.
- **Technical Skills:** Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools is often required.
3. **Training and Experience:**
- **On-the-Job Training:** Many insurance companies offer training programs for new adjusters, which may include shadowing experienced adjusters and learning under supervision.
- **Work Experience:** Some positions may require previous experience in the insurance industry or in a related field such as construction for property adjusters.
4. **Licensing and Certification:**
- **State Licensing:** Most states require insurance adjusters to be licensed. The requirements for licensing vary by state but typically include passing an exam and completing a certain number of continuing education credits every few years.
- **Certifications:** While not always required, certifications can enhance an adjuster's credentials. The Institutes offer the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Claims (AIC) designations, which are recognized industry-wide.
5. **Specialization:**
- **Types of Adjusters:** There are different types of adjusters, including staff adjusters (employed by insurance companies), independent adjusters (contracted by insurance companies), and public adjusters (hired by policyholders). Each type has different roles and responsibilities.
- **Areas of Expertise:** Adjusters can specialize in various types of claims, such as auto, property, casualty, workers' compensation, or liability.
6. **Regulatory Compliance:**
- **Ethics and Conduct:** Adjusters must adhere to ethical standards and comply with all laws and regulations governing insurance claims.
- **Continuing Education:** To maintain their licenses, adjusters must complete ongoing education to stay current with laws, regulations, and industry developments.
7. **Job Search:**
- **Networking:** Joining professional associations such as the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (NAIIA) can provide networking opportunities.
- **Job Boards:** Look for job postings on insurance industry-specific job boards, company websites, and general employment websites.
- **Recruitment Agencies:** Some agencies specialize in placing insurance professionals.
8. **Stay Informed:**
- **Industry Knowledge:** Keep up with industry trends, new laws, and technologies affecting insurance adjusting.
- **Professional Development:** Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance your skills and knowledge.
9. **Soft Skills:**
- **Negotiation Skills:** Adjusters often negotiate settlements with claimants or their representatives.
- **Time Management:** Managing multiple claims efficiently is crucial for success in this role.
10. **Physical and Emotional Considerations:**
- **Field Work:** Some adjusters may need to travel to inspect damages in person, which can involve exposure to various environments and potentially stressful situations.
- **Stress Management:** Dealing with individuals who have experienced loss or trauma requires the ability to manage emotional stress.
Remember that the specific requirements and steps to become an insurance adjuster can vary depending on the region and the type of insurance adjusting you are interested in. Always check with your state's insurance department or licensing board for the most current information and requirements.
1. **Education Requirements:**
- **High School Diploma or Equivalent:** This is the minimum educational requirement for most entry-level insurance adjuster positions.
- **Postsecondary Education:** While not always required, having a bachelor's degree in a field such as finance, business, or any other related field can be beneficial and may provide better job prospects.
2. **Skills Development:**
- **Analytical Skills:** Adjusters must carefully read policies and analyze claims to determine the extent of the insurance company's liability.
- **Communication Skills:** Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for dealing with claimants, lawyers, and other professionals.
- **Attention to Detail:** Adjusters must be detail-oriented to accurately assess claims and ensure that all relevant facts are considered.
- **Interpersonal Skills:** The ability to empathize with claimants while maintaining professional detachment is important.
- **Math Skills:** Basic math skills are necessary for calculating claim amounts.
- **Technical Skills:** Familiarity with industry-specific software and tools is often required.
3. **Training and Experience:**
- **On-the-Job Training:** Many insurance companies offer training programs for new adjusters, which may include shadowing experienced adjusters and learning under supervision.
- **Work Experience:** Some positions may require previous experience in the insurance industry or in a related field such as construction for property adjusters.
4. **Licensing and Certification:**
- **State Licensing:** Most states require insurance adjusters to be licensed. The requirements for licensing vary by state but typically include passing an exam and completing a certain number of continuing education credits every few years.
- **Certifications:** While not always required, certifications can enhance an adjuster's credentials. The Institutes offer the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate in Claims (AIC) designations, which are recognized industry-wide.
5. **Specialization:**
- **Types of Adjusters:** There are different types of adjusters, including staff adjusters (employed by insurance companies), independent adjusters (contracted by insurance companies), and public adjusters (hired by policyholders). Each type has different roles and responsibilities.
- **Areas of Expertise:** Adjusters can specialize in various types of claims, such as auto, property, casualty, workers' compensation, or liability.
6. **Regulatory Compliance:**
- **Ethics and Conduct:** Adjusters must adhere to ethical standards and comply with all laws and regulations governing insurance claims.
- **Continuing Education:** To maintain their licenses, adjusters must complete ongoing education to stay current with laws, regulations, and industry developments.
7. **Job Search:**
- **Networking:** Joining professional associations such as the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (NAIIA) can provide networking opportunities.
- **Job Boards:** Look for job postings on insurance industry-specific job boards, company websites, and general employment websites.
- **Recruitment Agencies:** Some agencies specialize in placing insurance professionals.
8. **Stay Informed:**
- **Industry Knowledge:** Keep up with industry trends, new laws, and technologies affecting insurance adjusting.
- **Professional Development:** Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance your skills and knowledge.
9. **Soft Skills:**
- **Negotiation Skills:** Adjusters often negotiate settlements with claimants or their representatives.
- **Time Management:** Managing multiple claims efficiently is crucial for success in this role.
10. **Physical and Emotional Considerations:**
- **Field Work:** Some adjusters may need to travel to inspect damages in person, which can involve exposure to various environments and potentially stressful situations.
- **Stress Management:** Dealing with individuals who have experienced loss or trauma requires the ability to manage emotional stress.
Remember that the specific requirements and steps to become an insurance adjuster can vary depending on the region and the type of insurance adjusting you are interested in. Always check with your state's insurance department or licensing board for the most current information and requirements.