What is an Adjuster?
An adjuster is a professional, often employed by an insurance company, who investigates and evaluates insurance claims to determine the amount that should be paid to the policyholder. Adjusters play a crucial role in the insurance industry by helping to ensure that claims are handled fairly, accurately, and under the insurance policy terms.
There are different types of adjusters, such as company adjusters, who work for insurance companies, and public adjusters, who policyholders hire to represent their interests in claim negotiations. An adjuster’s responsibilities may include reviewing the policyholder’s coverage, conducting property damage or loss investigations, gathering evidence, and negotiating settlements.
In the context of homeowners or car insurance, adjusters assess damages following incidents like accidents or natural disasters. For example, an adjuster might evaluate vehicle damage after a car accident to determine repair costs. Similarly, a homeowners insurance adjuster may assess damage caused by fire or flooding to estimate repair or replacement costs for the property.
Adjusters ensure that the settlement reflects the actual value of the loss, protecting both the insurer and the policyholder from unfair practices.