Claims Adjuster job description template
If you are hiring for this role, start here. This free template is our detailed definition of the position, with everything you need to find and hire the right person. Copy it, add your own requirements, and post it.
What is a Claims Adjuster?
Claims Adjusters are professionals who evaluate insurance claims and survey damages to property, automobiles, homes, and personal injuries.
They determine if a client is liable to be compensated by interviewing witnesses, reviewing police reports, investigating the circumstances of insurance claims, and visiting damage sites.
They also negotiate claim settlements, determine the amount of money that should be paid and ensure claims are fully paid to the policyholder.
The top Claims Adjuster skills.
Five things separate a strong hire from a résumé that reads well. Use these as your scorecard criteria.
The job description, ready to post.
Copy it as written, or edit it until it sounds like your company. Both work.
We are hiring an experienced Claims Adjuster to join our insurance company. As a permanent part of our team, you will be responsible for investigating and evaluating the nature and cause of damaged property, automobiles, and personal injuries. You will interview and collaborate with witnesses, engineers, doctors, architects, and lawyers to gather evidence and other necessary information. Based on all the available information, you will determine the amount of money the client should be paid.
Successful Claims Adjusters are able to comprehend complex insurance policies and apply them to situations in real life. As a Claims Adjuster, you should have strong industry knowledge and the ability to research and examine police reports and video footage. You should also have amazing communication, attention to detail, and time management.
Duties and responsibilities
- Investigate and evaluate the nature and cause of damaged property, automobiles, and personal injuries
- Interview witnesses to understand the background of the accident and gather necessary information
- Examine police reports, video footage, and previous insurance claims
- Create accurate reports about the events and related damage
- Contact and collaborate with engineers, doctors, architects, investigators, and lawyers for additional information if needed
- Review clients’ insurance policies to determine what should be compensated
- Research how much the repair of the damage will cost
- Decide the amount of money the insurance company should pay
- Negotiate claim settlement and conditions
- Ensure the clients are paid the full amount of money
- Ensure the damage is timely repaired
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in finance, insurance, or a related field
- Previous working experience as a Claims Adjuster or Insurance Agent
- Outstanding analytical skills and attention to detail
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills
- Strong writing skills
- Time management
- Emotional intelligence
- Solid computer skills
Take the template with you
Copy it straight into your job board or ATS, or have it emailed to you with the interview questions for this role.
Degree first, then the certification.
Claims Adjusters usually need a Bachelor’s degree in finance, insurance, or a related field.
Independent Claims Adjusters are often required to obtain a state license or certification.
Public Claims Adjusters, i.e., Claims Adjusters who work for insurance companies, don’t need an individual license because they work under the company’s license.
Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter
Demonstrates expertise in property and casualty insurance.
The InstitutesSample interview questions for a Claims Adjuster.
Once you have gathered the applications, work through these in order. Twelve questions across four areas, enough to tell your shortlist apart.
- Could you introduce yourself in a few sentences?
- How did you become interested in the insurance field?
- How do you like to enjoy your day when you are not working?
- What does your regular day as a Claims Adjuster look like?
- What do you expect your salary to be in the first 3 months?
- Why did you quit your previous position?
- How do you handle stressful situations and don’t let them affect your work?
- How do you negotiate with upset clients who do not accept your terms and adjustments?
- Would you be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays if needed?
- How do you ensure the accuracy of information before submitting a report? Do you double-check your work?
- When reviewing a police report of a fire on the property, what information do you look for?
- How much money would you estimate for a mild car accident?
How much to pay when hiring.
Annual pay by percentile. Where you land depends on the size of the cycle they will own, and the 25th percentile is usually where a first analyst hire sits.
Hourly equivalents run from $11 at the 10th percentile to $34 at the 90th.
Candidates may apply under a different name.
Post the title your industry uses and keep the rest of the description. These three roles overlap enough that the same posting usually reaches all of them.
Three titles, one description.
Search behavior varies by industry, so the same job is advertised under several names. If you are unsure which one your candidates search for, run two titles and see which fills.
Insurance Underwriter
Frequently asked questions.
Who do Claims Adjusters work with?
Claims Adjusters frequently collaborate with Cost Estimators and Cost Analysts to determine the appropriate amount of money that should be paid to a client.
They also collaborate with witnesses, engineers, doctors, architects, investigators, and lawyers to gather necessary information and understand the background of the situation.
Are there different types of Claims Adjusters?
The most common types of Claims Adjusters are:
- Company Adjusters
- Independent Adjusters
- Public Adjusters
Where do Claims Adjusters work?
Claims Adjusters typically work in various types of insurance companies, but they can also work in state and federal government, and for other insurance-related activities.
How much do Claims Adjusters earn annually?
Claims Adjusters typically earn between $22,500 and $71,500 per year.
Other job description templates.
Same format, same free, same median pay data. Browse the full library if the role you are hiring for is not here.
Claims Specialist
Claims Specialists, also known as Claims Examiners or Claims Consultants, work in the insurance industry.
$40,455 medianLife Insurance Agent
Life Insurance Agents are individuals who help clients choose a life insurance policy that best fits their needs, preferences, and budget.
$83,578 medianClaims Processor
Claims Processors are responsible for handling, reviewing, and processing insurance claims from clients.
$36,341 medianWarranty Administrator
Warranty Administrators are responsible for ensuring smooth operations related to warranties within the organization or company.
$45,237 median