What does an adjuster do?

An adjuster, or claims representative, is the person who evaluates a loss by an insured party, estimates the cost of repair or replacement, and authorizes payment for a claim.

Adjusters will often travel to your home if the loss is significant—say over $1,000—for a homeowners insurance claim but may also adjust the loss from a desk at an insurer’s branch office. 

An auto adjuster will do the same thing—except they may simply travel to an auto body shop to view damage to your vehicle.  A good adjuster with a reputable company is on your side when you experience a loss.  They tend to have the reputation of being insensitive to a customer’s plight—but I think in most cases they’re misunderstood.  They have a lot of paper to push and a lot of processes and procedures to follow—all the while trying to prevent the possibility of fraud on the part of a few unscrupulous policy holders.

Adjuster’s have the unenviable task of always trying to please the company they represent as well as the policy holder.  This can be difficult when someone experiences a genuine loss that is genuinely not covered.  

The thing to keep in mind is that most adjusters want to pay your claim and put your file to rest.  Large case loads are stressful and they would like nothing more than to visit your claim once, acquire the necessary documentation, photographs, proof of loss, statements etc…  write you a check, lighten your load and be on their way.   If you ever experience a loss—roll with the punches and let the adjuster do what he or she is paid to do.  The purpose of the adjuster is to fulfill the contract the insurance company has made with you.  If you let it play out—in time—your loss will be a memory and you’ll be grateful you had insurance.