An insurance adjuster is the person responsible for investigating an insurance claim and determining how much the insurer should pay. When you file a claim, an adjuster is usually the one who evaluates it.
What an adjuster does:
- Reviews your policy to confirm what is covered.
- Investigates the loss — examining your documentation, photos, and records.
- Inspects the damage in person when needed, such as a damaged vehicle or home.
- Estimates the cost of the loss.
- Determines the claim payout based on the policy's coverage and limits.
Types of adjusters:
- Staff (company) adjuster — works directly for the insurance company.
- Independent adjuster — hired by the insurer on a contract basis, often during busy periods such as after a major storm.
- Public adjuster — hired and paid by the policyholder, not the insurer, to represent the policyholder's interests in a claim. This is optional and typically used for large or complex claims.
Working well with an adjuster: be responsive, provide thorough documentation, keep your own records of the damage and of every conversation, and ask questions if anything is unclear. A well-documented claim helps the adjuster reach a fair, accurate result.
To start an RMO claim, see how the insurance claims process works.