Public adjusters are important liaisons between insurance companies and clients, and often take on an investigative role to collect evidence to be used in preparing claims. If you have strong communication skills and a background in mathematics, you might want to look into being a public adjuster. No formal education is required for entry-level positions, but these professionals need to meet state licensing requirements, and are expected to seek out continuing education courses.
Essential Information
Public adjusters offer investigative and planning services for clients looking to make insurance claims. On behalf of their clients, these professionals compile evidence and negotiate with insurance companies concerning final settlement payments. Formal education requirements for entry-level positions are minimal, but high-level positions may require bachelor's degrees. Occupational or educational experience in such fields as insurance, mathematics, fraud investigations, law enforcement, or private investigations may provide aspiring public adjusters with useful training. A state license may be needed to practice as a public adjuster.
| Required Education | High school diploma or equivalent for entry-level; bachelor's degree for advancement |
| Other Requirements | Meet state licensure or certification requirements |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | -4% for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators* |
| Median Salary (2015) | $65,900 for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Description
Public adjusters are hired by clients to handle the investigation of a claim and work in the best interest of a company or individual instead of the insurance company. A public adjuster prepares insurance claims and presents cases to the insurance company. Afterwards, they begin the negotiation process and attempt to get the best settlement possible for their clients.
Public adjusters take the insurance claim they've agreed to work on and then begin the process of compiling evidence for it. This can include acquiring police reports, doctor's reports, and interviewing witnesses. By compiling all this information together, they can make the best argument possible for their client's insurance claim.
Job Requirements
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the licensure requirements for public adjusters can vary in each state. Some states have few requirements while others have lengthy processes including graduation from an approved education program and the completion of an examination. Public adjusters may have to take an extra step to be licensed and file a surety bond with the state. Continuing education is a typical requirement to maintain a state license.
Public adjusters must have excellent communications and mathematic skills. Because clients count on public adjusters to get the job done, a public adjuster must be both assertive and persistent when it comes to figuring out the truth of a claims case.
Salary Info and Job Outlook
Records from the BLS indicate that employment of claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators, including public adjusters, is expected to decline by four percent between 2018 and 2028. The BLS also reported the median annual salary earned by such adjusters as $65,900 in May 2018.
To recap, public adjusters make a living by gathering facts and data to process insurance claims on behalf of clients. They work closely with both the public and insurance companies. Although the overall employment is projected to decline, a bachelor's degree may help improve job prospects.
