Someone has to visit the damaged property, interview witnesses, and decide what the policy owes. A claims adjuster is the professional who investigates insurance claims, determines coverage, and negotiates settlement within the authority granted by the insurer.

Staff adjusters work directly for the insurance company; independent adjusters are contractors hired for specific losses or catastrophe surges. Public adjusters represent the policyholder rather than the insurer. Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction and by the type of business handled.

Good adjusters combine technical knowledge of policy language with practical judgment about repair costs, liability, and negotiation. They document the file thoroughly to support the payment decision and to defend it if later challenged. Their work sits at the point where the insurance promise becomes a check.

• Professional who investigates and settles claims
• May be staff, independent, or public
• Determines coverage and quantifies loss
• Documents the claim file for payment and defense