Who Is The Adjuster In An Auto Accident?

An adjuster is an insurance company employee tasked with assessing claims and determining the amount of compensation or coverage to which the policyholder or other parties involved in the collision are entitled in the event of an auto accident. There are typically two main types of adjusters involved in auto accident claims:

Insurance Company Adjuster:

Claims Adjuster: Insurance companies employ claims adjusters to assess and handle claims submitted by their policyholders or third parties involved in an accident. There are two main types of claims adjusters:

Company Claims Adjuster: These adjusters are employees of the insurance company. They work directly for the insurer and are responsible for investigating, evaluating, and negotiating claims. They assess the extent of liability, coverage, and the amount of compensation owed to the insured or third parties.

Independent Claims Adjuster: Independent adjusters are contractors who work on a case-by-case basis for insurance companies. They are often hired during high claim volumes or in situations where specialized expertise is required. Independent adjusters conduct investigations, assess damages, and make recommendations to the insurance company.

Public Adjuster: Public adjusters are professionals hired by policyholders to represent their interests when dealing with an insurance company. These adjusters work on behalf of the insured and advocate for the highest possible settlement. Unlike company adjusters, public adjusters are not affiliated with the insurer but are compensated by the policyholder. They can help ensure that the insured receives a fair and equitable settlement.

The roles and responsibilities of auto insurance adjusters include the following:

Investigation: Upon receiving a claim, an adjuster will investigate the circumstances of the accident. This involves reviewing accident reports, statements from the involved parties, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation. They may also inspect the damage to the vehicles and property involved.

Liability Determination: Adjusters assess who was at fault in the accident. This determination impacts how the claim will be paid out. If their policyholder is at fault, they will evaluate the damages to the other party. If the other party is at fault, they will evaluate their policyholder's damages.

Coverage Assessment: Adjusters review the insurance policy to determine the scope of coverage and the applicable coverage limits. They also assess any exclusions, deductibles, and special provisions that may apply to the claim.

Damage Evaluation: Adjusters evaluate the true monetary value of the car or the cost of repairs for property damage claims, accounting for damage severity and depreciation.

Settlement Negotiation: Once all facets of the claim have been assessed, the adjuster will present the insured or the third party with a settlement offer. Negotiations may take place to arrive at a mutually agreeable settlement amount.

Claims Resolution: Once a settlement is reached, the adjuster is responsible for ensuring that the payment is processed and delivered to the appropriate parties. This may involve drafting release forms that prevent further claims for the same incident.

It's important to note that the interests of insurance company adjusters may be aligned with the insurer, with a focus on minimizing the company's financial liability. Policyholders or third parties involved in accidents can seek legal representation or public adjusters to ensure their interests are well-represented and that they receive a fair settlement.