When individuals or companies file an insurance claim, such as workers compensation, those claims must be investigated to determine legitimacy. Insurance claims adjusters carry out those investigations and, should they determine the claim to be legitimate, arrive at a value for an insurance company to pay.

1. The Role of Insurance
Claims Adjusters
By Hiawatha Franks

2. The Role of Insurance Claims
Adjusters
When individuals or companies file an
insurance claim, such as workers
compensation, those claims must be
investigated to determine legitimacy.
Insurance claims adjusters carry out those
investigations and, should they determine the
claim to be legitimate, arrive at a value for an
insurance company to pay.

3. The Role of Insurance Claims
Adjusters
For example, an adjuster might examine a piece of
property such as a home, business, or piece of
expensive equipment used in business. Such an
investigation usually entails interviewing the
claimant and witnesses, appraising the property's
value, and determining how much an insurance
company will need to pay for the damage. Adjusters
arrive at such values by gathering photographs,
statements, audio or video, and other data relevant
to the property in question.

4. The Role of Insurance Claims
Adjusters
In some cases, claimants choose to contest a
settlement. Those situations typically see the
issue proceed to expert witnesses and
attorneys relied upon to defend the claimant
and insurer.

5. About the Author
Hiawatha Franks has spent nearly two
decades in the insurance industry, initially as
a claims adjuster and more recently as a
claims manager and claims director.

6. About the Author
Hiawatha Franks has spent nearly two
decades in the insurance industry, initially as
a claims adjuster and more recently as a
claims manager and claims director.