Who acts on behalf of an insurer to investigate and adjust claims?

An independent adjuster is a professional who acts on behalf of an insurance company to investigate and adjust claims. Their primary responsibility is to assess the validity of claims made by policyholders, gather necessary information, evaluate damage, and make recommendations regarding settlement amounts. They perform these tasks independently, which means they are not directly employed by the insurance company but are contracted to handle claims. This independence allows them to provide an objective assessment of claims.

By gathering facts, speaking with witnesses, and working closely with policyholders, independent adjusters play a crucial role in ensuring that claims are handled fairly and efficiently. Their knowledge of insurance policies, regulations, and loss evaluation techniques makes them essential in managing the claims process.

In contrast, other roles such as public adjusters represent the interests of policyholders rather than insurers, brokers facilitate the purchase of insurance products but do not handle claims directly, and consultants provide expert advice but do not typically engage in the claims adjustment process. This differentiation underscores the unique function of independent adjusters within the insurance claims framework.