What is a claims adjuster’s role in the auto insurance claims process? (2026)

A claims adjuster, also called an insurance adjuster, evaluates information after an accident to decide how much compensation a policyholder should get. They often negotiate with policyholders and lawyers to agree on a fair settlement.

Understanding the role of a claims adjuster can help you communicate with your adjuster and make your claim more successful. It’s an important part of learning how to file an auto insurance claim.

In this article, we’ll discuss the claims adjuster’s role in the auto insurance claims process and how to communicate with them.

A Claims Adjuster’s Role in the Auto Insurance Claims Process

An auto insurance claims adjuster has many duties, including:

• Inspecting damage to vehicles and property
• Speaking to drivers and other witnesses
• Reviewing documents and other evidence like photos
• Determining the cause of an accident
• Deciding how much compensation the people involved in an accident should receive

If another driver caused an accident, your insurance adjuster may negotiate with that person’s insurer to help you get a larger payment. You can also communicate with another driver’s insurance adjuster directly.

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Types of Claims Adjusters

There are three types of auto insurance claims adjusters. Public adjusters work for the person making the claim. They help you get as much compensation as possible for damages or injuries, and they usually charge 10% to 20% of the total payment.

Many of the biggest insurance providers employ staff adjusters, also called company adjusters. They try to keep payments as low as possible to help the insurer save money and increase profits, and they sometimes negotiate with public adjusters.

An independent insurance adjuster represents the insurance company as an independent contractor, and they may also work for other insurers. Smaller organizations often hire independent adjusters temporarily after an accident.

Communicating With Insurance Adjusters

It’s important to keep the objectives of your auto insurance adjuster in mind. Unless you have a public adjuster, the claims adjuster’s goal is to make payments from your auto insurance company as low as possible.

These professionals look after the insurance company, not you. You can increase your chances of success by providing as much evidence as possible. This often includes:

• A police report
• Photos of damages and the scene of the accident
• Contact and insurance information for other drivers
• An estimate of repair costs from a mechanic

Avoid admitting fault for an accident or saying anything that could make your claim settlement lower. If your insurance adjuster asks questions that you’re not comfortable answering, consider consulting a lawyer.

Claims adjusters often speak with people as soon as they can after an accident, and you may need some additional time to calm down and process your experience.

You don’t have to make a statement to an insurance adjuster, and you shouldn’t let them record your description of the accident. You should also learn how to check the status of an auto insurance claim.

When your adjuster makes an offer to settle your claim, you can negotiate by showing evidence that your expenses are higher than the amount offered. With most auto insurance, you’ll need to pay your deductible.

This means that any payment from your insurance company won’t cover all your expenses. Payments can’t exceed policy limits, either.

Understanding the Role of an Insurance Adjuster

An insurance adjuster decides how much compensation you get after an accident. People often interact with public claims adjusters and adjusters who work for their insurance companies. If another driver caused an accident, a third-party claim could be necessary.

You would communicate with a claims adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company. You can compare insurance options and make sure that adjusters can meet your needs by getting affordable instant auto insurance quotes.