What does an insurance adjuster do, and how do I work with one?

Quick answer: An insurance adjuster inspects your loss, reviews your policy coverage, and determines the settlement amount the insurer will offer. Prepare by documenting everything and bringing your estimates. You can disagree with an adjuster's findings and request reconsideration.

An insurance adjuster is the professional assigned by your insurer to evaluate your claim. Their job is to inspect the physical damage, review your policy terms and coverage limits, account for your deductible, and calculate a settlement figure. Adjusters may be employees of the insurance company or independent contractors hired to handle claims on the company’s behalf. Either way, they are working on behalf of the insurer, not on your behalf.

To get the most from your adjuster interaction, prepare before the inspection. Have your list of damaged items ready, along with photos, videos, receipts, and any contractor estimates you have already gathered. Walk the adjuster through the damage systematically so nothing is overlooked. If you have made improvements to the property, such as a kitchen remodel or a new roof, share documentation of those upgrades so they are reflected in the settlement.

The NAIC recommends asking your contractor to be present during the adjuster’s visit when possible. Having both parties in the same space at the same time can resolve disagreements about scope and cost before they become formal disputes, and it helps ensure the adjuster’s estimate accounts for the full extent of the work needed.

If you receive a settlement offer that seems low, do not feel pressured to accept it immediately. Request a written itemized explanation of how the number was calculated and which policy provisions were applied. You have the right to provide additional documentation and to ask for reconsideration. If a disagreement cannot be resolved through conversation, most policies contain an appraisal clause that provides a structured process for reaching a binding resolution through independent appraisers and a neutral umpire.

If you want professional representation throughout the process, a licensed public adjuster can evaluate your claim independently and negotiate on your behalf, though public adjusters typically charge a percentage of the settlement amount.