Loss adjuster

About this occupation

Loss adjusters treat and evaluate insurance claims by investigating the cases and determining liability and damage, in accordance with the policies of the insurance company. They interview the claimant and witnesses and write reports for the insurer where appropriate recommendations for the settlement are made. Loss adjusters' tasks include making payments to the insured following his claim, consulting damage experts and providing information via telephone to the clients.

• Examine claims forms and other records to determine insurance coverage.
• Analyze information gathered by investigation and report findings and recommendations.
• Pay and process claims within designated authority level.
• Investigate, evaluate, and settle claims, applying technical knowledge and human relations skills to effect fair and prompt disposal of cases and to contribute to a reduced loss ratio.
• Verify and analyze data used in settling claims to ensure that claims are valid and that settlements are made according to company practices and procedures.
• Review police reports, medical treatment records, medical bills, or physical property damage to determine the extent of liability.

Typical education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Preparation

Job Zone 4 of 5

Interests

Conventional, Enterprising, Investigative

Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Speaking, Judgment and Decision Making, Writing

US median pay: US$78,000 a year (2025), 324,230 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Subjects this work relies on

How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).

• English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.4)
• Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
• Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
• Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.3)
• Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.1)
• Economics or AccountingO*NET: Economics and AccountingImportant (3.0)

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

Preparation needed

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most common education (US)

Bachelor's Degree

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.