Adjuster

An adjuster is the insurance professional who evaluates, manages, and helps determine claims outcomes and settlements after a claim is filed. They evaluate losses, damages, and coverage to help assess insurer liability and financial responsibility.

Adjusters can work for insurance companies, independent firms, or directly for claimants. Depending on their function, there are three different types: Independent adjuster, company/staff adjuster, or public adjuster.

What are the Different Types of Insurance Adjusters?

Independent Adjuster	An adjuster who works on behalf of insurers through an independent firm or contract basis, rather than as an employee of one carrier.
Company / Staff Adjuster	An adjuster employed directly by a carrier to settle claims on the insurer’s behalf.
Public Adjuster	An adjuster who represents the policyholder in negotiating and settling a claim.

What Are Key Concepts in the Adjuster Ecosystem?

To understand adjuster responsibilities and licensing requirements, it helps to understand the key entities and licensing concepts involved in the claims process:

Carrier: The insurance carrier assumes the financial responsibility for the claims evaluated by the adjuster. Depending on the specific role, an adjuster may be employed by the carrier.
Claim: A formal request from a policyholder to an insurer to receive payment for losses covered under an insurance policy.
Claimant: An individual or entity seeking payment or benefits under an insurance claim for a covered loss, damage, injury, or other insured event. They may choose to be represented by public adjusters.
License Class: Many states have separate license classes for independent, staff, and public adjusters, and some states do not require adjuster licensing.
Adjusting Firm: An organization that employs or contracts with adjusters to investigate, evaluate, and manage insurance claims. Adjusting firms can be classified as independent or public.

Adjusting Firm

Sources

Related Blogs

Adjuster Licensing

Maryland Public Adjuster Reciprocity Requires Extra Attention

Reciprocity can make non-resident licensing easier, but it is not universal. In Maryland, Public Adjuster licenses have specific requirements that multi-state licensing teams need to understand. The Maryland Insurance Administration maintains a list of jurisdictions whose public adjuster licenses are not reciprocal with Maryland. Applicants from these jurisdictions must meet Maryland’s resident licensing requirements, including passing the Maryland Public Adjuster examination. Existing licensees must also comply with Maryland’s continuing education requirements when preparing for renewal.

License Management

Best Practices for Tracking Adjuster Licenses and Renewals

Adjuster license tracking involves monitoring and maintaining licensing status, renewals, and compliance requirements across multiple states and jurisdictions to help ensure claims can be handled without regulatory disruption. Like producers, claims adjusters may be required to be licensed and, in some states, appointed to protect consumers and promote fair market practices. A missed renewal can cause an adjuster license to expire or become inactive, potentially preventing the adjuster from handling claims until the license is restored. However, varying requirements by state and adjuster type, as well as fragmented visibility into adjuster licenses, limit the ability of firms and individuals to accurately track renewals and state regulatory compliance. In this blog, we will explore best practices that can help adjuster firms and their adjusters track independent, company/staff, and public adjuster licenses, including the multiple relevant requirements that must be met. Key Takeaways Varying compliance requirements complicate multi-state adjuster license tracking. Unlicensed adjusting can have significant financial and regulatory consequences. Following best practices for adjuster license tracking can improve visibility, workflow, and compliance. Insurance license management software can enhance adjuster license tracking.

Adjuster

Understanding the Types of Insurance Adjusters: Licensing, Responsibilities and Use Cases

When property damage, accidents, or other losses occur, evaluating the claim and determining the appropriate amount of compensation can be a complex process for both insurers and policyholders. This is where adjusters, the insurance professionals who evaluate claims and help determine the financial responsibility of the insurer, come in. Their role is to make sure claims are addressed responsibly. To regulate claims adjusting and protect consumers, state departments of insurance stipulate certain licensing requirements for adjusters. However, because responsibilities and licensing requirements vary by adjuster type and state, compliant adjuster licensing requires a thorough understanding of the differences between independent, staff, and public adjusters. This blog offers a guide to three commonly recognized types of insurance adjusters, outlining the key differences to make managing adjuster licensing a little easier. Key Takeaways Independent, staff, and public adjusters play distinct roles in the claims process. Licensing requirements vary by adjuster type and state. Multi-state adjuster licensing creates significant compliance challenges. Maintaining adjuster licensing compliance is essential to operational success and risk management.

Adjuster Licensing

Arizona Creates a Limited Time Staff Adjuster Licensing Option

Beginning September 12, 2026, Arizona will add the Staff Adjuster Line of Authority to its Adjuster License Class. The change provides a temporary licensing opportunity for certain applicants who meet specific residency and prior licensing requirements. Arizona considers a Designated Home State license to be a non-resident license, which is an important distinction when determining eligibility. The Staff Adjuster license is optional, is only available for a limited time, and does not apply to every adjuster license type.