A claims adjuster trainee assists in the investigation of property damage and personal injury insurance claims. As a trainee or entry-level adjuster gets used to his job, he’ll be doing things like conducting research, preparing data, and issuing claim settlements. As he learns about the carrier’s policies, procedures, and coverage liabilities, the employee may be required to work closely with a seasoned adjuster or supervisor. Claims adjusters are primarily in charge of working on a specific group of cases, assessing damage, and estimating repair costs.
A claims adjuster trainee may be hired an insurance carrier to help him prepare for a career in researching and settling insurance policy claims. A claim is a request for money from an insurance company to cover the costs of repairing damage or compensating a loss. The adjuster’s job is to collect information about the incident that resulted in the damage or loss. An adjuster is also required to inspect the extent of the damage in person when property damage occurs.
A claims adjuster trainee may speak with witnesses, the claimant, and those involved in the incident that caused the damage during the research process. In a car accident involving body damage to an insured vehicle, for example, an adjuster will typically interview both parties involved. An adjuster may also contact local law enforcement agencies who may have conducted an immediate investigation in addition to speaking with witnesses. Individuals involved in minor incidents can file their own police reports, which are typically used adjusters during the settlement process.
A claims adjuster trainee’s primary responsibility is to create reports. The majority of the reports include information about the expected repair costs as well as the amount of money that will be paid to the claimant. Official data from parts suppliers, repair shops, or market values are usually used to support reimbursement amounts. If a car is determined to be a total loss, for example, the settlement amount may be equal to the vehicle’s fair market value. Damage repair costs are usually broken down line item, especially if multiple parts were damaged.
A claims adjuster trainee must frequently review insurance policy coverage limits, types of coverage, and the policy’s provisions when determining settlement amounts. Some homeowners’ insurance policies, for example, stipulate that damage caused flooding is not covered. Part of the adjuster’s job is to assist the insurance carrier in keeping track of claim disbursements and sticking to a budget.