Who is considered an 'adjuster' in the insurance industry?

In the insurance industry, an 'adjuster' is defined as a representative who handles claims on behalf of the insurer. This role involves evaluating the details of an insurance claim, determining the insurer's liability, and negotiating settlements with the policyholder or third parties. Adjusters play a critical role in the claims process by inspecting the extent of damages, gathering evidence, and ensuring that claims are handled accurately and fairly, which ultimately helps protect the interests of both the insurance company and its policyholders.

The responsibilities of an adjuster are distinct from those of an individual managing an insurance company, as that role focuses on broader operational and strategic oversight rather than direct claim handling. Similarly, while agents sell insurance policies, their main function is sales and customer acquisition, not claims management. Customer service representatives facilitate communication and assistance for policyholders but do not perform the investigative and evaluative tasks that an adjuster is trained to conduct. Thus, the definition of an adjuster is specifically aligned with the handling and processing of insurance claims.