Claims & Disputes
Adjuster
A licensed professional who investigates and settles insurance claims for the insurer or for the policyholder.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
A licensed professional — either employed by an insurer or hired independently — who investigates insurance claims, assesses damages, and recommends settlement amounts. Public adjusters work for policyholders; staff adjusters work for the insurance company. Independent adjusters may work for either side as contractors. After a covered loss, the adjuster will inspect the damage, request documentation, and write an estimate that becomes the basis for the insurer's payment offer.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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