How Do I Become a Claims Adjuster With No Experience?

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How Do I Become a Claims Adjuster With No Experience

If you want to learn how to become a claims adjuster with no experience, pursuing a career path in insurance claims may feel daunting. When looking for a way into the insurance industry, you may begin to consider claims adjuster roles.  However, with the right plan, you may become a successful claims adjuster in no time.

The Role of Insurance Adjusters for the Insurance Company

An adjuster is a claims specialist for insurance carriers or as an independent adjuster. They evaluate the damage claims brought by policyholders and determine the amount the company should pay out. An adjuster may work as a field adjuster, visiting homes or other places to evaluate damage. However, you may also be a desk adjuster who has the evidence sent to you, and you evaluate it based on that. Adjusters are a vital part of the claims process, and the work is often steady.

Steps to Become an Insurance Adjuster

If you hope to become an insurance adjuster, you can outline a profitable career with the steps below.

Meet Basic Requirements

The first step is meeting the most basic requirements for becoming an adjuster. The requirements vary, but in addition to having a valid driver’s license, adjusters will also need a high school diploma. Many adjusters also hold a college degree, but it is not typically required to work claims.

Find a Good Fit

You may need to consider several types of adjusters, each with a slightly different operating style.

  • Independent Adjusters: An independent adjuster works as a contractor for several companies. It offers flexibility and can be the most lucrative role, but it does not offer the same stability as other roles.
  • Staff Adjusters: A staff adjuster is an insurance company employee who works in that company’s office only. Although this position offers less flexibility and a lower starting salary, it offers more stability and often more experience and training for new adjusters.

Some adjusters will also narrow down the positions available by finding an industry they excel in, such as natural disasters, auto, or catastrophes.

Obtain the Right Insurance Adjuster License

Once you know how you would like to adjust claims, you must have an adjuster’s license. This allows you to work in the claims industry. You must have a designated home state license and any reciprocal licenses for other states you may work in. For example, you may live and work in Minnesota, but you may need to process a claim in Florida after a hurricane. Many insurance adjusting (IA) firms require you to have the appropriate license for the job. Be sure to read the application instructions to ensure you meet all the requirements for the license. Many states will verify these requirements and get your license in a few weeks.

Practice Skills Required by Claims Adjusters

Other skills are a part of human nature or other career paths that can boost your ability as an adjuster and make you a standout candidate among the high volume of entry-level applicants. You may need to enhance your self-discipline as you could need to work long hours alone. You must have empathy to treat the insured people you interact with as human beings and not another number. These skills will transfer to any position you pursue, so building them up will ensure your resume is complete.

Apply to Jobs

Finally, you will need to update your resume and apply to any positions you are interested in. This portion is often hard work, with many interviews and rejections, but it often pays off when the first offer comes.

Surviving the Job Hunt

Once you verify your experience and license and start applying, you are well on your way to a rewarding career as a claims adjuster. While it is human nature to be dismayed by rejection, you are often one step closer to finding the right fit for your entry-level position. With perseverance and determination, you will find your role as an insurance adjuster, even without experience.

To learn more about how to become a claims adjuster with no experience, negotiation tactics, communication skills, and more, contact ADR Times today!

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Emily Holland
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