Let’s say we’re in the middle of a busy intersection—one car is trying to make a yellow light and hits another car going straight on the green. In some cases there will be a trial to determine who has to pay up and cover damages, but it is the job of an auto insurance adjuster to try and settle the issue before it comes to that. An auto insurance adjuster usually arrives at the scene of the accident on behalf of an insurance company, and determines early on what the damages and claims of the accident are in order to settle the case immediately.
Facets of the Job
An auto insurance adjuster may specialize in:
- Total loss claims
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
- Vehicle collision
- Injury claims
Generally an insurance adjuster will determine the amount of damage and the worth of the vehicle in order to make a settlement. An auto insurance adjuster may work with a compliance and safety specialist to investigate an accident and the root problem. That car that got hit while driving through the intersection on a green may be offered $2,000 by the insurance adjuster in hopes of settling the case early on. Early settlement is desirable for an insurance company, as there are often hundreds of open cases for claims every day.
Where to Start?
Becoming an insurance adjuster requires a licence which you must obtain by completing an insurance adjuster application after having been sponsored by an insurance company. The applicant will be granted a Letter of Authority and must then complete four Insurance Institute of Canada (IIC) courses to receive their Probationary Adjusters Licence. The damage insurance market has increased significantly in recent years and car insurance generally comprises about 40% of the market.
Be Informed about Vehicle and Damage Costs
Being knowledgeable about the laws of the road and the anatomy of a vehicle is necessary in order to assess damage. Graduates of collision estimation programs may pursue entry-level positions as an insurance adjustor or estimator. Taking courses in auto body estimating and auto mechanic training is a reliable way to insure your judgement is accurate when settling damages with large sums of money.
If you have worked as an automotive technician, you could very well be suited for the job of an auto insurance adjuster. The better your aptitude in the field of automotives, the better chance you have at being hired. It is also helpful to have strong communication skills and tact when it comes to conflict resolution. Insurance claims will not always be settled easily, but it is your job to help a client receive the most appropriate amount of claim for their damage.
