Adjuster
An adjuster is the person who investigates a claim on behalf of an insurer and assesses how much should be paid. They may be employed directly by the insurer (staff adjuster) or work independently (independent adjuster, also called a loss adjuster in the UK).
Types of adjuster
Adjusters investigate claims by reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, inspecting damage, and applying policy terms to determine what the insurer owes. There are three main types:
- Staff adjuster — employed full-time by the insurer. Handles standard personal lines claims.
- Independent adjuster (loss adjuster UK) — a specialist hired by the insurer for complex or large claims. Independent of the insurer's internal claims team.
- Public adjuster — hired by and works exclusively for the policyholder, not the insurer. Helps maximise the policyholder's claim. More common in the US than the UK.
If an adjuster visits your property after a claim, you have the right to ask for their name, their employer, and which party they represent. For guidance on working with adjusters during a claim, see our home insurance claims guide.