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Insurance Claims Adjuster

Occupation Information table
Overview: Claims adjusters investigate claims against insurance companies for accidents, fires, thefts, etc. in order to negotiate out-of-court settlements with the victims. They investigate the case by interviewing witnesses, consulting police and examining records.
Duties: They inspect physical damage created by a fire, accident or theft to assess the value of the damaged goods and determine the cost of replacement or repairs.

Interview witnesses and police to diagnose the cause of the accident or fire. Determine if there are any suspicious aspects of fires suggesting arson.

They determine the actual amount of money to offer the persons who suffered the damage. They authorize the payment method and the specific person(s) to be paid.

They negotiate a final offer settlement for the insurance company when the persons claiming damage insist on greater payment. They recommend if the insurance company take the case to court.
Degree(s): A.A.S. Accounting 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 2% to 4% from 2018 to 2028, which is slightly slower than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $28,000 to $33,000
Education Level: Training for this occupation generally requires an Associate Degree from a 2 year or community college.
Additional Training/Education: Most insurance companies prefer to hire graduates with an associate or a bachelor's degree and a curriculum background in insurance, business administration and economics. Certification can be achieved through a variety of professional associations in the insurance industry. Most states require insurance adjusters to be licensed which involves passing a written examination.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Allocating and budgeting your time for different tasks so that things get done when needed.
  • Bringing people together to discuss and resolve differences.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.
Recommended Values:
  • Having a routine job where the duties are very predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.