Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Claims Adjuster
What claims adjusters actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Review new claims assigned overnight and call policyholders. From there, the day usually includes review insurance policies and coverage, inspect property or vehicle damage, and interview claimants, witnesses and experts. Most work full-time; catastrophe adjusters work long hours and travel for weeks after disasters.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a claims adjuster working full time.
- Review new claims assigned overnight and call policyholders.
- Inspect hail damage on a roof, taking photos and measurements.
- Inspect water damage in a kitchen and identify the source.
- Write estimates in Xactimate.
- Review coverage and explain a partial denial to a policyholder.
- Negotiate a settlement with a contractor.
- Update claim notes and schedule tomorrow’s inspections.
Where claims adjusters work
Adjusters work in offices, from home and in the field at homes, businesses and accident scenes. Field adjusters climb ladders, crawl into attics and drive a lot.
Hours and schedule
Most work full-time; catastrophe adjusters work long hours and travel for weeks after disasters.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Review insurance policies and coverage
- Inspect property or vehicle damage
- Interview claimants, witnesses and experts
- Estimate repair or replacement costs
- Negotiate and approve settlements
- Investigate possible fraud
- Document claims and communicate decisions
Tools you’ll use every day
- Xactimate or similar estimating software
- Claims management systems
- Ladders and measuring tools
- Moisture meters
- Cameras and drones
- Laptops and mobile devices
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Good pay with training on the job
- Mix of fieldwork and desk work
- Catastrophe work can pay very well
- Remote work options for desk roles
What’s hard
- Upset policyholders
- Heavy caseloads
- Travel and long hours after disasters
- Climbing roofs and ladders
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like investigating and solving problems
- I can stay fair when people are upset
- I’m comfortable on ladders and roofs
- I’m good with numbers
- I don’t mind travel
- I want a career with on-the-job training
Not sure? Take the free Claims Adjuster fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Use ladder safety and fall protection on roofs
- Watch for structural, electrical and mold hazards
- Drive safely between inspections
- Follow safety plans in disaster areas