Types of Insurance Adjusters: Who You're Really Dealing With

Not all adjusters are the same. Understanding who the adjuster works for and what motivates them is critical to navigating your claim effectively.

Staff Adjusters

Staff adjusters are employees of the insurance company. They receive a salary, benefits, and job security from the carrier. Their loyalty is to their employer. While many staff adjusters are honest professionals, the reality is that adjusters who consistently write generous estimates don't last long at insurance companies.

Independent Adjusters (IAs)

Independent adjusters work for IA firms that contract with insurance companies. They're not direct employees of the carrier, but the carrier is their client. During catastrophes (hurricanes, wildfires, large storms), carriers bring in hundreds of independent adjusters to handle the surge of claims.

IAs are paid per claim or per inspection. This creates an incentive to close claims quickly. In California, adjusters must be individually licensed and are required to include their license number or their supervising adjuster's license number on all written communications.

Desk Adjusters

Desk adjusters handle claims remotely — they never visit your property. They review photos, estimates, and documentation from their office. The obvious limitation is that they can't see damage that isn't in the photos, can't smell mold, and can't feel soft drywall. Remote adjusting has become more common since COVID and has led to more disputes.

Field Adjusters

Field adjusters physically inspect the property. They may be staff adjusters or independent adjusters. Having a field adjuster inspect your property is almost always better than a desk review, because they can observe damage that photos miss.

Public Adjusters

A public adjuster is the only type of adjuster who works exclusively for the policyholder. Public adjusters are licensed by the state and are legally prohibited from working for insurance companies. They document damage, prepare estimates, negotiate with the carrier, and handle the entire claims process on your behalf.

SIU Investigators

Special Investigation Unit (SIU) investigators are not adjusters in the traditional sense. They investigate claims the carrier suspects may involve fraud or misrepresentation. If your claim is referred to SIU, take it seriously — but don't panic. Many SIU referrals are routine, triggered by dollar thresholds rather than actual suspicion of fraud. If SIU contacts you, consider consulting an attorney before providing a recorded statement or EUO.