A “field adjuster” is a professional who investigates insurance claims by assessing damages in person, typically after an accident, natural disaster, or property loss. According to the Munley Law Glossary, a field adjuster plays a crucial role in determining the extent of damages and helping insurance companies decide the amount of compensation that should be paid out to policyholders. This position involves hands-on work, requiring the adjuster to visit the location where the loss or damage occurred to make an accurate assessment and provide a fair evaluation of the claim.
Role of a Field Adjuster
In the legal and insurance space, a field adjuster serves as the “eyes and ears” for an insurance company. They are responsible for gathering facts and documenting the extent of the damage in real-world settings. Their key duties include:
- On-Site Inspections: Field adjusters visit the location of the incident, such as a car accident site, damaged property, or other places where claims arise. By being on-site, they can take pictures, gather information, and see the damages firsthand.
- Claim Assessment: The field adjuster reviews the policyholder’s insurance policy and determines whether the loss or damage is covered under the policy. They compare the actual loss with the terms of the policy to evaluate the claim’s validity and scope.
- Interviews with Involved Parties: Often, the field adjuster will interview those involved in the claim, including witnesses, claimants, and other relevant individuals. This helps provide a comprehensive understanding of the event and the extent of the damage.
- Documenting Evidence: Field adjusters are responsible for documenting all findings, which include photographs, video recordings, written reports, and detailed notes on the extent of the damage. This documentation is critical when it comes to determining the amount of compensation the policyholder is entitled to receive.
- Estimating Repair Costs: After assessing the damages, the field adjuster estimates the costs required for repairs or replacements. For instance, if a car has been damaged in an accident or a home has suffered damage from a storm, the adjuster will provide a detailed cost estimate for repairing the property.
- Reporting Back to the Insurance Company: Once the investigation is complete, the field adjuster submits a comprehensive report to the insurance company, detailing the claim, the scope of damages, and the recommended amount of compensation. This report is a key factor in determining how much the insurance company will pay out to the claimant.
Legal Importance of a Field Adjuster
Field adjusters are an integral part of the insurance claims process, especially in cases involving legal disputes. Here are some of the ways in which field adjusters play a role in the legal space:
- Evidence Gathering: In personal injury, property damage, or accident-related cases, the evidence collected by a field adjuster can be critical in legal proceedings. For example, if the claim escalates to a lawsuit, the adjuster’s documentation and findings can serve as crucial evidence in determining fault, liability, and compensation.
- Expert Testimony: Field adjusters can sometimes serve as expert witnesses in legal cases. Their detailed knowledge of the insurance policy, claim, and damage assessment allows them to provide testimony that can clarify the extent of damages or the validity of the claim.
- Dispute Resolution: When disagreements arise between claimants and insurance companies, field adjusters’ reports can be central to dispute resolution. A detailed and thorough assessment by a field adjuster may prevent a claim from escalating into a lawsuit, helping both parties reach a settlement before legal Action is necessary.
- Determining Liability: Field adjusters help determine whether the damage was caused by an insured event (such as a car accident or storm) or whether there were other contributing factors. In cases where liability is disputed, their findings can help clarify whether the insurance company or another party is responsible for covering the damages.
Field Adjuster vs. Desk Adjuster
While field adjusters work on-site, desk adjusters operate from an office. A desk adjuster usually handles claims remotely, reviewing paperwork, medical reports, and other forms of documentation provided by the field adjuster or policyholder. Desk adjusters may work closely with field adjusters, relying on their in-person assessments to make final determinations about claims.
Field adjusters are generally used for more complex cases where the damage needs to be visually inspected and documented. This is particularly true for larger claims or claims involving significant property or personal injury, where the insurance company wants a more detailed assessment.
Field Adjuster and the Claimant Relationship
For claimants, the field adjuster is the main point of contact with the insurance company. Therefore, it is essential for field adjusters to maintain good communication and provide clarity throughout the claims process. In some cases, claimants may feel that the adjuster’s assessment undervalues the damage. In these situations, the claimant can appeal the decision, providing additional documentation or working with an attorney to challenge the insurance company’s findings.
Field adjusters are expected to remain impartial, conducting fair evaluations based on the facts presented to them. However, their reports play a pivotal role in how much compensation the claimant ultimately receives, so accuracy and thoroughness are critical.