Independent Adjuster
A claims professional working as an independent contractor hired by insurers on a fee or per-claim basis to investigate, evaluate, and settle claims.
industryPublished 2026/06/07Last verified 2026/06/07
FAQs
- How is an independent adjuster different from a public adjuster?
- An independent adjuster is hired by and works on behalf of the insurer, while a public adjuster is retained by and exclusively represents the policyholder. They sit on opposite sides of the claims negotiation table.
- Are independent adjusters required to be licensed?
- Yes. Most states require IAs to hold a property and casualty adjuster license in each state where they handle claims. Many states also have temporary or catastrophe adjuster licensing provisions for disaster deployments.
- When do carriers use independent adjusters instead of staff adjusters?
- Carriers turn to IAs during catastrophe surges, when handling specialty lines outside their core expertise, or when entering new geographic markets where they lack permanent staff. The variable cost structure also makes IAs attractive for managing workload peaks.
Related Terms
Staff Adjuster
An insurance carrier or TPA employee who handles claims internally as part of the company's permanent claims department.
Public Adjuster
A licensed claims professional retained by and exclusively representing the policyholder's interests in negotiating a property or casualty claim settlement.
Allocated Loss Adjustment Expense
Expenses directly attributable to a specific claim, such as attorney fees, independent adjuster fees, and expert witness costs.
Catastrophe Claims Response
The organized deployment of adjusters, vendors, and triage protocols to manage a surge of claims following a natural disaster or large-scale loss event.