What Is an Insurance Adjuster?
And How to Become One
Insurance adjusters are the first responders of the insurance industry — stepping in after a storm, accident, or disaster to evaluate the damage, investigate claims, and help determine payouts. If you’ve ever filed an insurance claim, chances are a claims adjuster played a major role in resolving it.
Let’s walk through:
What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do?
A claims adjuster is responsible for investigating and managing insurance claims from start to finish. That might involve:
Reviewing insurance policies and coverage
Inspecting property damage or injuries
Interviewing witnesses and policyholders
Using software (like Xactimate®) to write repair estimates
Negotiating settlements with the policyholder or contractor
Whether you’re handling auto, homeowners, flood, or catastrophic (CAT) claims, your job is to make sure the claim is handled fairly and by the book.
Types of Insurance Adjusters
Staff (Company) Adjuster
Works directly for one insurance company
Handles their claims exclusively
Paid salary and often receives benefits
Independent Adjuster
Works contractually through IA firms or directly for carriers
Often deployed for storm or CAT events
Paid per claim, which can be lucrative during peak seasons
Public Adjuster (FL Only)
Advocates for the policyholder, not the insurance company
Helps homeowners/businesses get the maximum payout
Common in Florida due to frequent storms and complex policies
Must have a public adjuster license (separate from all-lines)
Insurance Adjuster Jobs: Texas vs. Florida
Texas
Requires the All-Lines Adjuster License
Highly reciprocal — works in most other states
Adjuster jobs are often independent or staff-based
Public adjusting is legal, but less common
Florida
Requires the 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster License (for IAs or staff)
Offers a separate 3-20 Public Adjuster License
Public adjusters play a bigger role here, especially post-hurricane
Must complete CE to maintain your license
How to Choose the Right Insurance Adjuster Career Path
Ask yourself:
Do I want the security of a full-time role, or the flexibility of seasonal, high-income deployments?
Am I comfortable traveling during catastrophe season?
Do I want to work for insurance companies, or represent the policyholder?
If you’re detail-oriented, self-motivated, and thrive in high-pressure environments, insurance claims adjusting could be the perfect fit.
Start Your Insurance Adjuster Career with 2021 Training
Whether you’re aiming to be a staff adjuster, an independent CAT adjuster, or a public adjuster in Florida, 2021 Training provides:
State-approved licensing courses (TX & FL)
Xactimate training to sharpen your skills
CE bundles to keep you compliant
Support connecting with IA firms and recruiters
👉 Browse our adjuster courses and take your first step into the world of claims adjusting today.