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What Is an Insurance Claims Adjuster?

And How to Become One

Insurance claims 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 an insurance claims adjuster actually does

  • The types of claims adjusters (and which is best for you)

  • State-specific license options for Texas and Florida

  • How to break into this high-demand, high-reward career

How to get licensed in Texas

What Does an Insurance Claims 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 Claims Adjusters

Staff (Company) Claims Adjuster

  • Works directly for one insurance company

  • Handles their claims exclusively

  • Paid salary and often receives benefits

Independent Claims 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 Claims 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)

Claims 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 Claims 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 Claims 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.