An insurance adjuster is an expert who works on the behalf of consumers to settle insurance claims quickly and efficiently. Independent insurance adjusters are self-employed contractors; not insurance company employees. Typical job duties include investigating claims by inspecting property damage, interviewing the claimant and consulting hospital and police records. Adjusters then determine what the consumer's insurance policy covers and how much the claimant should be paid. Insurance adjusters also negotiate settlements and authorize the insurance payments to claimants. Read on to learn how to become an independent insurance adjuster.

Instructions
1.Instructions
Decide what type of insurance adjuster you'd like to become; adjusters usually specialize in one type of insurance claims. A majority of independent insurance adjusters are considered catastrophe adjusters, working on a large number of claims after catastrophic events such as tornadoes, hurricanes, storms and floods. Other independent adjusters work with liability claims, which typically involve investigating personal injuries from falls, animal bites or other negligent behavior. The training you need depends on the type of claims you'll be investigating.

2.Earn your bachelor's degree. While an undergraduate degree isn't required to become an independent insurance adjuster, your educational background can be an asset in the field. Degrees in engineering, architecture or construction can aid in your investigation of damages to structures or buildings. A degree in accounting or business can help you write financial reports and use the estimating software. A legal background is helpful if you plan to work on liability cases or handle workers' compensation claims. Holding a bachelor's degree will also help your employment chances if you later decide to apply for an adjusting position with an insurance company.

3.Undergo professional adjuster training. Independent insurance adjusters follow several different career paths. Some learn the ropes by working at a major insurance company's adjusting office before branching out on their own. Others finish an apprenticeship with an independent adjuster to earn hands-on experience. Still others complete training in the classroom or through online programs. AdjusterPro (see Resources section) is a popular choice for aspiring adjusters, offering both online and in-person training sessions. Adjuster Training (see Resources section) is another common choice for classroom training. Insurance adjuster training varies in length depending on the requirements of your state.

4.Pass your insurance adjuster licensing exam. Because there are no set educational and training guidelines for insurance adjusters, a majority of states require aspiring adjusters to pass a state adjuster exam before they can be licensed. Some states, including California, require you to work for a licensed adjuster before you can become an independent insurance adjuster. AdjusterPro lists state requirements for adjuster licensing (see Resources section).

5.Learn how to use the Xactimate software program. Xactimate is the software used by insurance adjusters to determine the damage to buildings and structures. You can find Xactimate training programs through on-site classes or online.

6.Continue your insurance adjusting education. Once you have become an independent insurance adjuster, many states require you to attend continuing education (CE) courses in order to renew your license. These CE credits can be obtained by attending insurance adjuster seminars and conferences, enrolling in online adjuster courses or writing articles for an insurance adjuster journal.