A claims adjuster decides what an insurance policy owes after a loss. You read the policy, gather facts (photos, police reports, medical records, statements), measure the damage, and then pay, partly pay, or deny the claim fairly and on time. Why it matters: every decision must rest on the policy language, the evidence, and state law, and you must write it down clearly. The good news is that you can learn the core of this job for free. Learn how insurance works, practice reading policies, practice estimating damage, and practice writing file notes. Most entrants need a state adjuster license (
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Stage 1 of 4 · about 8 weeks
Understand how insurance works: parties, policy parts (declarations, insuring agreement, exclusions, conditions), deductibles, limits, and the claim life cycle from first notice of loss to closing. Practice reading a sample homeowners and auto policy and answering 'is this covered?' Learn basic claim math (deductible, coinsurance, depreciation) and write a clear 5-sentence file note.
How insurance works and who the parties are
Every claim decision rests on a simple idea: the insurer promised to pay for certain losses in exchange for a premium. If you do not know who owes what to whom, you will be lost on day one.
Reading a policy and answering 'is this covered?'
Coverage decisions are the heart of the job. The policy is a contract, and your decision must point to its exact words. Paying what is not owed costs the company; denying what is owed harms the customer and creates legal risk.
The claim life cycle
Knowing the steps lets you see where any claim sits, what is due next, and what the customer is feeling. Delays and skipped steps are the top cause of complaints.
Basic claim math
Every payment is a calculation. A small mistake in a deductible or depreciation step becomes a wrong check. Doing the math right builds trust with customers and your manager.
Writing a clear file note
The claim file is the record. If you leave, get sick, or get audited, someone else must understand what happened and why you decided it. Notes are also evidence if a claim is disputed in court.
Then 3 more stages (about 106 weeks in all) with lessons, drills, projects, 10 interview questions with strong answers and free resources.