What is the meaning of adjuster?

An adjuster, specifically insurance adjuster or claims adjuster, is a professional who investigates insurance claims to determine extent of insurer liability and amount of compensation owed to claimant. The adjuster's role includes reviewing policy coverage, inspecting damage, interviewing claimants and witnesses, gathering evidence such as photos, police reports, and medical records, and evaluating whether claim is covered under policy terms. There are different types, staff adjuster works for insurance company, independent adjuster works for multiple insurers as contractor, and public adjuster works for policyholder to negotiate claim. Adjusters assess damages for auto, home, health, and workers compensation claims, negotiate settlements, and authorize payments. The term adjuster comes from adjusting or settling claim to fair amount. In other contexts, adjuster can mean person or device that adjusts something, but in insurance context it specifically refers to claims professional responsible for managing claims process from investigation to resolution, ensuring claim is valid and payment is appropriate per policy and law.