Strategies for Growing Your Career as an Insurance Adjuster
If there’s one truth about being an insurance adjuster, it’s this: the industry is always evolving. Whether you’re independent, staff, or catastrophe (CAT) focused, staying in place is the fastest way to get left behind. The good news? With the right strategies, you can grow a rewarding, resilient career without burning out or chasing every shiny opportunity.
Here are some smart ways to level up your adjusting career and stay competitive in a changing market:
1. Sharpen Your Specialization
General property adjusting is valuable, but specialists are in higher demand and command higher pay. If you’ve been working primarily in residential property, consider getting certified in commercial losses, marine claims, or complex liability. Carve out a niche that aligns with your interests and the market’s needs. Specialty expertise can make you the go-to adjuster in your region for certain types of claims.
2. Keep Up with Continuing Education
Licensing isn’t one-and-done. States change regulations, new certifications emerge, and carriers have evolving requirements. Dedicate time each year to earn CE credits, pursue new state licenses, and stay on top of industry trends. Platforms like AdjusterPro, WebCE, and NAIC resources can help you stay current. This shows firms and carriers that you’re proactive, not just reactive.
3. Grow Your Tech Skills
Insurance tech isn’t slowing down. Drones, virtual inspections, AI estimating tools are rapidly becoming industry standard. If you want to remain competitive, become fluent in the latest platforms used for claims processing, documentation, and remote inspections. Even investing in your own tech setup (like a drone certification or 3D imaging tools) can set you apart from other adjusters.
4. Expand Your Network
Career growth doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Join adjuster networks, attend industry conferences, and participate in online forums or communities for adjusters. Networking not only opens doors to deployments and contracts, but it also helps you stay connected to shifts in the industry (like rate changes, deployment needs, or technology rollouts). Platforms like LinkedIn and industry-specific groups can help you build relationships that turn into opportunities.
5. Refine Soft Skills
Claims adjusting is about more than estimates; it’s about people. Enhancing your communication, negotiation, and empathy skills can significantly impact your customer satisfaction scores and carrier relationships. Carriers notice adjusters who can de-escalate situations and create smoother experiences for policyholders.
6. Consider a Mentor or Coach
If you feel stuck, find someone a few steps ahead of you and learn from them. A mentor can provide insider tips, advice on certifications worth pursuing, or guidance on navigating a tricky career stage. Some adjusters even invest in coaching programs tailored to the insurance industry.
7. Track Your Wins
Document your performance metrics: closed claims rates, cycle times, customer satisfaction feedback, etc. This data becomes your resume currency when seeking new contracts or negotiating rates with firms.
Growing your career as an insurance adjuster doesn’t have to mean constant hustle. It means intentional growth. Stay adaptable, invest in your skills, and build a network that supports your ambitions. The industry will keep evolving. The question is: will you evolve with it?