How does an Independent General Adjuster differ from a staff adjuster?

The distinction between an Independent General Adjuster and a staff adjuster primarily revolves around their employment status and how they are engaged by insurance companies. An Independent Adjuster is contracted temporarily to handle claims, which means they typically work on a project or contingency basis rather than being a full-time, permanent employee of the insurance company.

This contractual relationship allows insurance companies to bring in expertise as needed, especially during peak times or for specialized claims that require specific knowledge or experience that the staff might not possess. This flexibility can drive efficiency and resource management within an insurance organization, allowing them to adjust their workforce in response to fluctuating claim volumes.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the nature of an Independent Adjuster. For instance, the idea that an Independent Adjuster works part-time is not a defining characteristic, as they can work full-time hours depending on the contracted job. The notion that they are always more experienced can vary widely and is not a general rule. Lastly, while an Independent Adjuster may have a certain level of authority in decision-making related to claims, this does not inherently mean they possess more authority than staff adjusters, as authority levels can depend on the specific roles and responsibilities defined by the insurance company.