Desk adjusters, also known as inside adjusters, are a unique type of claims adjuster commonly handling small or simple claims from a remote location. The desk adjuster role is typically undertaken by newer adjusters looking to gain experience or folks that are seeking more stability and less physical demand than is common for field adjusters.
If you’re here to find an answer to the common question: What is a desk adjuster?
You’re in the right place.
What Does A Desk Adjuster Do?
Desk adjusters are remote workers who process claims without being physically present to investigate the claim.
These adjusters are usually required to be good communicators, detail oriented, and able to work well independently.
There are a few types of roles desk adjusters can take on. Some are dedicated primarily to writing and processing claims through estimating software such as Xactimate using information supplied by an adjuster in the field.
Others primarily work to complete claims resolutions over the phone as efficiently as possible.
Desk Adjusters vs. Field Adjusters
Desk adjusters are remote workers while field adjusters are physically present to investigate claims.
Desk adjusters and field adjusters, however, often work side-by-side on larger claims wherein the field adjuster provides photos and reports from in-person inspections to the desk adjuster who completes the claim resolution process.
Desk Adjuster – A Good Career Choice?
As with any career, there are benefits and drawbacks of choosing to pursue a career as a desk adjuster.
For aspiring adjusters that want more stability, less physical strain, and the option to work remote, becoming an inside adjuster is a great career path.
But don’t just take our word for it. You’ll need a clear understanding of both the pros and cons of becoming a desk adjuster before diving in.
Desk Adjuster Pros
- Reliable Salary — While desk adjusters can be contractors, they have a higher likelihood of securing salaried positions than some other adjuster types.
- Remote Position — Many desk adjusters are able to work from the comfort of their home.
- Less Physical Labor — Desk adjuster roles are less labor intensive than field adjuster positions.
Desk Adjuster Cons
- Potential for Less Earnings — This position earns less than other adjuster roles such as independent adjusters.
- Less Excitement — Desk adjusters’ roles aren’t as exciting as catastrophe or field adjusters.
- Possibly Limited to an Office — While some desk adjusters work from, some are required to spend their work day in an office building.
Desk Adjuster Salary
We are fairly certain you’re not working for the love of claims adjuster. You likely want to know how much money you expect to make as a desk adjuster.
This varies depending on your skill set, experience, and location.
That being said, the average desk adjuster makes roughly $68,000 per year with a total pay range of between $47,000 to $97,000 per year.
Experience is a huge factor in the salary you’re able to bring in as a desk adjuster. Here’s how experience impacts desk adjuster salaries according to Glassdoor.
| Experience Level | Range Low | Range High | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 Years of Experience | $47,000 | $70,000 | $57,428 |
| 1-3 Years of Experience | $50,000 | $74,000 | $60,810 |
| 4-6 Years of Experience | $55,000 | $82,000 | $67,193 |
| 7-9 Years of Experience | $57,000 | $86,000 | $69,535 |
| 10-14 Years of Experience | $59,000 | $91,000 | $73,606 |
| 15+ Years of Experience | $61,000 | $97,000 | $77,108 |
Curious to know what other types of adjusters make? Check out our guide to Insurance Adjuster Salaries.
How to Become an Desk Adjuster
The steps to becoming a desk adjuster include getting your adjuster license, obtaining training and certifications, and applying to insurance companies.
- Get a License — Use our guide on how to become an insurance adjuster to find your state and complete the necessary steps toward licensure. This is the first (and most important) step towards becoming an insurance adjuster.
- Obtain Necessary Skills and Certifications — To become a desk adjuster and increase the likelihood of landing employment opportunities, you need to complete specialized training such as Xactimate training.
- Apply to Insurance Companies — The last step is finding and applying to desk adjuster roles in your area or available remote roles.
Desk adjusters, like any salaried position, must undergo the job search and application process to find work. Building your network and obtaining valuable adjuster skills or certifications is a great strategy to secure the role you’re looking for.
Different Types of Insurance Adjusters
Desk adjusters are one of many types of insurance adjusters, others include:
- Independent Adjuster – An insurance adjuster that receives work from independent adjuster (IA) firms on a contractor basis.
- Public Adjuster – Rather than insurance companies or IA firms, public adjusters are hired directly by policyholders to work in their interest in a disrupted claim.
- Daily Adjuster – These are location-bound but claim-agnostic independent or staff adjusters. This role is typically filled by experienced adjusters.
- Catastrophe Adjuster – Commonly filled by novice adjusters this role involves traveling to the physical scene of claims made from natural and weather-related disasters.
Desk Adjuster FAQ
What are the duties of a desk adjuster?
Desk adjusters are responsible for processing insurance claims either by information provided by a field adjuster or via phone. Once the desk adjuster has the information they need about a claim, they can undergo the necessary steps to complete the claim resolution.
What is the difference between a desk adjuster and a field adjuster?
A desk adjuster is a remote insurance adjuster that processes claims from an office or at home without physically investigating a claim. Field adjusters, on the other hand, are physically present to investigate a claim. These two types of adjusters can often work in tandem, with the field adjuster completing the investigation and the desk adjuster concluding the claims resolution process remotely.
What is the highest paid adjuster?
On average, independent adjusters make the most than any other insurance adjuster type.
