Georgia law specifically defines the term “adjuster” because various laws apply directly to adjusters. It heavily regulates how adjusters do their jobs, which is good for you (the injury victim)—but it can make insurance claims very complex.
Who can become an adjuster in Georgia?
In Georgia, insurance adjusters must be licensed before they can work for an insurance company. As a result, adjusters must follow certain ethical and legal constraints under Georgia law. Licensing for adjusters in Georgia has requirements that include:
- Minimum education requirements
- Testing
- Background checks
- An age requirement
- Completing an application
Adjusters must also go through continuing education to maintain their license.
What does an adjuster do?
An adjuster makes crucial decisions regarding your insurance coverage or coverage that affects you. When a claim is presented to an adjuster, they will have to answer tough questions, including:
- Whether the person reporting the claim is covered under the insurance policy
- Whether the facts of the situation are included under the policy language
- Whether the incident occurred within the timeframe that coverage applied
- How much will be paid on a particular claim
- What type of investigation should be conducted
- Whether a claim will be settled or go to court
- Whether to hire an attorney to defend the claim or determine if coverage applies
For example, when you are involved in a car accident, the insurance adjuster will examine the situation and decide what to do next. The adjuster may choose to deny coverage to the other driver, which affects your ability to get payment from that insurance company. The adjuster could also decide to offer you a settlement outright or do some additional investigation before making contact with you. An adjuster has a lot of control over your personal injury case in many circumstances.
Is an adjuster a lawyer?
No. Only licensed attorneys can engage in the practice of law. In fact, it’s illegal for an adjuster to try to practice law or hold themselves out as if they are an attorney. The adjuster should never give out legal advice, and, if they do, you should ignore it. In most situations, it’s not in your best interest anyway.
Are all adjusters the same?
No. Most adjusters are employed full time with the insurance company, but that doesn’t mean that they are all the same. Adjusters often focus on just one area of insurance.
For example, some adjusters will only deal with claims to property or to your home. Other adjusters specialize in claims that deal with auto insurance or claims that are more adversarial, like trucking insurance claims, general liability coverage for businesses, or workers’ compensation.
Adjusters have a lot of experience and training when it comes to insurance claims. They sometimes use that knowledge against you if you attempt to make a claim on your policy or on someone else’s policy. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you fight back against an adjuster who is making getting your money difficult or impossible. Fill out the form to your right or call us at 404-400-4000 to get your FREE consultation today.