What a claims adjuster does
A claims adjuster investigates insurance claims, decides whether a loss is covered, assesses its value and works toward settlement. Files may involve property damage after a fire or flood, auto collisions, injury claims under Ontario's Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule, or liability disputes. The adjuster interviews claimants and witnesses, reviews policies and reports, works with appraisers, contractors and lawyers, and records every decision so the file holds up to review.
Licensing depends on where the adjuster works. In Ontario, independent adjusters and public adjusters must be licensed by FSRA and sponsored by an adjusting firm, while adjusters employed by a licensed insurer do not need their own licence. Either way, good adjusters control costs, treat claimants fairly and keep files moving. Finch screens for the claim types, caseload habits and judgement your team needs.
Typical responsibilities
- Investigate losses through site visits, statements, photographs and expert reports
- Interpret policy wording to determine coverage and exclusions
- Set and update reserves as information develops
- Negotiate settlements with claimants, contractors and legal representatives
- Recognize red flags and refer suspected fraud to special investigations
- Keep clear, timely file notes and communicate decisions in writing
Qualifications and credentials
- For independent adjusting roles, an FSRA adjuster licence at the probationary or full level
- Insurance Institute courses toward the CIP; a CIP or FCIP can shorten the path to a full licence
- Experience with property, auto, accident benefits or liability claims
- A college diploma or university degree is common
- A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel for field roles
Who hires a claims adjuster
- Property and casualty insurers
- Independent adjusting firms
- Third-party claims administrators
- Large organizations that manage their own liability claims
Where we recruit claims adjuster candidates
We fill claims adjuster roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Licence status with FSRA where required, and sponsoring firm details
- Claim types handled, typical file complexity and settlement authority
- File note quality and approach to reserving
- Communication with claimants during stressful situations
- Eligibility to work in Canada, driver's licence and travel availability
Interview questions to ask
- Tell me about a claim where the coverage question was unclear. How did you reach a decision?
- How do you manage a heavy caseload after a major storm without letting older files stall?
- What would make you refer a claim for further investigation?