Working as an insurance adjuster can be a lucrative and rewarding career. However, many adjusters must decide between working as an independent or staff adjuster. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of each option to help you make an informed decision.
Pros of Working as an Independent Insurance Adjuster
Flexibility –
Independent adjusters have more control over their schedules and can work from anywhere, giving them more flexibility than staff adjusters.
Higher Earning Potential –
Independent adjusters are typically paid per claim, which means that they have the potential to earn more money if they work more claims.
Variety of Work –
Independent adjusters work for multiple insurance companies, which means they get to work on a wide range of claims.
Greater Autonomy –
Independent adjusters have more control over the claims they handle and how they handle them.
Cons of Working as an Independent Insurance Adjuster
Inconsistent Workload –
Independent adjusters may experience periods of low or no work, which can make it difficult to maintain a consistent income.
High Overhead Costs –
Independent adjusters must pay for their own equipment, including computers, software, and other necessary tools.
Limited Training and Support –
Independent adjusters may have limited access to training and support, which can make it more challenging to develop their skills and stay up-to-date on industry developments.
Pros of Working as a Staff Insurance Adjuster
Consistent Workload –
Staff adjusters work for one insurance company, which means they typically have a steady stream of work.
Access to Training and Support –
Staff adjusters have access to more training and support, which can help them develop their skills and stay up-to-date on industry developments.
Lower Overhead Costs –
Staff adjusters do not have to pay for their own equipment or software, as it is typically provided by the company.
Employee Benefits –
Staff adjusters may receive employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans.
Cons of Working as a Staff Insurance Adjuster
Limited Autonomy –
Staff adjusters have less control over the claims they handle and how they handle them.
Lower Earning Potential –
Staff adjusters are typically paid a salary, which means they may have a lower earning potential than independent adjusters.
Less Variety –
Staff adjusters only work on claims for one insurance company, which means they may not have the same variety of work as independent adjusters.
In Conclusion
Both independent and staff insurance adjusting can offer rewarding careers. The decision on which path to take will depend on your individual preferences, strengths, and long-term goals. While independent adjusters may have more flexibility and higher earning potential, they also have more expenses and less support. Staff adjusters, on the other hand, have a consistent workload and access to training and support but may have less autonomy and lower earning potential. It is important to weigh these pros and cons and consider your personal preferences to determine which path is best for you.