How to become an insurance adjuster or claims examiner
Official title: Insurance adjusters and claims examiners
Also called: Adjuster, Claims examiner, Claims consultant, Insurance adjuster, Claims investigator, Insurance inspector, Production examiner, Adjuster - insurance, Claims representative, Fire insurance adjuster, Loss examiner - insurance, Marine insurance adjuster
Insurance adjusters investigate insurance claims and determine the amount of loss or damages covered by insurance policies. They are employed in claims departments of insurance companies or as independent adjusters. Insurance claims examiners examine claims investigated by insurance adjusters and authorize payments. They are employed at head offices or branches of insurance companies.
Main tasks
- Insurance adjusters
- Investigate circumstances surrounding insurance claims to determine validity of claim
- Inspect automobile, home or other property damage
- Take statements and consult with claimants, accident witnesses, doctors and other relevant individuals and examine records or reports
- Determine amount of loss or damages covered by insurance policies
- Negotiate settlement of claims
- Prepare adjustment reports
- Insurance claims examiners
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. A bachelor's degree, college diploma or some post-secondary education or Several years of experience as a clerk in the claims department or other general insurance experience is required. Several years of on-the-job training and completion of insurance industry courses and training programs are required. Independent adjusters require a provincial licence issued by the Superintendent of Insurance in the province or territory of employment.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 37% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Insurance; Business administration, management and operations; Business/commerce, general.
- Licence or registration: Independent adjusters require a provincial licence issued by the Superintendent of Insurance in the province or territory of employment.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $68,250 a year The middle half earn $52,221 to $82,505.
- About 46,000 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 59,400 are projected by 2033. (+29.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Accounting technicians and bookkeepers
- Insurance underwriters
- Assessors, business valuators and appraisers
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Questions people ask
How do I become an insurance adjuster or claims examiner?
Completion of secondary school is required. A bachelor's degree, college diploma or some post-secondary education or Several years of experience as a clerk in the claims department or other general insurance experience is required. Several years of on-the-job training and completion of insurance industry courses and training programs are required. Independent adjusters require a provincial licence issued by the Superintendent of Insurance in the province or territory of employment.
How much does an insurance adjuster or claims examiner earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $68,250 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $52,221 to $82,505.
Is an insurance adjuster or claims examiner a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 29% by 2033, from about 46,000 to about 59,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an insurance adjuster or claims examiner?
Not always. 38% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03