How Tech Has Changed What It Means To Be An Independent Adjuster

Years ago, an adjuster would be sent out to look at a claim after a client put their pot fresh off the stove directly on their linoleum countertop, leaving a round burn mark. Compare that to today, when a $50,000 basement flood claim might be handled entirely over the phone.

That’s just one example of how the independent adjuster’s role has changed over time, according to ClaimsPro’s Lorri Frederick.

“So it’s quite different now from the old days of the countertops. The role has reduced, I would say,” she said as part of a panel discussion at the Canadian Insurance Claims Managers’ Association/Canadian Independent Adjusters’ Association Ontario Chapter’s Annual Joint Conference in Toronto recently.

What’s driven such change? Technology, said Gerald Mastromatteo from Zurich. “Technology has played a big role in the difference. We don’t need as an insurer to do a scene investigation as often as you normally would.”