One who settles insurance claims. This typically involves investigation of the
loss and a determination of the extent of coverage. In the context of
first-party (e.g., property) insurance, the adjuster negotiates a settlement
with the insured. In liability insurance, the adjuster coordinates the
insured's defense and participates in settlement negotiations. Adjusters
may be employees of the insurer (staff adjusters) or of independent adjusting
bureaus (independent adjusters) that represent insurers and self-insureds on a
contract basis. Public adjusters are consultants who specialize in assisting
insureds in presenting claims to insurance companies in a manner that will
maximize their recovery.