Claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators held about 315,300 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the most claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators were as follows:

Claims adjusters and examiners spend time in offices, reviewing documents and conducting research; they work outside when examining damaged property. Appraisers and investigators work outside more often, inspecting damaged buildings and automobiles and conducting surveillance. Auto damage appraisers spend much of their time at automotive body shops, estimating vehicle damage costs.

Workers who inspect damaged buildings must be wary of potential hazards, such as collapsed roofs and floors, as well as weakened structures.

Work Schedules

Most claims adjusters, appraisers, examiners, and investigators work full time. However, their work schedules vary.

Adjusters often arrange their work schedules to accommodate evening and weekend appointments with clients. This requirement sometimes results in adjusters working irregular schedules, especially when they have a lot of claims to review.  

In contrast, auto damage appraisers typically work regular hours and rarely work on weekends, although they frequently spend much of their time at automotive body shops, estimating vehicle damage costs.

Insurance investigators often work irregular schedules because of the need to conduct surveillance and contact people who are not available during normal business hours. Early morning, evening, and weekend work is common.