Job Myths video series: Claims adjuster

RANDY:

My name is Randy, a claims adjuster with Progressive. I handle auto damage claims in the great state of New Jersey (shout out to the Garden State!). And I’m here to address a few commonly held myths about working in claims at Progressive.

So, let’s jump in.

Sometimes people picture me going out to the scene of the accident to investigate. The truth is my work is done both at home and in the office. There are, of course, field roles in Claims. But my role as a claims adjuster isn’t one of them. I review reports, intersections, and damage photos all from my computer.

I love the investigative part of my job. I have a curious mind, so I enjoy mapping out my plan, diving into details and investigating each claim to decide how to proceed. And being able to do this from the comfort of my computer is just the cherry on top.

Nope, not true—Progressive will teach you everything you need to know when you start as a claims adjuster trainee (the entry point for becoming a claims adjuster). They provide the tools and resources you need to learn claims handling so you’ll be confident when you're investigating claims and making coverage and liability decisions. If you’re the type of person who seeks out answers and asks for help when you need it, then you’ll be able to learn the insurance stuff.

Sometimes people think I take customer calls all day, much like a call center. The reality is I spend more time investigating claims than answering the phone. In fact, I’m usually the one making calls to gather the information I need to adjust my claims. So, no … my phone isn’t ringing non-stop. I’m able to work on my claims without constantly being interrupted.

This is one of my favorite myths to bust because it’s the exact opposite at Progressive — we thrive on collaboration. I own my claims and make my own adjusting decisions, for sure. But I’m definitely not alone. I have a support system of trainers, coworkers, managers who are always willing to help if I have a question or want to bounce something off them—and I do the same for my peers. To me, claims adjusting at Progressive can feel more like a team sport than an individual event.

Hopefully this gave you a new perspective on some classic Claims job myths. If you’re interested learning more about Claims, or any other role at Progressive, visit progressive.com/careers. And for more job seeker content and an inside look at what it’s like to work at Progressive, check out LifeatProgressive.com.