A claims adjuster, desk adjuster, field adjuster, or general adjuster (claim adjuster, claims handler, claim handler or loss adjuster in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, the Caribbean and New Zealand) investigates insurance claims by interviewing the claimant and witnesses, consulting police and hospital records, and inspecting property damage to determine the extent of the insurance company's liability. Other claims adjusters who represent policyholders may aid in the preparation of an insurance claim. Duties In the United States, claims adjusters typically: Verify an insurance policy exists for the insured person and/or property. In general, these are written by the policy-holding insurance company. Review the insurance policy to determine if coverage exists for the loss(es). Assess risk(s) of loss(es), or damages to property, culminating in the loss of property and or bodily injury. After completing the above investigations, evaluate the covered injuries and/or damages. Negotiate a settlement according to the applicable law(s), and identify coverages for which the insured is covered, following best insurance practices. In casualty insurance, the main types of coverage include, but may not be limited to, the following: First-party auto and other than auto coverages (sometimes referred to collision and comprehensive coverages). There are numerous types of first-party insurance coverages for any kind of risk of loss or damages. Third-party liability for property damage of others' property and bodily injury Classes Claim service representatives (employed by the insurance company, or an independent adjusting company). Adjusters may handle "property claims" involving damage to buildings and structures, or "liability claims" involving personal injuries or third-person property damage from liability situations, such as motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, or alleged negligent behavior. Some adjusters handle both types of claims and are known as "multi-line" adjusters. Also "all lines adjusters" may handle any type of claim already identified and also include professional liability, hospital professional liability, excess liability, physicians and surgeons liability, aircraft liability/hull, inland marine, ocean marine, boiler, and machinery, as well as various types of bond losses. Public adjusters are licensed insurance professionals who work exclusively for the policyholder and charge a fee for this service based on a small percentage of the claim. This means there should be no inherent conflict of interest when it comes to advocating on the policyholder's behalf to the insurance company. An independent adjuster could be working for multiple insurance companies or self-insured entities. An adjuster will frequently verify