Staff vs. Independent vs. Public Adjuster: What's the Difference?
October 23, 2026 · PassReadyPro Team
"Adjuster" covers three different jobs. They look alike from the outside, but they answer to different people, and the difference matters both for your career and for anyone filing a claim.
Quick answer: Staff adjusters are employees of an insurer. Independent adjusters are contracted to adjust claims for insurers. Public adjusters represent the policyholder, who pays them. Licensing rules vary by state and sometimes by type.
The three types
The NAIC's State Licensing Handbook describes them this way:
| Type | Who they work for | How they are engaged |
|---|---|---|
| Staff (company) adjuster | The insurer | Typically salaried employees of an insurer or its affiliates. They do not adjust claims for other companies. |
| Independent adjuster | The insurer, on contract | Contracted to perform adjusting services and may work for multiple insurers. |
| Public adjuster | The policyholder | Contracts directly with the person seeking coverage or benefits. The NAIC says their work is limited to first-party property claims and that the insured, not the insurer, pays them. |
The word "independent" can mislead
An independent adjuster is independent of any single insurer, not independent of insurers as a group. The NAIC describes them as acting on behalf of insurers to determine whether coverage or benefits are available. In its legal bulletin, the NAIC makes the contrast plain: company adjusters represent and are paid by the company, while public adjusters represent the policyholder and are paid by the policyholder, often from the funds received on the claim.
Which one is which on your claim
If an adjuster contacts you after a loss and is sent by your insurer or by a firm your insurer hired, that person is working for the insurer, whether they are a staff or an independent adjuster. A public adjuster is someone you hire. Many states regulate public adjuster contracts and fees, so read yours carefully and check your state's rules and the person's license first.
Licensing differences
BLS says adjuster licensing requirements vary by state, that some states require prelicensing education, an exam, or both, and that in some states adjusters employed by insurers do not need their own license because they work under the company's license. Public adjusters may face separate requirements. That is why the same job title can mean different requirements in different states. During a catastrophe, emergency rules can differ again; North Carolina's emergency exemption, for example, covers only adjusters working for an insurer, and public adjusters must hold a North Carolina license. See emergency adjuster licenses after a storm.
Which path fits a new adjuster?
BLS describes entry-level adjusters as handling small claims under supervision, which is work insurers and independent adjusting firms assign; see how to become a claims adjuster with no experience. Public adjusting is a different business: you represent policyholders, usually need your own license, and are paid under a contract with the client. Check your state's public adjuster rules before you plan around it.
Ready to get licensed as an adjuster?
Adjuster licensing is set by each state, and we have adjuster pre-licensing courses for 23 of them: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wyoming.
Each course is one flat price: pay once, keep lifetime access, no subscription, and backed by our Pass Guarantee. Don't see your state? Browse all courses, or book a 1-on-1 tutoring session and we'll help you build a plan.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Who pays a public adjuster?+
The policyholder. The NAIC says the insured, not the insurance company, pays a public adjuster, and its legal bulletin notes the fee is often paid from the funds received on the claim.
Does an independent adjuster work for me or my insurer?+
For your insurer. Independent adjusters are contracted to adjust claims on behalf of insurers, though they can work for more than one.
Do staff adjusters need their own license?+
It depends on the state. BLS says that in some states adjusters employed by an insurer do not need their own license because they work under the company's license.
Which type should a new adjuster start with?+
Entry-level work is typically with an insurer or an independent adjusting firm. Public adjusting is a separate business and may have its own licensing rules.
Ready to start studying?
Browse our pre-licensing courses — pay once, study at your own pace.
See Our CoursesFree guide: How to Get Your Oklahoma Insurance License
A short, printable PDF covering the steps, exam details, and official resources — sent straight to your inbox.
This article is for general informational purposes. Licensing requirements and exam details vary by state and change over time — always verify current details with your state's insurance department or exam administrator before relying on anything here.