Employment of claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators is expected to grow 3 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations.
Employment growth should stem primarily from the growth of the health insurance industry. Federal legislation mandating individual coverage may increase the number of health insurance customers, including high-risk individuals who are more likely to file claims. This is expected to increase the demand for claims adjusters to determine which treatments are approved and how much the company will pay.
In addition, rising medical costs may result in a greater need for claims examiners to carefully review a growing number of medical claims. An increase in the number of claims being made by a growing elderly population should also spur demand for health insurance claims adjusters and examiners.
Demand for claims adjusters in property and casualty insurance is influenced by the total number of natural disasters, such as floods and fires. According to data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the number of natural disasters has increased in recent years. If this trend continues, claims adjusters in this field may see strong employment growth.
Despite these factors, employment in the largest employers of claims adjusters, examiners and investigators—direct insurance (except life, health, and medical) carriers and the federal government—is projected to decline, which will result in slow overall employment growth.
Employment of auto damage appraisers is expected to decline 8 percent from 2010 to 2020. As automobiles become safer, the number of traffic accidents is expected to decline. This will result in decreased demand for the services of auto damage appraisers.
Job opportunities for claims adjusters and examiners should be best in the health insurance industry as the number of health insurance customers expands. Additionally, prospects for claims adjusters in property and casualty insurance will likely be best in areas susceptible to natural disasters. These areas include the Gulf Coast, which can have a large number of hurricanes, and the West Coast, which is vulnerable to wildfires.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition