Independent Claims Adjusting Services in Orlando, Florida

The adjusting process is the complete workflow an adjuster follows from the moment an assignment is received until the final report is delivered. Although details vary by claim type (auto, property, liability, cargo, SIU, etc.), the core process is the same across the industry.

Below is the full, standardized process:

1. Assignment Received
The claim is formally submitted to our adjusting firm . The assignment usually includes: Claimant/insured contact info Date of loss Details of incident Required tasks (full investigation or a specific task assignment) Policy info (when applicable) Special instructions or carrier guidelines. The adjuster (or the firm’s CMS) logs the assignment and the file officially opens.

2. Initial Acknowledgment (0–24 hours) 
We notify the examiner that the claim has been received, confirm the assigned adjuster, and provide a timeline for first contact.

3. First Contact (within 24–48 hours)
The adjuster contacts all relevant parties: Insured Claimant Witnesses Attorneys (if applicable) Law enforcement or other agencies (when necessary) The goal here is to: Introduce themselves Confirm claim facts Schedule inspections or interviews Clarify any missing information Carriers expect fast, professional contact because it sets the tone and prevents complaints from policyholders.

4. Investigation Phase
This is the core of the adjuster’s job. Depending on the claim type, investigation may include: Interviews / Statements Recorded or written statements Witness interviews Third-party statements Inspections Vehicle damage inspections Property inspections Scene inspections (slip/fall, liability, trucking, cargo, fire sites, etc.) Drone or 3D capture (for property/catastrophe) Evidence & Documentation Photographs & video Police reports Medical reports Repair estimates Diagrams, measurements, scene documentation Receipts, invoices, proof of ownership Weather reports (for storm losses) Coverage Verification While independent adjusters aren’t claims examiners, they gather evidence needed for coverage decisions: Policy conditions Exclusions Limits Application of deductibles Ongoing Communication During the investigation, the adjuster updates the examiner through: Status reports Emails Calls (for urgent findings)

5. Reporting (Preliminary → Status → Final)
High-quality adjusting firms deliver multiple standardized reports: Preliminary Report Sent early. Includes: Who was contacted Inspection dates Initial findings Immediate concerns Status Reports Sent during longer investigations. Include: Progress made Outstanding items Delays (if any) Next steps Final (Closing) Report Delivered when investigation is complete. A proper final report includes: Clear, chronological summary Findings of fact Photos, evidence, diagrams Statements Damage estimate (if applicable) Adjuster’s conclusions Any recommendations (depending on carrier guidelines) Churchill Claims goes further with: Supervisor review Technical review Proofer check Final sign-off Ensuring reports are “frustration-free” and leave no unanswered questions.

6. File Closure
After submitting the final report, the adjuster: Confirms the examiner has all data Completes required CMS updates Ensures follow-ups are completed Closes the file in their system Some claims may be reopened years later (e.g., litigation, supplemental evidence). Adjusters must be able to continue investigation if that occurs.

7. Reopenings (If Needed)
A claim may reopen due to: Legal disputes Supplemental damages New evidence Re-inspections requested by carriers The adjuster continues the investigation as instructed.