What is a Catastrophe Adjuster? (and How to Become One)

What Does a Catastrophe Adjuster Do?

Catastrophe adjusters specialize in property damage claims related to large-scale events. Depending on the role and the storm, their work may include:

• Inspecting and documenting damage (photos, measurements, notes, and supporting evidence)

• Determining the cause of loss and whether the damage relates to the event

• Reviewing policy coverage to understand what is and isn’t covered

• Writing estimates and reports using tools like Xactimate or Symbility

• Communicating with policyholders and setting expectations clearly and professionally

• Working with carriers, IA firms, contractors, and other parties to help resolve claims efficiently

CAT adjusters may work in different ways:

• Field (on-site): visiting homes and buildings to inspect damage in person

• Desk (remote/inside): reviewing files, estimates, photos, and documentation and coordinating claim resolution

• Hybrid: a combination of both depending on the event and employer

Field vs. Desk CAT Adjusting: Which Is Right for You?

Field CAT Adjusting

• Travel to storm-affected areas

• Inspect properties in person

• Heavy documentation and estimating

• Great for people who like being out in the field and meeting with policyholders face-to-face

Desk CAT Adjusting

• Work remotely or from an office

• Review claim documentation, photos, and estimates

• Communicate by phone/email and manage files

• Great for people who prefer structured workflows, strong organization, and high-volume file handling

Both paths can be successful—and many adjusters do both over the course of their careers.

How to Become a Catastrophe Adjuster

Licensing and requirements vary by state, but most new adjusters follow a similar path. Here’s a common roadmap:

1) Get Licensed

Many states require an adjuster license to handle claims. Some states do not require a license, but having one can still help you get hired and deployed—especially for catastrophe work.

• Start by checking your state insurance department website for requirements.

• If you live in a state that doesn’t license adjusters, you can often apply through a Designated Home State (DHS).
  Texas and Florida are popular DHS choices because they’re widely recognized and typically offer strong reciprocity (meaning other states may accept that license).

Tip: Reciprocity rules can change, so always confirm requirements with the state(s) where you plan to work.

2) Get Training (Highly Recommended)

Even with a license, most people need training to feel confident handling claims—especially catastrophe claims. Training helps you learn what to do, how to document it, and how to write a solid claim file.

Helpful training areas include:

• Policy basics (what coverage means, common exclusions, deductibles)

• Estimating and documentation (photos, measurements, notes, supporting evidence)

• Estimating platforms like Xactimate and Symbility

• Customer communication (especially during stressful situations)

• Claim workflows (what carriers and IA firms expect in a complete file)

Training can come from online courses, in-person classes, mentorship, and IA-sponsored programs.

3) Choose Your Path: Staff Adjuster or Independent Adjuster (IA)

This is an important clarification: not all CAT adjusters are independent contractors.

• Staff Adjuster (Employee): You work directly for an insurance carrier (or large claims organization) and may deploy as part of their CAT team.

• Independent Adjuster (IA / Contractor): You work as a contractor, usually deployed through an IA firm to support carriers during high claim volume events.

Both paths are common in catastrophe work. The right choice depends on your goals, flexibility, and preferred work style.

4) Apply, Build Your Profile, and Be Ready to Deploy

Once you’re licensed and trained, your next step is getting hired and/or getting on rosters.

To stand out:

• Keep your license(s), resume, and certifications organized and current

• Build confidence with estimating and documentation

• Be responsive and professional in communication

• If pursuing IA work, understand that deployments can be competitive—being proactive matters

Reasons People Choose CAT Adjusting

1) Meaningful Work

After a disaster, people need help quickly. CAT adjusters play a key role in helping policyholders move forward—by documenting losses accurately and helping claims get resolved efficiently.

2) Variety and Flexibility

CAT adjusting can look very different depending on the event, the claim type, and your role. You might work:

• Residential or commercial property

• Auto catastrophe claims

• Flood claims

• Field, desk, or hybrid roles

Many adjusters also shift roles over time—moving from field to desk, or stepping into larger/complex losses as they gain experience.

3) A Career You Can Enter Without a Traditional Degree Path

While a degree can help, catastrophe adjusting often doesn’t require one. What matters most is:

• Meeting licensing requirements

• Being dependable and organized

• Communicating well

• Learning the tools and workflows

4) Travel and New Experiences

Field CAT adjusters often travel to where help is needed. Deployments may last weeks at a time, giving you a chance to work in different regions and meet people across the country—while building experience quickly.

Careers in Catastrophe Claims

Here are a few common roles in catastrophe insurance:

CAT Desk Adjuster (Inside Adjuster)

Desk adjusters handle claims from a remote setting—reviewing documentation, estimates, and photos, communicating with policyholders, and moving claims toward resolution. This role requires strong organization, clear communication, and comfort with claims software.

Field CAT Adjuster

Field adjusters inspect damaged properties in person, gather documentation, and write estimates. This role involves travel, detailed inspections, and frequent interaction with policyholders and contractors.

Commercial Property CAT Adjuster

Commercial CAT adjusters work on larger, more complex losses involving businesses and commercial buildings. These claims often require deeper coverage knowledge, higher documentation standards, and careful coordination with multiple stakeholders.

Large Loss / Complex Claims CAT Adjuster

Large loss adjusters handle high-severity claims that require advanced estimating, detailed documentation, and strong negotiation and file management skills. Many adjusters grow into this role after building experience in residential or standard commercial claims.

Ready to Get Started?

Becoming a catastrophe adjuster takes preparation—but it can lead to a challenging and rewarding career with long-term opportunity.

NACA is here to support you with resources, education, training, and connections to other professionals in the field. If you’re exploring catastrophe adjusting or ready to take the next step, join NACA and plug into the community.

Join NACA today to get started!