What is the primary ethical obligation of an adjuster?

The primary ethical obligation of an adjuster is to act in good faith and with fairness towards all parties involved. This principle reflects the adjuster's duty to ensure a balanced and impartial approach in handling claims, which includes treating claimants, insurers, and other parties with honesty and fairness. By adhering to this ethical standard, adjusters help maintain trust within the insurance industry and foster equitable outcomes for all involved in the claims process. This obligation is fundamental to the integrity of the adjuster’s role, ensuring that their decisions are based on the merits of each case rather than favoritism or bias.

While maximizing payouts or protecting claimant interests may seem beneficial, they can conflict with the adjuster’s need to uphold ethical standards and consider the overall situation fairly. Additionally, minimizing personal liability is primarily a concern for the adjuster’s legal and personal safety, rather than an ethical obligation in claims handling. Thus, the focus on good faith and fairness encapsulates the essence of an adjuster’s responsibilities.