How to Become a Loss Adjuster
A Professional in Loss Assessment and Insurable Value Calculation
Are You Familiar with the "Registered Loss Adjuster"?
A person who conducts appraisals is generally referred to as an "appraiser." However, a "Registered Loss Adjuster" (commonly known as a Loss Adjuster) is a specialist specifically engaged in assessments related to general insurance, as the name suggests.
In the event of an accident such as a fire or natural disaster that damages buildings, household goods, or other property, it is crucial to assess the amount of loss required for restoration.
Additionally, in general insurance, it is common to insure unique properties such as buildings, factories, specialized machinery, and equipment when underwriting an insurance policy. In such cases, it is essential to determine the appropriate insurable value.
In such situations, a Loss Adjuster specializes in assessing and determining the amount of loss or insurable value in an independent, neutral, fair, and appropriate manner, separate from insurance companies.
Considering that general insurance can be regarded as part of society's infrastructure, a Loss Adjuster may not be widely recognized or highly visible. However, they play an essential role as an unsung hero, working behind the scenes to support society.
The Appeal of a Loss Adjuster's Work
Expertise and Reliability
A Loss Adjuster is responsible for determining the insurable value and assessing the amount of loss, requiring a high level of expertise in areas such as structure and materials. Since their work is directly connected to insurance contracts and claim settlements, it is a profession that holds a high level of social trust.
By acquiring specialized skills, loss adjusters can experience a sense of fulfillment that is not easily found in other professions.
Diverse Scope of Work
A Loss Adjuster handles a wide range of tasks, including responding to individual requests from insurance companies by visiting accident sites, as well as traveling to disaster-affected areas for one to four weeks following large-scale events such as earthquakes to assess multiple properties.
Each day brings new incidents, and no two cases are ever the same. Every day presents a new challenge.
Career Stability and Growth
General insurance is an essential part of society, and as professionals working alongside it, Loss Adjusters can build a stable and well-structured career.
The scope of insurable assets continues to expand, with increasing demand for assessments of renewable energy facilities in recent years. By gaining diverse experiences, loss adjusters can continuously develop their skills and achieve steady professional growth.
Social Contribution
General insurance supports individuals affected by accidents and natural disasters by providing insurance payouts, helping them restore their lives and businesses.
By playing a key role in this process, Loss Adjusters fulfill an essential function in society and contribute to society.
Registered Loss Adjuster Qualification
To obtain the Registered Loss Adjuster qualification, one must pass the certification examination administered by the General Insurance Association of Japan and register with the association.
The Registered Loss Adjuster qualification has three skill levels, ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 3. Candidates must first take the Grade 3 examination, and upon passing, they can advance to Grade 2 and then to Grade 1.
The Grade 3 examination pass rate is said to be around 20–30%.
Registered Loss Adjuster Certification Examination
The Registered Loss Adjuster certification examination is administered by the General Insurance Association of Japan. For more details, please visit the association's website.
visit the association's website .
①Grade 3 Registered Loss Adjuster Certification Examination Subjects
The Grade 3 examination is held twice a year. It consists of three subjects: "Insurance & General Knowledge," "Architecture," and "Electricity & Machinery."
Each subject is scored out of 100 points, and a passing score of 60 or higher is required.
- Certain exemptions apply, such as for First-Class and Second-Class Architects. For more details, please refer to the above-mentioned website.
②Textbooks and Past Examination Question
The necessary textbooks, supplementary study materials, and past examination questions are available on the General Insurance Association of Japan's website (linked below).
Past examination questions from the last three examinations are available for free download.
Textbooks & Past Examination Questions｜General Insurance Association of Japan Website