What information should an adjuster gather during an initial claim investigation?

Gathering details of the incident and the insured's policy information is crucial during the initial claim investigation. This information enables the adjuster to understand the context of the claim, including what happened, when, and where the incident took place. It establishes the foundation for assessing the validity of the claim and identifying the applicable coverage under the insured's policy.

Understanding the insured's policy information is equally important as it outlines what is covered, any limitations, and potential exclusions that may affect the outcome of the claim. This ensures that the adjuster is aligned with the terms of coverage when evaluating the situation, which contributes to a fair and accurate claims process.

While witness statements and photographs may be useful, they do not provide the complete context needed to assess the claim effectively on their own. The adjuster's personal assessment is subjective and should not be a primary focus; instead, objective data is key to a thorough investigation. Lastly, although past claim history can inform the adjuster's understanding of the client, it is not the immediate focus of the initial investigation, which centers on the current incident.