CAIA - Certified Automotive Insurance Adjuster Claims Investigation Techniques Questions and Answers

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of obtaining a recorded statement from an insured as soon as possible after a loss is reported?

Accepted Answer

To lock in the individual's memory of the event before it fades or can be influenced by others.

Answer

To fulfill a state regulatory requirement for claim file contents.

Answer

To get an immediate admission of fault before the insured speaks with an attorney.

Answer

To determine if the insured has any prior claims that may be related to the current loss.

Question 2

An adjuster is investigating a single-vehicle accident where the insured claims their brakes failed, causing them to hit a guardrail. The vehicle has been towed to a salvage yard. To prevent an allegation of spoliation of evidence, what is the adjuster's most critical responsibility?

Accepted Answer

To place a hold on the vehicle and ensure it is preserved for expert inspection.

Answer

To photograph the vehicle's damage extensively before it is moved again.

Answer

To take a detailed recorded statement from the driver about the brake failure.

Answer

To immediately pay the total loss claim to resolve the matter quickly.

Question 3

Which of the following scenarios presents the strongest justification for an insurer to request an Examination Under Oath (EUO) of the insured?

Accepted Answer

A claim for a stolen vehicle where the insured has a history of financial distress and provides conflicting details about the theft.

Answer

A minor rear-end collision where the liability facts are straightforward and undisputed.

Answer

A comprehensive claim for a cracked windshield with a receipt from a reputable glass shop.

Answer

A collision claim where the damage estimate is slightly higher than the adjuster's initial valuation.

Question 4

During a claims investigation for a multi-vehicle pile-up, the adjuster needs to determine vehicle speeds and the sequence of impacts. Which of the following resources would be most effective for this purpose?

Accepted Answer

An accident reconstruction expert.

Answer

Statements from all drivers involved.

Answer

The official police report diagram.

Answer

Google Maps satellite view of the intersection.

Question 5

An adjuster is interviewing a witness to an intersection collision. The witness is providing a clear verbal account, but the adjuster wants to ensure the details about vehicle positioning and movement are precise. What is the BEST technique to supplement the verbal statement?

Accepted Answer

Have the witness draw a diagram of the scene and label the vehicle paths.

Answer

Ask leading questions to confirm the adjuster's own theory of the accident.

Answer

Repeatedly ask the same question in different ways to test for consistency.

Answer

End the interview and rely solely on the physical evidence.

Question 6

Which of the following is considered a significant "red flag" for potential insurance fraud in an auto physical damage claim?

Accepted Answer

The claim is reported very shortly after the policy was purchased.

Answer

The insured vehicle has low mileage for its age.

Answer

The driver immediately sought medical attention for a minor injury.

Answer

The police responded to the scene and prepared a detailed report.