A telephone adjuster (often called an inside adjuster) handles claims that can be resolved quickly without requiring in-person investigation. Their main role is to efficiently process a high volume of straightforward claims, such as small auto physical-damage losses, minor property losses, and simple theft claims.

Because these claims do not require field investigations, telephone adjusters focus on gathering information by phone, confirming coverage, arranging payments, and closing files promptly.

Option B is incorrect—telephone adjusters do not take instructions from staff adjusters; they operate independently within their own authority levels.

Option C is incorrect—they do not process paperwork for independent adjusters.

Option D is incorrect—they are not intermediaries; they serve the insurer directly.

The correct function is A: processing a large volume of claims.