How to Become a Certified Claims Adjuster
Claims adjusters investigate customer claims to determine the amount of money people are entitled to receive. Most claims adjusters work for property-liability insurance companies, though some work for banks and independent adjusting businesses. On average, claims adjusters earn $44,080 annually.
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Things You'll Need
- High school diploma (bachelor degree preferred)
- Drivers license
- Insurance/claims of adjuster license/certification
- Continuing education
Instructions
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Becoming a claims adjuster
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Find out your state's insurance/claims adjuster licensing requirements. Most states require licensing. If your state does not require a license, consider obtaining one through an online course. This increases your chances of getting a job.
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Register for your state pre-licensing course or exam according to your state's registration procedures. States that require a license generally hold training sessions lasting three to six days. Online courses are self-paced and allow work at your own leisure.
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Present your adjuster licensing application to your local state agency. Your local state agency will review your application, course credit hours and/or exam scores. The length of time it takes to review your application varies from state to state. After it is determined that you have met state requirements you will become a certified claims adjuster.
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Maintain your license through continuing education according to your state's educational requirements.
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Tips & Warnings
* Broaden your horizons as a claims adjuster. Considering what skills a prospective employer wants an applicant to have will significantly increase your chances of being hired. Knowledge in construction, engineering or automobile repair will almost ensure employment in most states.
* Try obtaining a claims/insurance adjuster license even if your state does not require you to have one. This will keep you protected if your state's law changes and requires licensing. Obtaining a license will also increase your chances of being employed and enable you work at any other adjuster company outside your state.
* Most claims adjuster employers want an applicant's resume to summarize their insurance adjuster policy knowledge, excellent computer skills, strong communication skills and good time-management skills.
* Licensing and certification requirements vary from state to state. Be sure to check and abide by your state's requirements before attempting to become employed as a claims adjuster, as this may result in the removal of your candidacy of a company's consideration.
