How to Obtain an Adjuster License
Claims adjusters assist insurance companies and individuals by investigating insurance claims, estimating property damage or loss, and negotiating settlements. Not all states require individuals to obtain a license to become an insurance adjuster, but having an adjuster license increases your credibility and offers you new employment and career advancement opportunities. Also, if you obtain an adjuster's license in one state, you may be required to take a new exam if you relocate to another state.
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Instructions
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Contact the department of insurance in your state. Each state has different education and testing requirements that need to be met before you can obtain a license. Additionally, most states require a background check, and you may not be given an adjuster license if you've been convicted of a felony. Locate the department of insurance for your state at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' website listed in the resources section on this page.
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Submit an insurance adjuster application to your state's department of insurance. Most states will send you study materials and specific instructions on how and where the exam takes place. It's important to contact your state's department of insurance about testing requirements and procedures before sending in your application. There will be a non-refundable application fee.
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Consider a community college or accredited adjuster school. Some states require you to either complete some form of pre-licensing education or have experience as a claims adjuster to qualify for a state adjuster license. Even if your state allows for licensing without formal education, you will be required to take a rigorous exam before obtaining the license. Adjuster courses are recommended. Additionally, some states like Florida allow individuals to obtain an independent or company adjuster license through an accredited college, exempting you from having to take the state licensing exam.
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Look into entry-level adjuster jobs at insurance agencies, independent adjusting companies or law offices. Many of these companies offer in-house training to qualified individuals. Additionally, some agencies offer reimbursement for formal adjuster training while they employ you. To search for insurance adjuster job openings, check the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters' (NAIIA) website at www.naiia.com.
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Keep your insurance adjuster license current. Most licenses expire after one or two years, and you will be required to renew it before the expiration date. If you don't renew your license before it expires, you may be required to retake the licensing exam.
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Tips & Warnings
Adjuster licensing courses take approximately 40 hours to complete, depending on state requirements.
Some states require continuing education for license renewal.
Insurance adjuster licensing will cost anywhere from $25 to more than $100, depending on where you live. If you fail the exam, you may have to pay the fee again before retaking the test.
