How to Become a Public Adjuster in New York

A New York Public Adjuster is licensed by the New York State Department of Insurance to represent insurance policy holders only in helping to prepare, present and negotiate a casualty claim after a loss and to help attain a satisfactory settlement on the insured's behalf. The public adjuster can charge a percentage fee for these services and is limited to a maximum fee of 12.5 percent. The adjuster can only negotiate property and casualty losses (such as fire and theft) for homes and businesses and is not licensed to represent individuals for automobile or boat claims.

Instructions

1. 

   Stacks of Paperwork

   Fill out and submit an examination form as required by the New York State Department of Insurance.
   There is only one state-authorized testing organization available, PSI Services. PSI can be contacted at www.psiexams.com. The exam fee is $49.00.

2. 

   Take the test

   Take and pass the required examination. You can find various study information for this specific examination, including sample tests, at insurance-schools.com. The exam is held at various testing sites around the state. Check with PSI Services for a convenient testing location.

3. 

   It takes training to learn the trade.

   Find a job with a licensed public adjusting company as a trainee. Before applying for a license, you must be employed by the adjusting company for a minimum of one year.

4. 

   Apply

   Submit an application to the New York State Department of Insurance for a New York Public Adjuster's license along with a license fee in the amount of $100.00. Keep in mind that you must be at least 18 years old to apply for this license

5. 

   What the state wants to know

   Get fingerprinted. You must be electronically fingerprinted by state-authorized L1 Identity Solutions, which has numerous locations statewide. The prints are then forwarded to state law enforcement who will run a check on the prints, looking for past or present criminal activities You must pay a fee of $86.75 for this service.

6. Supply the following information with your application:
   $1,000 surety bond; Insurance Department Statement of Employment form that attests to the aforementioned one-year employment requirement; five certified character references; a copy of your examination score (available from PSI Services); a $100.00 licensing fee

References

• RSI Servises test locations and Application
• Fingerprint location and general information
• New York State Department of Insurance Adjuster requirements
• New York General Adjusters Self Study Package