To become an insurance adjuster in California you will need to obtain a California adjuster license, which can be done in five easy steps.

First, you must undertake some form of education to be able to pass the California PSI adjuster exam. Then you have to complete a background check and submit an application to the California Department of Insurance.

Finally, you are required to execute a California surety bond and wait for your application to be reviewed by the state.

In this article, we offer everything you need to know in order to get started, helping you find the best way of getting your California insurance adjuster license.

How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in California

Getting your California adjuster license can be a simple and easy process, but this will ultimately depend on how you go about completing the required steps.

Step 1: Adjuster Pre-Exam Education

Preparing for your exam is not something to take lightly. This is because the average pass rate of insurance exams nationwide is around 55% for first-time test-takers and even less for any following attempts.

This means that it is generally recommended that you complete some form of education — such as purchasing a study guide or a state-approved online course — before sitting your exam.

These courses are composed of video, audio, and text, and include short knowledge quizzes and practice exams which will help you obtain the necessary understanding of the material that you will need to know.

Even though this is not a legal prerequisite in California, we believe that purchasing a pre-exam course can go a long way in ensuring that you pass your exam on your first attempt.

Step 2: California Insurance Adjuster License Exam

Once you have completed all of your coursework, you will be able to take (and hopefully pass) the California insurance adjuster license exam.

This is a proctored test, which means that you will be in a controlled environment with a person watching over you. It is, therefore, a good idea to work on both your timing and nerves prior to sitting for your exam.

In California, there is only one line of authority for a licensed adjuster:

• The Independent Adjuster line — This exam consists of one hundred (100) questions and you will be given two hours and thirty-eight minutes (2:38:00) to complete it.

The exam costs $72 if you take it at any California Department of Insurance (CDI) Examination Site while it costs $105 if you take it at any PSI Test Center.

Additionally, any subsequent attempts made after the first sit of the exam will cost $29 at the CDI and $62 at the PSI, respectively.

A total score of 70% or more is required to pass this test. For more information on the scoring of the exam, the PSI California Department of Insurance Candidate Information Bulletin states:

StateRequirement recommends that you study for one exam at a time. This is because insurance adjuster exams are difficult enough on their own without the possibility of confusing information from one line to another. This will allow you to work incrementally towards completing your final exam.

You can register to take your exam — as well as find out more information — on the PSI California Insurance or by calling PSI at (877) 392-6422.

Note: Before registering for your exam, we recommend completing some form of pre-exam education. Even though this is not a legal requirement in California, it can go a long way in ensuring that you pass your exam on your first attempt.

Step 3: Fingerprinting and Background Check

The State of California requires that all insurance license applications provide fingerprints prior to licensing. Giving your fingerprints will initiate a background check.

If you have any prior misdemeanors or felonies, this may affect the outcome of your licensing efforts.

If you have specific questions regarding things that may come up on your background check you may call the California Department of Insurance at (800) 967-9331 or send them an email.

You will process your fingerprints through Accurate Biometrics. Once you pass the exam, you will have your fingerprint impressions taken at the designated examination site.

You will need two copies of Form LIC 442-39A: Live Scan Request. Retain a copy of this form for your records.

Note: The fee for fingerprinting services is $59 at a CDI Examination Site or $69.95 at a PSI Test Center.

Step 4. California Insurance Adjuster License Application

Once you have completed your exams and fingerprinting, you are now ready to apply for your license.

Note: The fee to submit an application is $311.

You must mail a completed LIC 041-A Application Form to the Producer Licensing Bureau at the address listed below together with the check for the application fee and the exam results letter.

There is no option to apply for this license online.

Step 5. Execution of California Surety Bond

You must obtain and submit a surety bond in the penal sum of $2,000 executed by a California admitted surety, and signed by the principal.

Step 6. Application Review

Once you have submitted your application and have completed all the other requirements, your license application will be reviewed by the state. This process generally takes about fifteen to forty-five (15-45) working days. Depending on the results of your background check, the Department of Insurance may request more information or documentation.

After the review is complete, you will receive an email from the state regarding the status of your license.

Congratulations!

You’ve done the work, put in the time and effort, and now hold the key to your own success!  We’re proud of you. Take five (5) minutes and celebrate.

What Kind of Insurance Adjuster Will You Be?

There are four main types of insurance adjusters: staff adjusters, independent adjusters, catastrophe adjusters, and public adjusters.

Each of these positions accomplishes essentially the same task: assess the damage to property brought about by some event and make an evaluation of what monetary value the insurance claim should carry.

The big difference between these different types of insurance adjusters is who pays them and, in the case of the public adjuster, who they are advocating for. Staff, independent, and catastrophe adjusters all require the same type of license, while a public adjuster license is a little different in its specifications.

• Staff Adjuster – Works directly for one insurance company in order to investigate, evaluate, and potentially settle claims.
• Independent Adjuster – Works for a third-party company, often called an Independent Adjusting Firm, which has been contracted by insurance carriers to help settle their claims.
• Catastrophe (CAT) Adjuster – Can be an independent or staff adjuster who travels to an area that has been largely affected by an event (usually severe weather) and performs adjustment services to insurance claims en masse.
• Inside Adjuster – Inside adjusters, sometimes referred to as “desk” or “remote” adjusters, handle claims from an office. They are the policyholder’s main contact and the person who applies the policy terms and standards to the claim.
• Public Adjuster – Independent insurance adjusters that customers choose to hire in order to settle insurance claims. Public adjusters are not hired by insurance companies.

California Department of Insurance Contact Information

Mailing Address:
Producer Licensing Bureau
320 Capitol Mall
Sacramento, California 95814

Phone: (800) 967-9331

Email: Contact Form

Website: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/