Getting a Alabama insurance adjuster license requires completing a few steps to apply for a resident license in your state.
Alabama requires an adjuster to successfully pass an exam before obtaining a license. To become an insurance adjuster in Alabama, simply complete the steps below to get your insurance adjuster license.
What Kind of Insurance Adjuster Will You Be?
There are four main types of insurance adjusters: staff adjuster, independent adjuster, catastrophe adjuster, and public adjuster.
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 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 an insurance company
- Independent Adjuster – Works for a third-party company who performs insurance adjuster work and is contracted by an insurance company
- Catastrophe (CAT) Adjuster – An independent adjuster who travels to an area that has been largely affected by an event (usually severe weather) and performs claims adjuster services en masse
- Public Adjuster – Is an advocate for the insurance customer, not the insurance company (requires a different type of license)
This article provides five easy steps on how to get a Alabama insurance adjuster license. These steps cover the process of applying for a standard insurance claims adjuster license (sometimes known as an independent adjuster license).
How to Get Your Insurance Adjuster License in Alabama
Getting your Alabama insurance adjuster license is a simple and easy process. Follow these 5 easy steps to get started. Don’t forget to bookmark this page so that you can refer to it again throughout the process.
Step 1. Adjuster Pre-License Education
The first step in getting an Alabama Insurance Adjuster License is taking pre-license education courses. These are state required courses pertaining to claims adjusting, basic insurance information, state laws and mandates, and professional ethics. To fill the pre-license requirement, you must complete a certain amount of credit hours depending on the lines of authority (types of licenses) you wish to attain.
You must complete forty (40) hours of pre-license education for the All Lines Insurance line and, twenty (20) hours of pre-license education for Property & Casualty Insurance line, Workers Compensation and Crop Adjuster Insurance line.
You will receive a certificate upon completion of the courses. Keep these certificates, as you will need them when taking your exams.
Most applicants choose to take these courses online, as it fits their schedule better, but there may also be in-person courses available. You should choose which format in which to take your courses based on your preferred method of learning. The goal isn’t just to get the courses out of the way, it’s to prepare you to pass your license exam on the first attempt.
Recommended Course
For Alabama insurance adjuster pre-license education courses and exam prep, StateRequirement recommends:
Step 2. Alabama Insurance Adjuster License Exam
The next step after completing your pre-licensing requirement is to take and pass the Alabama 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. For people who haven’t tested in a situation like this should be aware of this fact, and work on taming their nerves prior to sitting for the exam. When you arrive at the exam location you must have a photo ID any other documents that the testing facility has asked you to bring.
Alabama offers the Property and Casualty Adjuster line, Workers’ Compensation Adjuster line, Crop Adjuster line and All Lines Adjuster line. The All Lines Adjuster line is the combination of the three lines.
- The Property and Casualty Adjuster license exam consists of one hundred twenty-five (125) questions, and you have two and a half hours (2:30) to complete it.
- The Workers’ Compensation Adjuster license exam consists of one hundred (100) questions, and you have one hour and forty minutes (1:40) to complete it.
- The Crop Adjuster license exam consists of one hundred (100) questions, and you have one hour and forty minutes (1:40) to complete it.
- The All Lines Adjuster license exam consists of one hundred fifty (150) questions, and you have three hours (3:00) to complete it.
An outline of included subjects for these exams can be found here: Alabama Department of Insurance Examination Content Outline
Each attempt of the exam costs $75 and will be paid when you make your reservation. You must register at least 7 days in advance of the day you wish to test.
A total score of 70% or more is required to pass this test.
Insurance license tests are intentionally difficult, but not impossible by any means. You should study to the point of comfortability with the information before you attempt the test. Failing the exam isn’t the end of the world, but keep in mind that you will need to pay the fee each time you attempt the test.
You may register to take your exams and find more information on the University of Alabama – State of Alabama Insurance Testing or by calling (205) 348-3000.
Step 3. Fingerprinting and Background Check
The State of Alabama 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 Alabama Department of Insurance at (334) 241-4126 or send them an email.
You will process your fingerprints through Gemalto. You must pass your exam before you make your fingerprinting reservations. Appointments can be made on their website or by phone at (866) 989-9316.
The fee for fingerprinting services is $48.25.
Step 4. Alabama Insurance Adjuster License Application
Once you have completed your exams and fingerprinting, you are now ready to apply for your license.
The fee for an online application is $100.
Apply online with the Alabama Insurance Adjuster License Application. After you process your application online, you must submit proof of citizenship.
To submit your proof of citizenship, go to the Alabama Department of Insurance Citizenship Documentation For New Applicants. Documentation must be received before the license will be issued. If the documentation is not received within 10 days after submission, the application will be declined.
Step 5. 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 two to four (2-4) business 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 NIPR regarding the status of your license. You may also check the status of your application on Alabama License Lookup.
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.
Alabama Department of Insurance Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Attn: Licensing Division
P. O. Box 303351
Montgomery, Alabama 36130
Phone: (334) 241-4126
Fax: (334) 240-3282
Email: ProducerLicensing@insurance.alabama.gov
Website: http://www.aldoi.gov/
Alabama Insurance Adjuster License FAQ
How long does it take to become an insurance adjuster in Alabama?
In Alabama, the process of insurance adjuster licensing can range from a few weeks to a few months (pre-exam education, pre-license exam, background checks, license application, and application review). Follow the steps above to get your insurance license in Alabama.
Do you need a license to become an insurance adjuster?
Yes. Earning an insurance adjuster license allows you to increase your income potential, add to your credibility, and qualify for advanced employment opportunities.
Is being an insurance adjuster difficult?
Being an insurance adjuster can be a highly rewarding role. In fact, insurance claims adjusters enjoy their work and report high levels of job satisfaction, according to Payscale.
How much do insurance adjusters make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most recent median annual salary for claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators was $65,080. This was higher than the median salary for all occupations in May 2021, which was $45,760. The highest earners worked for the government, with a median salary of $81,890. If you want to work as a catastrophe (CAT) adjuster in areas frequently affected by natural disasters (like the Gulf Coast), you will likely have higher earnings potential and employment. For independent insurance adjusters that work on commission rather than salary, the high demand for claims adjusters in these areas can result in a lot of business.
What skills are needed to be an insurance adjuster?
Insurance claims adjusters typically investigate insurance claims and travel to locations to inspect property (such as automobiles, buildings, etc.), assess damage, and make notes on repairs and costs. Insurance adjusters deal with individuals in high-stress situations a lot so you must have a professional attitude at all times. Due to the nature of the job, insurance claims adjusters must have excellent communications skills, write clearly, be comfortable with math and basic computer software, and have a flexible schedule since they travel a lot to areas hit by disasters with irregular work hours. Insurance adjusters must have specific industry knowledge to interpret contracts, determine insurance claim payouts, and make recommendations for how the insurance company proceeds in resolving the claim.
Do you need a degree to be an insurance adjuster?
You don’t need a four-year degree to become licensed as an insurance adjuster. However, you will need to complete your education requirements or pass the Alabama insurance adjuster exam to be a licensed insurance adjuster. One of the prerequisites to fulfill your education requirements is to complete a minimum number of hours of college level insurance-related coursework. If you are working on an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, you can take courses that will work toward the Alabama insurance adjuster license requirements.