To obtain your Delaware adjuster license and qualify as a licensed insurance claims adjuster, you must follow these steps:

• Finish your adjuster pre-examination training
• Successfully pass your selected Delaware Pearson VUE adjuster test
• Undergo a fingerprint and background investigation
• Send your licensing request to the Delaware Department of Insurance

In this article, we provide comprehensive guidance on how to initiate the process, assisting you to secure your Delaware insurance adjuster license as quickly as possible.

How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Delaware

Getting your Delaware 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(s).

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 Delaware, we believe that purchasing a pre-exam course can go a long way in ensuring that you pass your exam(s) on your first attempt.

Step 2: Delaware Insurance Adjuster License Exam

Once you have completed all of your coursework, you will be able to take (and hopefully pass) the Delaware 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 Delaware, there are a number of distinct lines you can take for your licensing exam. Some of the primary lines available for you include:

• The Property Adjuster license exam — This consists of fifty (50) questions, and you have one hour and fifteen minutes (1:15:00) to complete it
• The Casualty Adjuster license exam — This consists of fifty (50) questions, and you have one and a half hours (1:30:00) to complete it
• The Motor Vehicle Adjuster license exam — This consists of fifty (50) questions, and you have one hour (1:00:00) to complete it

An outline of included subjects for these exams can be found here: Pearson VUE Delaware Insurance Examination Content Outlines.

Each attempt at the exam costs $90 and will be paid when you make your reservation.

To explain the scoring of these exams, we will quote the Pearson VUE Delaware Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook:

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 exams — as well as find out more information — on the Pearson VUE Delaware Insurance page or by calling Pearson VUE at (800) 274-2604.

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

Step 3: Background Check

The State of Delaware 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 (such as fraudulent or dishonest practices), 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 Delaware Insurance Department at (302) 674-7390 or send them an email.

State and Federal Criminal Background Check information may be obtained from the Delaware State Police.

Note: The fee for a State and Federal Criminal Background Check is $85.

Step 4: Delaware Insurance Adjuster License Application

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

Note: The fee for an online application is $100 and a $5.60 NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry) processing fee.

Apply online with the Delaware Insurance Adjuster License Application.

Step 5: Application Review

Once you have submitted your application and have completed all the other requirements, your Delaware license application will be reviewed by the state.

This process generally takes about two to five (2-5) weeks. 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 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

Delaware Department of Insurance Contact Information

Mailing Addresses:

Dover Office	Wilmington Office
1351 West North StreetSuite 101Dover, Delaware 19904	The Nemours Building1007 Orange Street, Suite 1010Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Phone: (302) 674-7390

Fax: (302) 736-7906

Email: licensing@delaware.gov

Website: http://www.delawareinsurance.gov/