The process of getting your Idaho adjuster license is both simple and straightforward.

After you have taken your pre-exam education and passed the Idaho insurance adjuster exam, all that’s left to do is complete a background check and submit your licensing application to the Department of Insurance.

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

How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Idaho

Getting your Idaho 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 Idaho, 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. Idaho Insurance Adjuster License Exam

Once you have completed all of your coursework, you will be able to take (and hopefully pass) the Idaho 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.

Idaho offers one line of authority for adjusters: Independent Adjuster. This exam consists of fifty (50) questions and you will be given one and a half hours (1:30:00) to complete it.

Each attempt at the exam costs $60 and will be paid when you make your reservation.

For more information on the scoring of the exam, we will quote the PSI Idaho Department of Insurance – Insurance License Examination Candidate Information Bulletin:

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 PSI Idaho Insurance page or by calling PSI at (855) 807-3999.

Note: Before registering for your exam, we recommend completing some form of pre-exam education. Even though this is not a legal requirement in Idaho, 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 Idaho 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 Idaho Department of Insurance at (208) 334-4339 or send them an email.

You will process your fingerprints through PSI. You must pass your exam before you are able to make reservations.

Note: The fee for fingerprinting services is $70.

At your fingerprinting appointment, you will receive a fingerprint card. Once this card has been completed, it should be remitted along with a non-refundable $70.00 service fee to the following address:

PSI Services LLC ID Insurance Fingerprinting
1755 Westgate Dr, Suite 130,
Boise, ID 83704

Step 4. Idaho Insurance Adjuster License Application

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

Note: The fee for an online application is $80.

Apply online with the NIPR – Idaho Insurance Adjuster License Application.

Be sure to submit a copy of your exam results letter, application, fingerprint receipt, and ISP Non-Criminal Justice Form, CHRI Request and Release Form to the Idaho Department of Insurance or by fax at (208) 334-4398.

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 five to seven (5-7) business days. Depending on the results of your background check, the Idaho 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

Idaho Department of Insurance Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Idaho Department of Insurance
700 W. State St., 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0043

Phone: (208) 334-4339

Fax: (208) 334-4398

Email: agent@doi.idaho.gov

Website: http://www.doi.idaho.gov