How to Become an Insurance Adjuster

Written by: Ethan Peyton

Last updated:

Since insurance is a state-regulated industry, each state has different rules, laws, and regulations regarding insurance adjuster licensing.

Generally, there are four basic steps to becoming an insurance adjuster, which we’ve broken down in more detail below.

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Pre-Exam Education

Some states mandate that you take a certain number of pre-license education hours before you can apply for a license or attempt to take the license exam.

There are classes, courses, books, and other study materials available that you should spend some time on to gain a basic knowledge of the information on the test.

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For insurance adjuster pre-license education courses and exam prep, StateRequirement recommends:

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Insurance Adjuster License Exams

As mentioned earlier, there will be a test. These exams aren’t something to be taken lightly, as the national average pass rate is about 55% on the first attempt.

Most of that comes from lack of study. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that this exam is all common sense. Take your time and do your best to pass on the first attempt.

These exams are generally taken at a third party testing facility like Pearson VUE. They are closed book, proctored exams. Fees to sit for the exam can range anywhere from $29 – $200+ per attempt, and generally have about 100 questions.

Failing an exam isn’t the end of the world, as you can retake them, but as you can see, this can get expensive very quickly.

License Application

Each state has its own license application, which is usually handled online. Some states still require a paper application, but most are up to date and don’t call for a trip to the Post Office.

License application fees, like exam fees, have a large range of about $15 – $350+ per line.

Several states also require a fingerprint to be taken when applying for your license. This is normally handled through third-party fingerprinting service but may also run through your state or local law enforcement offices.

Tip

Some states don’t offer an in-state adjuster license. Some states don’t offer an in-state adjuster license and some states offer reciprocal licenses. Visit our adjuster license reciprocity guide to learn more about reciprocal and DHS licenses for adjusters.

Application Review

After you submit your license the state insurance license department will take a look at it, run a background check, and verify all of the information needed is present.

There are times when they will need to get more supporting documentation from you, but this is on a case-by-case basis, and generally has to do with your background check.

When the state is satisfied with all of the information on your application and you have completed all the other requisite steps, they will issue you a license and contact you to let you know the good news!

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