New Mexico Insurance Adjuster License

Written by: Kevelyn Rodriguez

Last updated:

New Mexico Insurance Adjuster License

In order to acquire your New Mexico adjuster license and become a licensed insurance claims adjuster, several essential steps must be completed:

  • Complete an adjuster pre-exam course to build your core knowledge
  • Take and pass the New Mexico insurance adjuster exam
  • Undergo a required fingerprinting and background check for identity confirmation
  • Lastly, send your licensing application to the New Mexico Department of Insurance

This article has been designed to guide you through these steps, with a focus on helping you in finding the quickest route to attain your New Mexico insurance adjuster license.

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How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in New Mexico

Getting your New Mexico 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

Preparation for this exam is not something to take lightly, as the average pass rate of insurance exams nationwide is around 55% for first-time test-takers, and even less for any following attempts. We want you to pass your test the first time you take it.

Studying for this exam can take many different forms. The most common way to get prepared is to take an online study course. These courses are generally comprised of video and text with short knowledge quizzes to make sure you have a comprehensive understanding.

A slightly more minimal approach would be to purchase a state-specific study guide. These guides give you all of the facts that you need to pass the exam and maybe a bit less expensive than a course. They are, however, quite long and densely packed books, so be sure you are ready to tackle this task.

You should choose the method that fits best for you. Some people learn best out of a book, while others take in information better through video and short text. Remember, the goal is to pass your exam on the first attempt, so pick your best path forward and study hard.

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Step 2: New Mexico Insurance Adjuster License Exam

Once you have completed all of your coursework, you will be able to take (and hopefully pass) the New Mexico 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 New Mexico there is one line of authority for adjusters:

  • The Independent/Staff Adjuster exam — This consists of fifty (50) questions and you will be given one hour (1:00:00) to complete it

An outline of included subjects for the exam can be found here: Prometric New Mexico Examination for Independent/ Staff Adjuster Series 18-40.

Each attempt at the exam costs $75 and will be paid when you make your reservation.

A total score of 70% or more is required to pass this test. To further explain the scoring of the exam, we will quote the Prometric New Mexico Department of Insurance Licensing Information Handbook:

At the end of the exam, you will see a completion notice on the screen. A copy of your score report will be emailed to the email address you provided at the time of scheduling. The report indicates the overall score and grade, including the numerical percentage of questions answered correctly and whether you passed or failed.

To achieve a passing score on the examination, you must receive a 70% or higher on the examination.

The report also displays the correct percentage in each major section of the exam, as defined by the exam content outline. These section scores are shown to guide you, or your employer and/or trainer, about areas requiring additional preparation for retesting if you do not pass the exam.

Even after you pass, you may want to focus on these areas as you begin to provide insurance products and services to the public.

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 Prometric New Mexico Insurance page or by calling Prometric at (800) 853-5448.

Note: Before registering for your exam, we recommend completing some form of pre-exam education. Even though this is not a legal requirement in New Mexico, 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 New Mexico 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 State of New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance at (505) 827-4349 or send them an email.

You will process your fingerprints through Gemalto Cogent. Appointments can be made on their website or by phone at (877) 996-6277.

Note: The fee for fingerprinting services is $44.

Step 4: Execution of New Mexico Surety Bond

You must obtain and submit a bond in the penal sum of $10,000 executed by a New Mexico admitted surety and signed by the principal and by the Attorney-in-Fact.

Once you have the bond in place, submit it to the State of New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance.

The state must receive this document within ten (10) days from the date of your application. Use the mailing address in the Contact Information section below.

Step 5: New Mexico 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 $30.

Apply online with the New Mexico Insurance Adjuster License Application.

Note: If you are affiliated with an adjusting firm, you must complete the State of New Mexico Independent Adjuster Affiliation Form and mail the form together with the affiliation fee check for $20. Use the mailing address in the Contact Information section below.

Step 6: Application Review

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

This process generally takes about ten (10) 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.

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 adjustersstaff 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

Note: To become a public adjuster, you must obtain a standard adjuster license, get an appointment from a public adjusting firm, gain work experience, and eventually pass an additional exam.

New Mexico Department of Insurance Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Office of Superintendent of Insurance
P.O. Box 1689
Santa Fe New Mexico 87504

Overnight Delivery Address:

Producer Licensing Bureau
1120 Paseo de Peralta
RM 331 Santa Fe New Mexico 87501

Phone: (505) 827-4349

Email: agents.licensing@state.nm.us

Website: http://www.osi.state.nm.us/

New Mexico Insurance Adjuster License FAQ

Do you need an adjuster license in New Mexico?

Yes, you do need an adjuster license to handle insurance claims in New Mexico. This requirement is part of state regulations to ensure New Mexico independent adjusters possess the necessary knowledge to perform their duties. For a full breakdown of the duties a claims adjuster is responsible for, check out our article What Does an Insurance Adjuster Do.

How much does it cost to apply for an adjuster license in New Mexico?

The current application fee for an independent adjuster license in New Mexico is $30. However, this does not take into account other associated costs such as pre-licensing education and exam fees. For an idea of how much the total cost could end up being, have a look at our article on some of the Best Adjuster Licensing Courses.

What states are reciprocal with the New Mexico adjuster license?

New Mexico has reciprocity agreements with many states, such as Florida, Kentucky, and Mississippi. This entitles you to equivalent licenses in these states without further examination if you possess a resident license in New Mexico. For the most up-to-date list of these agreements, check out our article on Adjuster License Reciprocity.

How do I renew my New Mexico adjuster license?

Renewing your New Mexico adjuster license involves completing 24 hours of continuing education (with 3 hours of ethics included in this) every two years. Once you’ve met these requirements, you can submit your renewal application and the associated fee to the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance. For more information, see our article on Adjuster Continuing Education.

How much does an insurance adjuster earn in New Mexico?

The salary of an insurance adjuster in New Mexico can vary depending on experience, expertise, and the number of claims handled. However, the average salary tends to fall in the $57,032 and $74,299 range. For a more detailed breakdown of this topic, see our How Much Does An Insurance Adjuster Make article.

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