To obtain your Oregon adjuster license and start working as a claims adjuster, you will need to complete the following steps:

• Complete your adjuster pre-exam education
• Pass the Oregon PSI adjuster exam
• Submit a fingerprint and background check
• File an application to the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation

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

How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Oregon

Getting your Oregon 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 Oregon, 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: Oregon Insurance Adjuster License Exam

Once you have completed all of your coursework, you will be able to take (and hopefully pass) the Oregon 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 Oregon you are able to choose between one of several distinct lines for your adjuster license exam, including:

• The General Lines Adjuster license exam — This consists of 150 questions, and you have two hours and 40 minutes (2:40:00) to complete it
• The Health Adjuster license exam — This consists of 100 questions, and you have two hours (2:00:00) to complete it
• The Crop Adjuster license exam — This consists of 50 questions, and you have one hour (1:00:00) to complete it

Each attempt of the exam costs $45 and will be paid when you make your reservation.

A total score of 70% or more is required to pass this test. The PSI Oregon Division of Financial Regulation Candidate Information Bulletin describes the exam scoring as such:

StateRequirement recommends that you study for one exam at a time, then after passing, start on your next line. The exams are difficult enough on their own without confusing information from one line to another.

You can register to take your exams — as well as find out more information — on the PSI Oregon Insurance page or by calling PSI at (800) 733-9267.

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

Step 3. Fingerprinting and Background Check

The State of Oregon 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 Oregon Division of Financial Regulation at (503) 947-7981 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 $56.25.

Step 4: Oregon 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 $81.18.

You can apply online by using the Oregon Insurance Adjuster License Application.

Step 5. Application Review

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

This process generally takes about two weeks. Depending on the results of your background check, the Department of Financial Regulation 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 (5) 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

Oregon Department of Insurance Contact Information

Mailing Address:

350 Winter Street Northeast
Room 410
P.O. Box 14480
Salem, Oregon 97309

Phone: (503) 947-7981

Fax: (503) 378-4351

Email: web.insagent@oregon.gov

Website: http://dfr.oregon.gov/