Getting your West Virginia adjuster license is a straightforward process that only requires you to complete a few simple steps.

You’ll obtain your license once you successfully pass the West Virginia Pearson VUE exam — taking a pre-exam adjuster course is pivotal in passing this exam on your first attempt.

Then, all that’s left to do is submit your licensing application to the Offices of the West Virginia Insurance Commissioner and wait.

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

How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in West Virginia

Getting your West Virginia 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 West Virginia, we believe that purchasing a pre-exam course can go a long way in ensuring that you pass your exam on your first attempt.

Step 2. West Virginia Insurance Adjuster License Exam

Once you have completed all of your coursework, you will be able to take (and hopefully pass) the West Virginia 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 West Virginia, only one line of authority is offered to adjusters:

• The Independent Adjuster line — This exam consists of 75 questions, and you will be given one hour (1:00:00) to complete it.

Each attempt of the exam costs $88 and will be paid when you make your reservation.

A total score of 70% or more is required to pass this test. To explain the scoring of these exams, the Pearson VUE West Virginia Insurance Licensing Candidate Handbook writes:

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 West Virginia Insurance or by calling PSI at (800) 274-2614.

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

Step 3. West Virginia Insurance Adjuster License Application

Once you have completed all your coursework and passed your examination, you are now ready to apply for your license.

Note: The fee for an online application is $25.

Apply online with the West Virginia Insurance Adjuster License Application.

Step 4. Application Review

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

This process generally takes about three to five 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 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

West Virginia Department of Insurance Contact Information

Mailing Address:

West Virginia Lottery Building
900 Pennsylvania Avenue
Charleston, West Virginia 25302

Phone: (304) 558-0610

Fax: (304) 558-4966

Email: OICAgentLicensing@wv.gov

Website: http://www.wvinsurance.gov/