2020 has been a year of drastic change. COVID-19 has changed the way most of us live our lives. For many, it has also changed their jobs and career goals. Because the pandemic forced partial shutdowns of many businesses across the country, record numbers of people have found themselves unemployed. Those who are employed have had to make major adjustments to the way they work. Many people are working from home, while essential workers have had to endure difficult changes to their jobs. These conditions have inspired many people to rethink their careers and make a change. If you’re interested in a career change and think insurance adjusting might be right for you, here is a step-by-step guide to becoming an insurance adjuster. Show
Skills and Qualifications for Claims AdjustersFortunately, you do not need much education or specific experience to become a claims adjuster. The only education you need is a high school diploma or GED. Some employers prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree, but that is not required for licensing. You will spend a lot of time driving, so you need to be a good driver and have reliable transportation if you plan to be an independent adjuster. Most of your job as an adjuster is spent analyzing damage, calculating damage costs, and filing paperwork. Therefore, you need solid math skills, organization skills, and the ability to pay close attention to detail. If that sounds like you, then you’re ready to get started. Get Your Texas Adjuster LicenseIn Texas, your next step to becoming an insurance adjuster is to get your license. Our Texas All-Lines Pre-Licensing Course is approved by the Texas Department of Insurance and includes all the information you need to prepare for and take your licensing exam. This course is especially appropriate for our current situation because it is 100% online and self paced. You will never have to attend class in a crowded classroom or worry about how to fit your coursework into your schedule. Your licensing exam is included in your course and state-approved. Once you have passed your exam, you will apply for your license through the Texas Department of Insurance. You can apply online and submit your exam score, required fingerprints, and a $50 application fee. After you have your license, additional training will be helpful as you get started in the field. Training in Xactimate®, the industry-standard estimating software, is perhaps the most important technical skill you will need to be a successful insurance adjuster. Our Smart Start Pack includes your licensing course, our Xactimate® X1 course, and our Practical Adjusting course. It’s the best package to get all the knowledge and skills you need to set you up for success. Get an Adjusting JobOnce you have your license and you’re knowledgeable about your work as an adjuster, the next step is to get to work! You have two main options as an insurance adjuster. You can work as a staff adjuster for an insurance company or you can work as an independent adjuster and handle claims for multiple firms as clients. Each option has its own pros and cons. Staff adjusters make less money overall, but tend to get full benefit packages, employee perks, and a more steady schedule and pay. Independent adjusters have more flexibility, but may work long hours during busy seasons and very few hours during slower times. Whatever option you choose, create your resume and start reaching out to adjusting firms. Look for opportunities to network online. LinkedIn is a great place to start. It All Starts With 2021 TrainingWe hope this gave you all the information you need to set you on your path to becoming a licensed insurance adjuster. We’re here for you when you are ready to take the next step in your education with us. We have been equipping new and experienced adjusters with online training courses since 2008. Our experienced instructors know what it’s like in the field and can prepare you for success. Buy online or give us a call today to get started! As a result of licence renewals, FSRA is not accepting applications for new adjuster licences between June 1-30, 2022. Applications will re-open on July 1. If you want to be an independent or public insurance adjuster in Ontario, you must apply for a licence with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). If you are an adjuster employed by a
licensed insurance company, you do not need your own adjuster licence. Insurance adjusters investigate insurance claims and determine the amount of loss or damages covered. There are three types of adjusters:
Public adjusters and independent adjusters need to be licensed by FSRA. Insurance company adjusters do not need a licence. Sponsorship required with an adjusting firmAs an adjuster, you must be sponsored by an adjusting firm at all times.
Fee for a new applicationThe fee to apply for a new adjuster licence is $75. This fee will cover your first year up to June 30. Then, you will need to renew it to keep your licence active. Depending on the arrangement you have with your adjusting firm, they may pay the fee OR you may be responsible for paying this fee. Check with your adjusting firm for details. Three phases of licensingThere is a three-step process for getting an adjuster licence in Ontario. To graduate through each phase, you will need to complete the required courses offered by the Insurance Institute. Go to Education program for new adjusters for more details about the courses.
Exemptions:
What are the requirements for a new licence?Surrender your insurance agent licenceIf you have a licence to sell insurance, you will need to surrender it before you can apply for an adjuster licence. Review Surrender my insurance licence for more details If you have an insurance broker licence, go to Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) to cancel your licence. Checklist for a new licenceReview this checklist to ensure you are ready to apply for a new licence. Requirements:
Once you have met all of these requirements, you will need to begin the application process. Ready to apply for a new licence?1. Download the Insurance Adjuster Application.
2. Fill out the application electronically.
3. Ask your adjusting firm to fill out Part D (Notice of Appointment). 4. Your adjusting firm can submit the completed form through the Online Services Portal.
What happens after the application is submitted:The review should take 10 business days. If your application is approved, your adjusting firm will receive a copy of your licence. You will need to ask them to give you a copy. Education program for new adjustersTo get through the next two phases of your licence, you will need to complete an education program, which includes the following:
Probationary Licence1. Complete the following four courses:
To review course descriptions, fees and registration details, go to Insurance Institute. 2. Request your Probationary Licence:
Full Adjuster Licence:1. Complete the following four courses AND the four courses outlined above:
To review course descriptions, fees and registration details, go to Insurance Institute. 2. Pass the Canadian Independent Adjusters’ Association (CIAA) exam When you finish all eight Insurance Institute courses, you are eligible to complete an online exam through the CIAA. You will need to score 70% or higher to get a Full Adjuster Licence. For more information about the exam, fees and registration details, go to CIAA. 3. Request your Full Adjuster Licence:
How much do top insurance adjusters make?Average Adjuster Hourly Wage: $34.11
The top 10% of claims adjusters earned over $101,000 per year.
What kind of adjuster makes the most money?Independent (CAT) catastrophic insurance claims adjusters are the ones who make the most money. Working as a CAT after a natural disaster might pay you roughly $100,000 or more for 6 to 9 months of work. Staff adjusters that work full-time for insurance adjuster firms are another form of claims adjuster.
How do I become a claims adjuster in Nevada?To qualify for an Independent Adjuster license:
Be 18 years of age or older. Be eligible to declare Nevada as his or her home state. Be an independent contractor. Be competent, trustworthy, financially responsible and of good reputation.
How do I become a claims adjuster in Mississippi?How do I get a Mississippi Adjuster License?. Meet the basic Mississippi Adjuster Licensing Requirements. ... . Complete the required 20-hour Mississippi Pre-licensing Course through AdjusterPro.. Register for and pass the Mississippi State Exam. ... . Submit the application through NIPR or Sircon.. |