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.
Skills and Qualifications for Claims Adjusters
Fortunately, 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 License
In 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 Job
Once 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 Training
We 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. As an adjuster, you must be sponsored by an adjusting firm at all times. The 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.About the licence
Types of adjusters
Sponsorship required with an adjusting firm
Fee for a new application
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 licensing
There 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.
Phase | Requirement | Restrictions |
1. Letter of Authority | You must successfully meet all the requirements for a new licence. | You cannot:
|
2. Probationary Licence | You must complete the first four Insurance Institute courses. Go to Education program for new adjusters for details. | |
3. Full Adjuster Licence | You must:
| None |
Exemptions:
- If you have a Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation or a Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP) designation in good standing, you can bypass the the courses and write the CIAA exam. As proof, you will need to provide:
- A screenshot of the CIP or FCIP membership page showing the active status and expiry date; or
- An official Insurance Institute letter dated in the last 12 months with the expiry date of the CIP or FCIP designation
- If you have already completed any of the requirements from the education program, you can bypass the Letter of Authority and move to either the Probationary Licence or the Full Adjuster Licence.
What are the requirements for a new licence?
Surrender your insurance agent licence
If 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 licence
Review this checklist to ensure you are ready to apply for a new licence.
Requirements:
- Be sponsored by an adjusting firm.
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Confirm you are not licensed as an insurance agent or broker.
- Be familiar with the laws of Ontario relating to adjusters.
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.
- Right click on the link and choose Save link as to download the PDF to your computer or drive.
2. Fill out the application electronically.
- Select the Letter of Authority as the Type of Licence.
- If you have already completed any of the requirements from the education program, you can select Probationary Licence or Full Adjuster Licence. You will need to include documentation as part of your application.
- You will need to verify your suitability to have a licence by confirming:
- You are a person of good character and reputation.
- You meet all licensing requirements and are a suitable person to receive a licence as an adjuster.
- You have provided information about bankruptcies, lawsuits, criminal records, decisions from other regulators or licensing bodies or other employment information.
- You will comply with Ontario’s laws and the requirements of the adjuster’s licence.
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.
- If you need to pay the fee, you can make the payment through the Online Services Portal with credit card (VISA, Mastercard) or select debit cards (RBC, TD, First Nations Bank of Canada, most credit unions).
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 adjusters
To get through the next two phases of your licence, you will need to complete an education program, which includes the following:
Probationary Licence |
|
Full Adjuster Licence |
|
Probationary Licence
1. Complete the following four courses:
- C11 - Principles and Practice of Insurance
- C12 - Insurance on Property
- C14 - Automobile Insurance – Part 1
- C110 - Essentials of Loss Adjusting
To review course descriptions, fees and registration details, go to Insurance Institute.
2. Request your Probationary Licence:
- When you have completed the first four courses, inform your adjusting firm.
- Your adjusting firm will need to send an email to FSRA ([email protected]) to request the upgrade.
- FSRA will send the updated licence to your adjusting firm.
- You can get a copy of the licence from your adjusting firm.
Full Adjuster Licence:
1. Complete the following four courses AND the four courses outlined above:
- C13 - Insurance Against Liability – Part 1
- C32 - Bodily Injury Claims
- C111 - Advanced Loss Adjusting
- C112 - Practical Issues in Claims Management
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:
- The CIAA sends the exam mark directly to FSRA.
- Your adjusting firm still needs to request the official upgrade.
- Inform your adjusting firm that you have passed the exam with a grade of at least 70%.
- Your adjusting firm should email the upgrade request to [email protected].
- FSRA will send the updated licence to your adjusting firm.
- You can get a copy of the licence from your adjusting firm.