This question is a lot more common than you may think. Many people do not realize claim adjuster licenses even exist—perhaps you are one of them.  The answer to the question, do adjusters need licenses begins with, “Well, it depends on the state.”  An adjuster license is required in many states, but not all.

One of the keys to unlocking the mystery of adjuster licensing is knowing that not all states offer an adjuster license or do I need an adjuster licensethe same types of licenses.  An example of this is the state of New Jersey.  New Jersey does not offer an independent adjuster license or staff adjuster license, meaning an adjuster can come into the state of New Jersey and adjudicate claims without a license. That used to be true in Indiana until the state adopted regulation effective in 2012 requiring independent adjusters be licensed.

The world we live in today offers opportunities for adjusters to work in many states, and it is not uncommon for adjusters to be licensed in every state requiring adjuster licenses.  Let’s look at the types of adjusters and the adjuster licenses available.   They are Independent, Staff and Public.

  • An Independent Adjuster is a claims adjuster who provides services on a contract basis to insurance companies, self-insured firms, and governmental entities. Depending on the nature of the claim being handled, billing can be on a time-and-expense basis, flat fee-per-claim basis, or flat annual fee for all claims. Independent adjusters are used when an insurer is overloaded with claims (often due to a catastrophe), when a claim occurs in a remote locale, or when special expertise is required to adjust a claim.
  • A Staff Adjuster is an individual employed by a property and casualty insurance company to settle on its behalf claims brought by insureds. The adjuster evaluates the merits of each claim and makes recommendations to the insurance company.
  • A Public Adjuster is a representative of an insurance claimant in situations only where an adjuster can act for an insurance company or an insured.

Determining what type of adjuster license you need is the first step to applying for an adjuster license.

Contact us for all your adjuster license and non resident insurance agent license needs. Supportive Insurance Services specialize in taking the headache out of insurance licensing for insurance agents, agencies, adjusters and companies.

Our clients range from one-person operations to insurance companies with thousands of licenses and appointments throughout the US. Whether you are looking to expand into new markets or just need help managing your current insurance licenses, we can provide you with cost-effective, efficient service.

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The insurance licensing information provided on this blog is not legal advice and the reader is advised to consult an attorney for questions regarding the legal ramifications of this information.