How to Become a Public Adjuster?

How to Become a Public Adjuster

If you enjoy helping people and are interested in an insurance career, become a public adjuster and help policyholders with your expertise. In order to become a public adjuster, you will need to learn about insurance adjusting, insurance policies, and public adjusting as well as pass your state's public adjusting exam. Depending on your state, you may also have to take specific classes, complete an apprenticeship, and provide proof of financial responsibility by posting a bond or obtaining professional liability insurance.

Start by visiting your state's department of insurance website and looking up the requirements to become a public adjuster in your state. This will guide you in your next steps. For example, you may be required to enroll in a pre-licensing course. The website should also list public adjuster requirements such as age and citizenship requirements as well as any other issues (such as a felony conviction) that could potentially disqualify you from becoming a public adjuster.

In general, you don't need extensive schooling to become a public adjuster but you should be a high school graduate. Insurance-related work experience or a college degree in a related field is a plus. For example, if you plan on specializing in property claims, previous work experience in construction estimating would be beneficial. If you plan on specializing in medical claims, a medical background would be helpful. Other skills that public adjusters rely on include analytical, communications, math, and interpersonal skills.

Many states, such as Florida, require public adjuster candidates to complete an apprenticeship program before becoming a public adjuster. All states require public adjusters to be licensed. Licensing typically requires passing a licensing exam, meeting all eligibility requirements, and posting a bond. After you become a public adjuster, you will need to maintain your license by completing a certain number of continuing education classes each year (or every two or three years depending on the state).

~ Stephen Hadhazi, Public Adjuster