How To Get Into The Claim Adjusting Industry
Don’t know how to get into the Claim Adjuster Jobs? You’re not alone… there is no step-by-step curriculum out there to help. Here’s why… at least one reason is that every state has different rules and regulations to become an adjuster.
What’s this mean?
You have to scour the internet to get your answers and you have to hope you go down the right path. Even after 100s of hours of searching, you’ll still have a ton of questions about becoming a claim adjuster, right?
GOOD NEWS… You’re in the right place.
Insurance Claim Adjusting Industry Training
Claims adjusting is a great profession and you will have noticeable growth rather quickly. If you follow particular instructions and can work the way you should you will make a great adjuster. You will be able to help people with their problems and make money at the same time! Isn’t it amazing? I think it is.
A really good way to get into the insurance claim adjuster job is to take the hard work away from the insurance companies who want to hire you. You see every company that wants adjusters also wants to pay you. However,
They can only pay you if you have a license… which means if you have a license they’ll hire you before someone without a license.
You can make it easy for the insurance firms and the insurance companies to hire you if you have your license. This is because you won’t have to go through the required insurance adjuster training which is the 40-hour all-lines adjuster course.
Once You Have Your license… Then What?
Find a company looking for an entry-level “claims specialist” (adjuster) that way they can get your foot in the door to the industry and get your certifications in the area you are working. This is really important, ensure your resume show you have experience and you can do this two way…
Work with a professional career coach that can help you identify areas of your current experience that will make you a good fit for the role. Many adjusters start with no previous claims experience but they can show they have the same set of skills. Next,
Get training and certifications.
Think of becoming a claims adjuster as you would becoming a doctor or a lawyer. The 40-hour all-lines adjuster course is your educational requirement and your training is like your apprenticeship. You can think of your certification as your specialization like an eye doctor or a traffic court lawyer.
In order to get into a company, it helps to have some background in what you are trying to do with your career. For example, a Homeowner’s property insurance adjuster adjusts claims like fire & storm damages to people’s homes, outbuildings, and contents (personal property like a TV or a couch).
You will have experience with construction and know the building codes in your area.
By the way, this position will acquire good personal skills…
The adjuster is the face/voice of the company. When you are out in the field, you are responding to an event that could be a low point in someone’s life. So not only are you out there to do the job, but you are there for them and as a representation of their insurance company.
You should be aware that not every day is going to be an easy day.
More often than not, you’ll work long hours. It’s very stressful and can be a challenge. Plus, you’ll likely be away from family and friends for a really long time (really depends on the job you are doing).
Here’s the worst part… claims (homeowners in particular) where you want to help the policyholder but you can’t because of lack of insurance coverage (i.e. floods, long-term damage, city sewer backup, etc). When this happens they’ll ask,
“well, why do I have insurance?”
You have to know how to answer that question.
After a few years of doing this, you will get the hang of it and be able to do the job like a champ. You don’t need a college degree to do the job (which is technically true) but it definitely helps during the screening and interview process (especially for an S&P 500 employer).
Combat the lack of a degree with training and experience.
Once you get your foot into the door at a company, depending on where you are, you may either be a field adjuster or a desk adjuster. The difference is that one is in the office while the other runs around town/state/country (depends on the position). In both instances you want to ask questions, learn all you can about the process, policies, news (your job is literally dictated by the weather), laws, and make connections.
Once you have your certifications and adjuster’s license and you get a feel for the industry, you can choose to go independent. Although, adjusters start independently – this is where the real money is. You can make your own LLC or you can even do contract work from home.
A good trend to follow in the industry is the independent sector due to the number of large insurance companies having more office adjusters handling claims and using IAs (independent adjusters) to verify damages while paying a reasonable consulting fee. Not something that you will really be able to jump right into right away but it is still worth mentioning since it is adjusting.
Now coming to the compensation portion, typically an adjuster position is Salary or “exempt” meaning you do not qualify for OT. The reason for this is that adjusters can work any number of hours to get the job done. Someone may have worked as little as 2 hours a day (when there is nothing going on in his or her area) all the way up to working 16 hours a day including weekends and holidays. Just starting out if you have little to no experience in claims you can expect to make the amount mentioned in this video.
However, as you get more experience and start to specialize (like a large loss, National catastrophe response, etc.) you can get upwards of 150K depending on the company or if you are independent.
Get started adjusting. It can be a very rewarding job if you take the time and go over everything with the insured. Sure, you may have to tell people the bad news. But there is also good news and the reason why we should do it is mainly to help the people who are experiencing the worst days of their life.
55 thoughts on “Getting into the Claim Adjusting Industry (Here’s How…)”
Hi – I am a General Contractor (34 years) and am looking for something different that will allow me to use my experience as a Builder, inspector and salesman and thought Independent Claims adjuster would be a good fit for me. Is the process study online, prepare for test, pass test and then get licensed. After that, send resume to IA companies and begin work?
That’s correct
Hi I am a telephone technician I am looking to start in adjuster field I got my florida License I live in Minnesota but it was easier for me to get the florida license I am just wondering what the next step will be thanks
I recommend getting a Georgia state license. Much more flexibility than FL or TX.
Hi, I just passed my Certification with 2021 Training for Texas All Lines Claims Adjuster. Im waiting to get my fingerprints taken next week. I will be licensed within a month. I am looking for some experience and am willing to work within 100 miles of my home.
Please let me know if I should apply with your company? Or what would be a good fit for me?
Thank you.
great
Is Is there a specific test for the states of
Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, possibly Utah?
I reside in East Idaho with access to SW Mt, W Mt and of course most of Idaho. Would I need certified in all states? I grew up working with family business contracting, heating AC, several years as carpenter and
33 30 years in the farm and Ag industry
Fr From consulting, management, equipment sales and crop production services such as planting, harvest, dairy
Management through every phase
Knowing the ROI from health, harvest
Equipment, milking, nutrition, top to bottom management of very large scale
Operations covering the US with
most emphasis in the Western US
In general each state has it’s own exam. Best for you to seek out a license in another state like Georgia, TX or FL
We have a 50 state guide that will help you. Each state is different. You’ll need to take just one exam.
WhI, I would like to know the best way to get into the insurance industry in Oklahoma.
I have a Bachelors degree in English Education and years of experience in management in various fields.
Thank you
oh great! are you open to relocating
Who offer the best courses for Independent Claims adjusting along with learning the claims software systems
which state are you in?
Hi my Name is Chris van Vreden,
And I am wanting to make a career move into the adjusting industry . Do you recommend me starting as staff adjuster , independent adjuster or public adjuster .
Can I transfer my liscence from a staff insurance adjuster to a public
Trying to learn the ropes . I live in Texas .
welcome in!
Ihello, I’m very new to the industry. After much research I would love my end got to be a CAT IA but I want to start small of course to test the waters and learn the industry. My background is banking so I don’t know much of anything. Would you recommend starting with an insurance company and which type of adjuster should one go for starting out as green as I am?
Great question! It really depends on which state you are in? We have a beginner’s guide that provides more details and a 50 State License Guide that gives you options for each state.
Hello, I have my Texas adjuster license along with Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Arkansas. I am State Farm Certified and Xactimate Level I certified and Level II completed training. I’m ready to go to work but it’s November and slow.
That’s great you have those licenses and certifications. Have you been applying? If not, we have a FREE company roster list with over 100 firms and insurers that hire new adjusters.
I have been working with employers and their work comp insurances through a medical provider for a few years. I am very interested in seeing the other side of this through the adjusters eyes. What is the best route to go if this is my preference to work in that specific area?
Yes, we have a guide book available for you. Which state are you in? With your experience, California may be the best state.
Hi, I am a California resident. There is no pre licensing course required, however they want 2000 hours of experience. How does one get that experience? Should I just take a practice course then the State Exam? or do I have to work with an Insurance adjuster for 2000 hours? And how do I find someone like that? I am very confused about the procedure in California.
You likely have it. What’s your background?
I have the same concerns. I too am a California resident with over 25 years experience in residential mortgage lending. According to the licensing requirements it states two years or 4000 compensated hours of experience is required.Yet, there are no prerequisites for obtaining the California state license. Please clarify is it possible for me to take the state exam without the 4000 hours?
It’s possible your past experience would count. You’ll be surprised as to what counts. However, We’d need more info regarding your background.
Yes the procedure is confusion. It’s not you. It’s the system. Insurance specifically has one of the most confusing processes. We recommend you take a course to prepare. For finding adjuster training sign up for our email list… Job Roster Landing Page
https://majoradjusters.com/yes/digital-marketing-checkout/
Hi I am a 26 year California licensed general contractor looking to change careers how would I qualify to meet the 2 years/4000 hour requirement?
You can work prior with our company. Schedule a pre-interview presentation here. https://calendly.com/publicinspectors
I have been looking to start a new career late in life and looking at getting certified and my license. I have no insurance background other than 15 years ago working at a large call center taking calls for claims. I have primarily have worked in Project management and Administrative type work. With so many scams out there I’m concerned with identifying a reasonable yet quality place to obtain training/licensing etc. Also, I live in Wisconsin which typically only sees occasional hail, tornadoes and wind storms. Do you have any advice on where to get training/licensing and if it would make sense to be licensed in multiple states?
There are scams, but this is a highly regulated industry. Here’s what worked for me changing careers. I started part-time. I took online classes and I attended lots of training. I got my experience starting as a property inspector. Our job roster might help you… Job Roster Landing Page
https://majoradjusters.com/yes/digital-marketing-checkout/
LHi I am reaching out from Connecticut. I had my Producers license but chose to let that go-as I did not make enough money to survive,paying for leads and agencies closing I said enough.
I have a background in auto body repair and served my country both on the sea and as a Sea bee.
Seriously thinking about becoming a claims adjuster in CT./NY any advice??
Thanks for your comment! Is a Sea bee the coast guard? Either way, go for your adjuster’s licenses in CT AND NY. You’ll need two courses. Here’s a video about the GEICO auto-adjusting program that might find interesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuVqBqknmeI&t=344s
I. I just recently got my Ga adjuster license. I
have about a year working as a Fnol claims representative but no experience as an adjuster but have been having a hard time getting an adjuster
Position.
whats your number one question?
I. I have my TX all lines adjuster license as well as State Farm & Allstate certifications. Ive been applying but haven’t been able to find a job. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
I’m in Mississippi and studying for the exam using Adjuster pro to get the necessary 20 hours to qualify to take it. I’m an Air Force vet, NCO with both training and supervisor experience. I worked for 4 years at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission building compliance reliability standards for the national electric grid. I have zero experience in this field but the independent nature and being able to help people potentially attracted me. Should I be looking for company apprentice programs in my state?
We don’t know of any apprentice programs for the claims adjuster position. You should get training. Update your resume with us and learn how to search for positions.
Who offer the best courses for Independent Claims adjusting along with learning the claims software systems
ive been a certified roofing contractor in the state of florida for 26 years and was looking into getting a claims adjuster license , im wondering what states would be the best to aquire and will my roofing experience help in getting a job
Start with Florida.
I am a newly licensed adjuster in TX. I have applied for Liberty, State Farm, and Progressive but have been turned down. I’m not sure if it’s my resume or if I should just apply to IA Firms. I need help and need a job soon!!!
try our job search challenge
Thanks for the reminder that I should look for certifications when planning to hire a commercial adjuster. I want to know how to hire one because I plan to start shopping for a business insurance plan soon. As such, it will be important to know how to file a claim just in case.
Hello, I am interested in becoming an independent claims adjuster. I am a California resident and have been a fire fighter for over 14 years. I was in Fire Investigations for a couple of years and am getting my Fire Inspector I task book signed off. Do you think this would qualify as the experience required for the California license? Thanks for your time.
Yes certainly Connect with us for a discussion, visit our Contact us page and we can discuss further
I like this weblog very much, Its a rattling nice billet to read and find info .
Thank you
Hello, I’m from MD, and recently received my All Lines Adjusters License out of TX. I am having a hard time finding jobs in my area, even training opportunities for companies like State Farm, Geico, Farmers, Progressive; that will allow me to gain experience and provide me with the other certificates and licenses needed to become an Independent Adjuster. What should my next step be?
Hello you can reach us out and we can discuss further on this
Also echoing from my previous comment, claim adjuster as a profession is very broad. It can be a bit overwhelming and you want to learn everything at once. I find that my background is more catered to the medical field, but through studying and learning these last couple of months I’ve taken an interest in Property claims. Is their anything I should be doing in the meantime to bolster up my knowledge? Maybe on Contracting? Should I also be focusing/trying to take courses on the side of the business that does not deal with insurance?
Thank you. Jessica you can reach us out and we can discuss further to help you out in shaping the career
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