Become an Auto Insurance Adjuster

An auto insurance adjuster is an important link between an insurance company and a claimant who has suffered an accident. As an auto insurance adjuster, you would investigate and review evidence in order to decide how much the company should pay. Work as an adjuster uses analytic, communication, math, and interpersonal skills to help others during what can be a traumatic time. Entering this career path requires experience, licensing, and decisions about paths to employment..

Steps

Gaining Experience

1. Get a high school diploma GED. This level of education is the minimum requirement for many entry-level adjuster positions. If you choose to not continue to a post-secondary degree, some vocational schools and community colleges offer classes you can take to learn more about auto body repair. This advanced training can make you a more competitive candidate for entry-level positions as a high school graduate.
2. Earn a post-secondary degree. Most companies prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree, advanced vocational training, or insurance industry work experience where the candidate has learned how to estimate the cost of repairing various types of damage. Appropriate areas of study and experience include:
   • accounting courses
   • business courses
   • employment in an auto repair shop
3. Choose which type of auto insurance adjustment work you’d like to do. Staff adjusters are employed full-time at insurance companies, while independent adjusters are contractors who work for one or several insurance companies. The setting and terms of your future employment will determine your day-to-day experiences, schedule, and flexibility as an auto insurance adjuster.
4. Find a mentor. Ask an experienced auto insurance adjuster if you can work under them as a trainee to learn the trade. Under their mentorship, you will begin with small claims and progress to more complex claims as you gain experience and prepare to work on your own.

Getting a License

1. Determine licensing requirements for the state where you want to practice. Every state has its own requirements for licensing. Your state’s information will be on the state’s Department of Insurance website. This information will include details such as:
   • minimum age
   • qualifications
   • residency requirements
   • states with reciprocal licensing agreements
   • experience requirements
   • education requirements
2. Complete pre-licensing classes. Some states will not require pre-licensing classes. For those that do, classes may be offered online or in a classroom setting. You may have to pay a fee for the classes. The classes will cover such topics as:
   • insurance regulation
   • insurance basics
   • automobile insurance
   • adjusting losses
3. Take the licensing exam. Some states will not require an exam. For those that do, the state’s Department of Insurance website may have study material available as well as the information you need to prepare. You may have to pay a fee to sit the exam. The exam will cover knowledge on such topics as:
   • personal automobile insurance coverage
   • state laws relevant to working as an adjuster
   • adjusting losses
   • fair claims settlement practices
4. Complete the license application process. After passing the exam, you may still need to complete some steps to apply for the license itself, including submitting your pre-licensing class certificate and other forms to the state Department of Insurance, completing fingerprinting, undergoing a background check, and paying a license application fee. Your state’s Department of Insurance website will detail how to complete the application process and receive your license.

Obtaining Employment

1. Contact insurance companies. The websites and HR departments of these companies should be able to provide information about open staff and independent contractor adjustor positions.
2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the auto insurance adjuster industry. Include information about your relevant education, experience, training, and licensing.
3. Apply for staff adjuster positions. Once you find a position that interests you with a company you would like to work for, check their requirements to confirm you fulfill them, and then submit your resume and cover letter.
4. Brand yourself if you’ve chosen to be an independent contractor. You will need to showcase your background and skills as you present your services to multiple insurance companies. Plan to:
   • Create a website that presents you as a skilled, licensed, personable, and professional independent auto insurance adjuster
   • Design or commission a logo that makes you and your services recognizable and memorable
   • Produce marketing materials such as business cards and stationery
   • Put forth a brand message and promise, and then deliver on your promise. This will build your reputation and lead to more work

Tips

• Some states require that companies, rather than individual adjusters, hold the license. In such states, you simply need to be hired by a licensed company in order to be in accordance with the state law.
• Some states require continuing education credits for renewal of licenses to make sure adjusters remain up-to-date on industry standards and techniques, as well as state laws.
• Some states require a fee for renewing licenses.

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Sources and Citations

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