There are a few different routes for employment that an insurance claims adjuster can use: become a staff adjuster, independent adjuster, or a public adjuster. A staff adjuster works full-time for one insurance adjuster firm exclusively. An independent insurance adjuster handles claims for multiple firms. A public insurance adjuster, conversely, is paid directly by the policyholder. You will want to determine what your insurance adjusting career interest is.
Being a staff adjuster for an insurance group or firm
generally means you are salaried, and you’ll receive benefits like a pension,
life and health insurance, and continuing education training. An independent insurance adjuster works as a
contractor for multiple insurance firms or third-party administrators. These
people are sometimes referred to as “catastrophe claims adjusters” because they
are the ones on the ground after major weather events and emergencies. Public insurance adjusters work on behalf of
policyholders directly. They will help businesses or individuals file an
insurance claim if a proposed settlement from an insurer is seen as unfit. While being a staff adjuster is a steady
40-hour-per-week job, the independent and public routes offer more flexibility.
If it’s the busy season, you could work well over 40 hours per week, but you
could work considerably fewer hours during less busy times. It is well documented that Independent
Insurance adjusters make in excess of $100,000 a year with the right education,
contacts and tools.
Depending on what state you live in, you may need to take a
course and pass a licensing exam to become an insurance claims adjuster. Some
states have minimal requirements, while others require completing an insurance
licensing course and passing a licensing exam. If you live in a state that
requires adjusters to be licensed, you should get your home state license
before thinking about other licenses. If you live in a state that does not
require an adjuster license, you can legally adjust claims without taking a
licensing exam. However, many adjusters want to get out-of-state licenses that
will enable them to work throughout the country. To do this, you can get a DHS
(Designated Home State) license. What this means is an individual residing in a
state that does not require an adjuster license or does not offer their own
adjuster licensing exam may choose to designate another state as their resident
or “home” state under the Designated Home State (DHS) process. Nonresident
licensure is then based on that qualification.
States that require licenses likely also require continuing
education credits for adjuster license renewal. Continuing education (CE)
credits can be earned from live or online courses. Occasionally, CE can also be
earned from employee-provided training sessions, or by publishing articles or
giving lectures related to the insurance claims industry. Check with your state
to find out what CE is required and how you can fulfill the requirements in
your state.
If you like investigative work, crunching numbers, and
negotiating settlements, you could have a bright future as an insurance claims
adjuster. Regardless of whether you are interested in a steady 9 to 5 job, or
would prefer to choose when and how much you work, there’s an insurance claims
career path that is right for you.
Adjusting Online has a wealth of knowledge and can give you
some great tips and advice as you embark on a very rewarding career as an
Insurance Adjuster.
The great thing about insurance adjusting is that it is a
recession-proof industry. While many
industries are being affected negatively with government mandated shutdowns or
even an economic recession; independent insurance adjusters are an essential
group who will always have jobs in today’s society. Individuals rely on it, businesses rely on
it, and banks and lending institutions absolutely require it.
Adjusting Online can provide you everything you need to
start your career in the Insurance Adjusting Industry with a solid foundation
from veteran instructors. Whether you
need educational information from novice-level to more advance training as a
highly-trained professional all bases will be covered allowing you to come out with
the knowledge to tackle the industry head-on.
The best part about this education is that you can complete the needed
courses from home or even your local coffee shop just by visiting https://www.adjustingonline.com/ or
emailing info@adjustingonline.com.
