how to become insurance adjuster

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how to become insurance adjuster

How to Become an Insurance Adjuster: Salary, License & Training

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Learn how to become a claims adjuster. A summary of the salary, education, and licensing requirements is provided for those considering a career in insurance.

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University of Pennsylvania
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University of Georgia
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Avg. Wages For Related Jobs
$30000$35000$40000$45000$50000$55000$60000
Insurance sales agents
Insurance underwriters
Insurance appraisers, auto damage
Insurance claims and policy processing clerks
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

How to Become a Claims Adjuster
Step 1: Earn a Degree
The first step to becoming a claims adjuster is to earn a degree. While it is possible to obtain employment as an independent claims adjuster with just a high school diploma, most companies prefer their claims adjusters to hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in insurance and risk management or something similarly relevant. Such programs educate prospective claims adjusters in finance, business, law and risk assessment. Often these programs can be completed entirely online.

Step 2: Get a License
As of 2018, about 34 states require independent claims adjusters to be licensed. This means candidates in these states must take a verified course in insurance adjusting, pass a subsequent exam, provide character references, and obtain a surety bond. The licensing process usually involves taking a pre-licensing course, which are made available in person or online by private companies or public education institutes. The courses tend to be quite short and can often be completed in a week.

The format of the licensing exam itself again varies by state. Some require a formal examination consisting of a number of multiple-choice questions (e.g. 100 questions in California) covering areas such as the Adjuster’s Act, adjusting losses and fair claim settlement practices, while others just require the complete of the relevant paperwork and payment of a fee. In some states, such as Florida, candidates who complete an approved pre-licensing course and associated course exam are exempt from having to take the state adjuster exam and can therefore apply for their license on immediate completion of the course. The license application procedure will require candidates to pass a background check and criminal records search.

Step 3: Maintain the License
States that require licenses may also require adjusters to complete a specific number of continuing education credits every year in order for a license to be renewed. This will help you get and keep a job as an independent insurance adjuster. These credits can be earned from online correspondence courses and training sessions organized by employers. Additionally, presenting industry related lectures and/or publishing articles can earn credits. Membership of a professional organization, such as the National Association of Independent of Insurance Adjusters, can provide a variety of continuing education opportunities. The number of credits vary by state. California and Minnesota, for example, require 24 hours of continuing education courses every two years.

Ways to Acquire Continuing Education Credits for Insurance Claims Adjustment
Online courses
Training sessions through your employer
Presenting industry related lectures
Publishing articles
Professional membership
Step 4: Gain Experience
Internships and entry-level positions with reputable insurance companies are an effective way of acquiring foundational experience and knowledge in the processes and law that allow claims adjusters to carry out their job well. Internships often provide early-career adjusters with the opportunity to shadow an experienced claims adjuster who can pass on their knowledge of claim quotes, negotiation, medical terms, etc.

Insurance Adjuster Requirements
Degree Level High school diploma or GED. However, many employers prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree
Degree Field Insurance, finance, business, or other relevant field
Licensure and/or Certification Adjuster’s license required in many states
Experience Normally 1-5 years
Key Skills Strong verbal and written communication, analytical, good interpersonal skills, mathematical aptitude, medical knowledge in some instances
Median Salary $65,900 (claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators)*
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Independent Claims Adjuster Career Details
Claims adjusters take care of insurance claims. These claims can be associated with personal injury, loss of property or damages. A claims adjuster is responsible for compiling reports about a variety of claims, and this can involve working with the police, medics, lawyers, witnesses and the policyholders themselves. Once all of the relevant information has been gathered and collated the claims adjuster will complete the report and make a decision on whether to pay the claimant and how much. Sometimes this can involve negotiation with policyholders or even having to testify in court to support a contested claim.

Getting a job as an insurance claims adjuster involves doing calculations and filing reports
insurance claims adjusters use calculations to file reports
Independent claims adjusters are not permanently employed by one insurance company. They typically work for a number of companies or work on a contractual basis for one company. Claims adjusters need to schedule their day in accordance to the availability of the people they need to interview, and this can often result in adjusters working long hours. Adjusters can specialize in a particular area, such as property insurance or medical insurance.

Independent Claims Adjuster Salary
As of May 2018, the median salary for claims adjusters, examiners and investigators was $65,900 according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of earners in the field earned in excess of $98,660. The BLS also projects that the number of job opportunities in this field from 2018 to 2028 will decrease 4%.

So, earn a degree, get your license and gain some experience. If these steps are carried out well, a successful career as an independent claims adjuster can be available.

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Popular Schools
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1University of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania logo
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School locations:
Pennsylvania (1 campus)
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Areas of study you may find at University of Pennsylvania include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
Business
Accounting and Bookkeeping
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Business Finance
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2Boston UniversityBoston University logo
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School locations:
Massachusetts (1 campus)
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Areas of study you may find at Boston University include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
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3University of GeorgiaUniversity of Georgia logo
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Georgia (1 campus)
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Areas of study you may find at University of Georgia include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Business
Accounting and Bookkeeping
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Fashion Merchandising
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4University of IowaUniversity of Iowa logo
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School locations:
Iowa (1 campus)
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Areas of study you may find at University of Iowa include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Business
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Business Economics
Business Finance
Business Management and Operations
Business Marketing
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
Human Resource Management
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5Mississippi State UniversityMississippi State University logo
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School locations:
Mississippi (1 campus)
Program Info

Areas of study you may find at Mississippi State University include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Business
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Business Economics
Business Finance
Business Management and Operations
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6Temple UniversityTemple University logo
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School locations:
Pennsylvania (1 campus)
Program Info

Areas of study you may find at Temple University include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: First Professional Certificate, Post Master’s Certificate
Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
Business
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Business Economics
Business Finance
Business Management and Operations
Business Marketing
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development
Hospitality Management
Human Resource Management
Information System Management
International Business
Specialized Sales
Insurance, General
Real Estate Sales, Appraisal, and Finance
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7Western Governors UniversityWestern Governors University logo
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School locations:
Online Learning
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Online Programs
Areas of study you may find at Western Governors University include:
Graduate: Master
Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate, Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Online Programs
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8University of ConnecticutUniversity of Connecticut logo
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School locations:
Connecticut (1 campus)
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Areas of study you may find at University of Connecticut include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
Business
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Business Economics
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Business Management and Operations
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Business Support and Administrative Services
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9Florida State UniversityFlorida State University logo
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School locations:
Florida (1 campus)
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Areas of study you may find at Florida State University include:
Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Post Degree Certificate: Post Master’s Certificate
Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
Business
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Business Economics
Business Finance
Business Management and Operations
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Hospitality Management
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International Business
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10University of MississippiUniversity of Mississippi logo
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School locations:
Mississippi (1 campus)
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Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
Undergraduate: Bachelor
Business
Accounting and Bookkeeping
Business Economics
Business Finance
Business Management and Operations
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Information System Management
International Business
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