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To become a licensed insurance adjuster in Georgia, you'll need to follow a step-by-step process. First, you must meet the basic requirements, which include being at least 18 years old and having a high school diploma or equivalent.
Next, you'll need to complete a 24-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Georgia Insurance Department. This course covers the fundamentals of insurance adjusting and the laws and regulations of Georgia.
After completing the pre-licensing course, you'll need to pass the state licensing exam. The exam is administered by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and covers topics such as insurance law, policy interpretation, and claims handling.
Once you've passed the exam, you'll be eligible to apply for your insurance adjuster license.
Becoming an Insurance Professional
Getting your Georgia adjuster license can be a simple and easy process. To become an insurance professional, you'll need to complete the required steps, which are outlined in the sections below.
In Georgia, becoming an insurance adjuster can be a straightforward process. It's essential to follow these steps to ensure you meet the necessary requirements.
The process of getting your Georgia adjuster license can ultimately depend on how you go about completing the required steps. You can make the process smoother by breaking down each step in detail.
In the sections below, we've broken down each of these steps for you in greater detail.
Insurance License Process
The insurance license process in Georgia is a straightforward one. Getting your Georgia adjuster license can be a simple and easy process.
To start, you'll need to complete the required steps, which we've broken down into detail below. The process ultimately depends on how you go about completing these steps.
You can become an insurance adjuster in Georgia by following a simple and easy process.
Prelicensing Course and Approval
To get your insurance license, you'll need to complete a prelicensing course. This course will fill your required pre-license education hours and prepare you to pass the exam. The type of pre-education required is dependent on the type of license you're applying for.
For an independent/Property and Casualty Adjuster (P&C) license, you'll need to take a 40-Hour Property and Casualty Education course. This is a standard requirement for this type of license. You can take this course through an approved provider, such as AdjusterPro.
The prices of these courses range depending on the provider and level of coursework, but generally start around $199. Some courses offer not only test prep and pre-license credits, but instruction on the day-to-day operations and duties of an adjuster.
Here are the specific requirements for different types of licenses:
You must complete the required hours for your specific license type before applying or sitting for the exam.
OCI
In Georgia, you'll need to submit an application for an adjuster license through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) or Sircon, which will cost you $100 for the license plus a $20 processing fee.
You'll receive your application via email, which you'll need to bring with you when submitting your fingerprints.
The application process is straightforward, and you can complete it through NIPR or Sircon.
Make sure to have your email confirmation handy when you submit your fingerprints.
Pass the Exam
To pass the exam, you'll need to complete a 2-hour, 100-question test. The exam is proctored, so you'll be in a controlled environment with a person watching over you.
Each attempt of the exam costs $67, and you'll need to pay for it when you make your reservation. You can register to take the exam on the Pearson VUE Georgia Insurance page or by calling Pearson VUE at (800) 274-0488.
You'll need to answer at least 70% of the questions correctly to pass the exam. The exam is designed to test your knowledge of the insurance industry, and the passing score is set by the Georgia Insurance Department.
Here are the exam details for the Independent Adjuster exam:
You can take your exam in person or online, but you'll need to register at least 24 hours in advance. If you're taking your exam in person, be sure to bring two forms of ID, including a government-issued photo ID and a secondary form of identification with your signature.
Licensure and Renewal
To keep your Georgia insurance adjuster license active, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) coursework and pay the renewal fee of $100 every two years.
The renewal process can be done online through Sircon's website, and you will receive an email from the Georgia Insurance Department once your license renewal has been approved or if you need to submit other documents.
If you miss the deadline, you can still renew your license within 30 days after your expiration date, but you'll need to pay a $15 late penalty fee, in addition to the $100 renewal fee, for a total of $140 in fees.
Certificate of Licensure
A Certificate of Licensure is a document that confirms a licensee's status in the state of Georgia. It's issued by the Commissioner upon request and is available to any licensee currently licensed in accordance with the Georgia Insurance Code.
To request a Certificate of Licensure, you'll need to file the required form accompanied by the required fee with the Commissioner. The form and content of the Certificate of Licensure shall not be altered in any way once it's issued.
The Certificate of Licensure will state your name, license number, kind(s) of insurance covered, and other conditions of licensing. This document is an important part of your licensing process, and it's essential to understand its significance and requirements.
Here are the details you need to know about the Certificate of Licensure:
Remember, the Certificate of Licensure is an essential document that confirms your licensure status. Make sure to understand the requirements and details involved in obtaining and maintaining this document.
Renewal
Your license renewal is due on the last day of your birth month, and you'll need to pay a $100 renewal fee. You'll also need to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) coursework.
You can file your renewal application online through Sircon's website, and the Georgia Insurance Department will email you once your license renewal has been approved or if you need to submit other documents.
If you miss the deadline, you can still renew your license within 30 days after your expiration date, but you'll need to pay a $15 late penalty fee, making the total fee $140. After that, the license will expire and you'll have a 365-day reinstatement period from the last day of your birth month with a $165 fee.
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Here's a breakdown of the fees and deadlines:
Note that you can file a late renewal with a late fee within 15 days of the last day of your birth month, but failure to file the required license renewal form will result in the expiration of the license.
How to Renew Public Library Card
To renew your public library card, you can do so online, but I'm not aware of any specific timeframe for doing so.
You'll need to pay a renewal fee, although I don't have information on the exact cost.
You can contact the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire for inquiries about public adjuster licensing, but I'm not sure if they handle public library card renewals.
Contacting Pearson VUE by calling 1(800) 274-8969 or emailing [email protected] might be a good idea if you're unsure about the process.
Insurance Adjuster Requirements
To become an insurance adjuster in Georgia, you'll need to meet the requirements set by the state.
Getting your Georgia adjuster license can be a simple and easy process.
In Georgia, becoming an insurance adjuster requires completing the required steps, and the process is ultimately dependent on how you go about completing them.
What Kind of Adjuster?
So, you're wondering what kind of adjuster you can become? Well, there are four main types: staff adjusters, independent adjusters, catastrophe adjusters, and public adjusters. Each type accomplishes the same task: assessing damage and evaluating insurance claims.
Staff adjusters work directly for an insurance company, investigating and settling claims. Independent adjusters, on the other hand, work for a third-party company that's been contracted by insurance carriers. Catastrophe adjusters travel to areas affected by severe weather events to handle claims en masse.
Here are the different types of insurance adjusters in more detail:
- Staff Adjuster: Works directly for one insurance company
- Independent Adjuster: Works for a third-party company contracted by insurance carriers
- Catastrophe (CAT) Adjuster: Travels to areas affected by severe weather events to handle claims
- Public Adjuster: Independent insurance adjusters chosen by customers to settle claims
After getting your license, you can choose to become an independent adjuster or a staff adjuster. If you're interested in becoming a staff adjuster, check out current job openings. If you prefer the independent adjuster role, check out the IA Directory.
Certifications
To be a competitive insurance adjuster candidate, you'll need to prove your expertise in handling insurance claims. Certifications are a great way to show that you know your stuff.
Adjuster certifications are a must-have, especially Xactimate and Insurance Company certs. These certifications demonstrate your knowledge and give you an edge over other candidates.
Xactimate is the industry standard software used by adjusters and insurance companies. Focusing on levels one and two of Xactimate certification is a good starting point for your career.
You should consider obtaining level one and two Xactimate certifications now, and look into level three after gaining some experience in the field.
Authority for Alternate Means
In certain cases, the Commissioner may enter into agreements with persons to provide licensing testing services to the Department.
Applicants who take the test under these agreements will have to pay the required fees plus the cost of the service directly to the provider.
The Commissioner can establish partnerships with individuals or organizations to offer alternative testing options.
These partnerships can help increase access to testing services for applicants.
The cost of the testing service will be paid separately by the applicant, in addition to the required fees.
State Requirements
To become a licensed insurance adjuster in Georgia, you'll need to meet the state's requirements. First, you'll need to complete the required continuing education hours for the lines of insurance you're licensed in. This means completing 24 hours of continuing education every two years, with 3 hours of Ethics as part of the total requirement.
You can access your CE status and transcript through the provided link. Keep in mind that credit won't be given for the same Continuing Education Course taken multiple times within the same CE reporting period. Also, credit for continuing education earned in one filing period in excess of the hours required may be carried forward to the next filing period, but no more than 50% of the biennial continuing education requirements.
Your license expiration date is determined by your birth year, with even-numbered years renewing in even-numbered years and odd-numbered years renewing in odd-numbered years. This means your first renewal period may not be a full two years.
Exemptions
Exemptions can be a bit tricky, but I've got the scoop on what's allowed and what's not. A license as an agent, subagent, or counselor is not required for a person to serve as the master policyholder of group insurance in administering the details of such plan.
Some activities don't require a license, like creating or implementing a recordkeeping system to track contribution and benefit payments, or collecting employee information to enroll employees in the group plan. However, if you're performing activities that fall within the definition of "sell", "solicit", or "negotiate", you'll need a license.
You might be eligible for a reduction or exemption from continuing education requirements if you have a professional designation in insurance. To qualify, the organization sponsoring the designation must request the exemption in writing, and you'll need to provide proof of exemption to the Commissioner.
Here are some professional designations that qualify for a reduction in continuing education hours:
Non-resident licensees may also be exempt from continuing education requirements if their home state reciprocates with Georgia licensees. And, if you're holding a nonactive license, you might be exempt from continuing education requirements, but only if you file for renewal on or before the required date.
Review the State
To review the state requirements, you'll need to check your CE status and transcript. You can access this information HERE.
Resident adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years, with 3 hours of Ethics required as part of the total.
Credit for excess continuing education hours earned in one filing period can be carried forward to the next filing period, but not exceeding 50% of the biennial requirement.
You won't receive credit for taking the same Continuing Education Course multiple times within the same CE reporting period.
Your license renewal date is determined by your birth month and year, with even-numbered birth years renewing in even-numbered years and odd-numbered birth years renewing in odd-numbered years.
Your license expiration date isn't affected by the date you originally obtained your license, so your first renewal period might not be a full two years.
120-2-3-.30
If you're an insurance agent looking to take a break from active licensure, you'll want to know about Rule 120-2-3-.30, which outlines the requirements for a nonactive license.
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To qualify for a nonactive license, you must have held a license continuously for 10 years or more and not perform any functions specified in O.C.G.A. § 33-23-1(a)(3) except for receiving renewal or deferred commissions.
A nonactive license is issued to agents who meet these eligibility requirements, and it's a great option if you're looking to take a break from active licensure.
To obtain a nonactive license, you'll need to file a written request with the Commissioner, accompanied by all required license amendment fees, which includes your name, license number, and a statement acknowledging that you meet the eligibility requirements.
You'll also need to return your current license at the time of the request, and a new license indicating the nonactive designation will be issued.
Here's a summary of the nonactive license requirements:
As a nonactive licensee, you'll still need to file for renewal and pay all renewal fees annually to keep your license active.
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Failure to do so may result in the revocation of your nonactive license or other administrative action, and you'll be notified in writing if your filing is deficient.
You'll have 30 days to correct any issues, and if you don't, your license will be noncontinued.
If you fail to file for late renewal reinstatement prior to one year from the expiration date, you'll need to reapply for the license, including satisfying all prelicensing requirements.
However, exceptions may be made in the event of extreme hardship at the discretion of the Commissioner.
120-2-3-.31
Let's take a closer look at 120-2-3-.31, a state requirement that's worth understanding.
This section requires that all childcare facilities be licensed by the state, which involves meeting certain standards and undergoing regular inspections.
The licensing process typically starts with an application, which must include detailed information about the facility's policies, procedures, and staff qualifications.
Facilities must also provide a safe and healthy environment for children, which includes maintaining proper sanitation, ventilation, and temperature controls.
Regular inspections are conducted to ensure compliance with state regulations and to identify areas for improvement.
These inspections are usually unannounced and may involve a review of the facility's policies, a tour of the premises, and interviews with staff and children.
120-2-3-.40
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To obtain a resident temporary insurance license in Georgia, you'll need to follow the rules outlined in 120-2-3-.40. First, you must make a proper application to the Commissioner and pay all required fees.
The application process involves sponsorship by an insurer licensed to do business in the state, unless you're applying for a temporary hardship license. This sponsor must agree to appoint you as a representative of the company and recommend you for a license after conducting a thorough investigation, including a criminal background check.
Effective January 1, 2010, all new applicants, excluding active licensees and those applying for reinstatement within 6 months of expiration, are required to submit electronic fingerprints for a criminal background check. You'll need to bear the cost of electronic fingerprinting.
You'll also need to provide the name and license number of your supervising resident agent for the temporary license.
A temporary license is valid for 6 months from the original issue date and can be renewed for 3-month periods, but not beyond 15 months from the original issue date. You can only hold one 15-month temporary license in the same lines of authority.
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If you choose to change sponsoring insurers, you'll need to complete the application process with the new insurer. Renewal of a temporary license requires filing the required application and fees with the Commissioner.
Upon completing a prelicensing course and passing the prelicensing examination, you'll be eligible for a non-temporary agent license.
Complaints
Complaints are an unfortunate but necessary part of being a licensee in Georgia. All licensees under Chapter 23 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated are required to maintain a record of any complaint made against them by any person.
A complaint is defined as a written complaint that alleges any violation of state or federal law, or of any regulation, directive or bulletin of the Department. This means that if someone makes a written complaint about you, you'll need to take note of it.
The record of the complaint should identify the complaint and the file, if any, the nature of the complaint and the steps taken to resolve the complaint. This should be detailed enough to reconstruct the matter if needed.
Here are the key details you'll need to include in your complaint record:
Remember, maintaining accurate records of complaints is crucial for compliance with state requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the Georgia adjuster exam?
The Georgia adjuster exam is moderately challenging, requiring a good understanding of insurance principles and laws. Passing the exam requires preparation and dedication, but many students successfully complete it with the right training and resources.
How much do adjusters make in Georgia?
In the Atlanta, GA area, Claims Adjusters earn an estimated $73,030 per year, with an average salary of $63,075 annually. Discover more about the role and compensation for Claims Adjusters in Georgia.
How much does a Georgia insurance license cost?
To obtain a Georgia insurance license, you'll need to pay a licensing fee of $115. This fee covers the initial application process, which also requires additional documentation.
How long does it take to become a claims adjuster in Georgia?
To become a claims adjuster in Georgia, you must complete a 40-hour pre-licensing course. This typically takes several weeks to a few months to complete, depending on your schedule.
Sources
- https://staterequirement.com/insurance-adjuster-licensing/georgia-adjuster-license/
- https://adjustthis.com/adjuster-license/georgia-adjuster-license/
- https://www.suretybonds.com/guide/georgia/public-adjuster-license
- https://ae21.com/blog/2022/05/26/how-do-i-maintain-my-georgia-insurance-adjuster-license/
- https://rules.sos.ga.gov/gac/120-2-3
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