To get licensed and start your career as a public adjuster, you'll need to complete a public adjuster course. The course typically takes 30-40 hours to complete and covers topics such as insurance law, claims handling, and ethics.
The course is usually offered online or in a classroom setting, and you'll need to pass a final exam to graduate. You can expect to spend around 2-6 months studying for the course.
To become licensed, you'll need to pass a state licensing exam, which tests your knowledge of insurance law and claims handling. You'll also need to meet the state's licensing requirements, which may include having a certain amount of insurance experience or completing a background check.
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Texas License Requirements
To get your Texas Public Adjuster license, you'll need to pass the Texas public insurance adjuster exam. The exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions that cover general insurance texts and forms.
You can register for a time and location through PearsonVUE or by calling the Texas Department of Insurance at 1(888)754-7667. You must pay your $48 exam registration fee in advance.
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If you're renewing a license that's been expired for more than 90 days but less than a year, you don't need to take the exam. You also don't need to take the exam if you have a public insurance adjuster license in good standing in another state.
To get your Texas Public Adjuster license, you'll need to complete several steps. These steps include:
- Prelicensing education – Texas does not require insurance prelicensing classes before taking the exam, so this technically isn’t required. However, the public adjuster test is designed to be difficult, so prelicensing courses are highly recommended.
- Passing the licensing exam – You’ll need to schedule your adjuster exam online or over the phone, and do it at least one day in advance. To pass, you’ll need a 70 or higher, just like in school. If necessary, you can attempt the test multiple times.
- Provide fingerprints – You will need to submit your fingerprints. These will be used to complete a background check.
- Apply for your Texas Public Adjuster license – Texas uses SIRCON to process insurance license applications. You’ll need to apply through this portal to receive your license.
- Set aside time for continuing education – The insurance industry is constantly changing, and so Texas requires insurance adjusters to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years to remain current.
The Texas Public Adjuster test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and you’ll have 2 hours to complete it. The exam is fact-heavy, but it isn’t difficult if you know the facts.
Texas Continuing Education Requirements
To keep your Texas public insurance adjuster license in good standing, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
You'll need to dedicate 3 hours to ethics courses and 12 hours to "classroom" or "classroom equivalent" courses.
Approved courses can be found through Sircon, where you initially applied for your license.
If you don't complete the required continuing education hours, you'll face a $50 fee for each hour you don't complete, with a maximum fine of $500.
However, if you've been licensed as a public adjuster in Texas for 20 consecutive years, you're exempted from continuing education requirements.
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Preparing for the Exam
To pass the Texas public insurance adjuster exam, you'll need to register for a time and location through PearsonVUE or by calling the Texas Department of Insurance at 1(888)754-7667. You must pay your $48 exam registration fee in advance.
The exam itself contains 100 multiple choice questions that cover general insurance texts and forms. You'll want to prepare thoroughly for this exam to increase your chances of passing.
Test Crushers specializes in insurance prelicensing education, including adjuster courses, and their students pass the exam at a much higher rate than the state-wide average of 55%. Their classes are designed to maximize your chances at launching your insurance career.
You can expect the exam to include quite a bit of regulatory and compliance content, so it's essential to prepare for this section of the test. Test Crushers' classes will prepare you for this section of the test.
With Test Crushers, you'll have access to practice quizzes and tests, which are included with the course, to help you retain the knowledge you need to pass the exam.
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Why Policyholders Work with Adjusters
Policyholders work with adjusters for a variety of reasons. Many people feel overwhelmed in the wake of a claim and need someone they can rely on to handle the process.
Public adjusters represent individual policyholders, making them a natural first choice for the job. They can provide a sense of security and confidence in navigating the complex claims process.
The claims process requires a lot of time, and public adjusters can help policyholders save time by pushing through the process. This is especially helpful for those who are short on time or prefer to focus on other areas of their lives.
Some claims are too extensive for non-experts to handle alone. Hiring a public adjuster ensures that everything is accounted for, no matter how complex the claim is.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a public adjuster worth it?
A public adjuster can be a valuable asset when dealing with significant property damage, helping you maximize your insurance claim. They can provide expert guidance and advocacy to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses.
How much do public adjusters make per claim?
Public adjusters typically charge a fee ranging from 10% to 20% of the claim payout, depending on the state and type of claim. This fee structure incentivizes public adjusters to work towards maximizing your settlement.
Sources
- https://www.suretybonds.com/guide/texas/public-insurance-adjuster-license
- https://www.testcrushers.com/public-adjuster-license/
- https://learning.americastrainingcenteronline.com/catalog/
- https://web.theinstitutes.org/designations/senior-professional-public-adjuster
- https://www.kaplanfinancial.com/insurance/pennsylvania/adjuster
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