There are multiple steps that you must take to become an independent insurance adjuster. Independent insurance adjusters are self-employed contractors who are not employed by insurance companies. Your job will be to help clients get insurance claims settled fairly, quickly, and efficiently after they have suffered loss or damage.
The insurance field has several specialties, and one of the first steps to becoming an independent insurance adjuster is to figure out what you want your specialty to be. Some independent insurance adjusters work with catastrophic events such as hurricanes, tornadoes and other weather-related disasters. Others work on events such as fires that destroy homes. Still other adjusters work with civil claims involving negligent behavior such as personal injuries, worker’s compensation and injuries caused by animals. The type of specialization area that you choose may depend on your expertise as well as the market and the need in the area in which you intend to work.
A college degree is not required for a person who wants to become an independent insurance adjuster; however, it can be helpful in growing business. Degrees such as business, law or communications can be useful in this field. A degree in business can help you understand what it takes to run a business successfully. A background in law can help you work with legal issues or worker’s compensation claims. You may improve your communication skills if you earn a degree in English or communications.
It may be helpful to work for an insurance company to understand that side of the business. You should do this before you become an independent insurance adjuster. This will enable you to understand what you and your clients will need to do when you work to help them get their claims processed.
Another step before you become an independent insurance adjuster is to take the required training courses. These may be offered through insurance companies and can be taken while you work for one. Courses such as these also might be offered at community colleges or universities. They might include information about insurance claims processes, related computer software and damage and loss appraisal.
After taking the required courses, you will then need to take the necessary steps to become licensed. These steps may include taking one or more examinations. Training and licensure requirements will vary by the area in which you live and plan to practice. You also will need to keep up with requirements to renew your license to practice, which may include taking continuing education courses. During and after your training to become an independent insurance adjuster, it will be necessary to keep up with market trends, changing insurance regulations and relevant computer software.