To be a successful adjuster, you have to stay on top of desirable certifications and licenses. Your adjuster license is the first step to becoming an adjuster and while they are not always required for deployments in non-licensing states, they are an essential tool of the trade. Now this doesn’t mean going out and paying for every license and certification imaginable, but rather using this information to develop a strategy. Hurricanes hit the coast. Hail most frequently affects CO and TX. Michigan’s license fee is only $5 whereas Hawaii’s is $200. The more licenses you have the more valuable you are to carriers, TPA, and adjusting firms. Not only will they help you with deployment but more importantly will keep you deployed longer than your peers.
Start with your home state license. 34 states require an adjuster license and it’s important to research how to apply for your license, the cost, and the timeline of the process. Certain states like FL, GA, and NY require adjusters to successfully pass an exam before obtaining a license. If you live in a state where a license is not required, you should still obtain a designated home state license. For all the details about licensing please check out our post, How to Become an Insurance Claims Adjuster: The Licensing Process.
Licensed Vs. Non-Licensed
States that do not currently license adjusters: Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
What is a Designated Home State License?
The Designated Home State (DHS) license is a type of insurance adjuster license that enables adjusters to work in their home state and handle claims in other states without needing individual licenses. This license is granted by the home state and is usually for a limited period or specific assignments.
The DHS license is beneficial for adjusters who primarily work in their home state but occasionally need to handle claims in other states. By eliminating the need for separate licenses in each state, the licensing process is streamlined, saving time, effort, and costs.
It’s crucial to note that DHS license regulations and requirements vary by state. Some states may have reciprocity agreements with other states, allowing DHS licensed adjusters to operate in those reciprocal states. However, additional requirements such as state-specific applications or meeting specific criteria may still apply to exercise the privileges of the DHS license in other states.
Insurance adjusters should consult their home state’s insurance department or licensing authority to understand the specific rules and limitations associated with the DHS license. It’s also essential to stay updated on the licensing requirements of other states where temporary work is conducted to ensure compliance with their regulations.
Related Links:
How to Become an Insurance Claims Adjuster: The Licensing Process
