An insurance adjuster plays a role in the insurance industry by investigating claims to determine an insurer’s liability. They assess damages, review policies, and negotiate settlements after an incident.
Understand the Types of Insurance Adjusters
Before pursuing a license, it is helpful to understand the different roles an adjuster can hold. The most common path is that of a staff adjuster. These individuals are salaried employees who work exclusively for a single insurance company, handling claims filed by that company’s policyholders.
A different career path is that of an independent adjuster (IA). IAs are independent contractors who may work for multiple insurance companies or third-party administrators. Insurance carriers hire IAs, often through adjusting firms, to handle claims when their staff adjusters are overloaded, particularly after widespread events like hurricanes. This role offers more autonomy but also requires self-employment skills.
A third category is the public adjuster, who works directly for the policyholder rather than the insurance company. Policyholders hire public adjusters to manage the claims process on their behalf. Unlike staff and independent adjusters who represent the insurer’s interests, public adjusters serve as advocates for the public, often taking a percentage of the final settlement as payment.
Meet Georgia’s Basic Licensing Requirements
The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner sets the prerequisites for becoming a licensed adjuster. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and residents of Georgia. This involves providing a valid mailing and business address within the state; P.O. boxes are not permitted for the physical address. For individuals living in states that do not license adjusters, Georgia offers a Designated Home State (DHS) license, which requires them to follow the same process as a resident. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or have legal authorization to work in the country, which is verified by submitting a notarized Citizenship Affidavit Form (GID-276-EN).
Complete the Georgia Adjuster Licensing Process
The first step toward licensure is completing a 40-hour pre-licensing education course from a state-approved provider. This course provides a thorough understanding of insurance principles, policy provisions, and state-specific laws and regulations. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including property and casualty insurance basics, liability, and ethical practices. The pre-licensing education is valid for one year, meaning the state exam must be passed within that timeframe.
Upon completing the course, candidates must pass a final certification exam from the provider. Passing this exam with a score of 70% or higher generates a certificate of completion. The next step is to pass the Georgia Adjuster State Exam, administered by Pearson VUE. The exam, identified as “12-GA-24: Adjuster exam,” consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, has a two-hour time limit, and requires a passing score of 70%.
With a passing score report, the final step is to submit the license application. This is done online through a portal such as Sircon or the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). The application requires the pre-licensing course completion certificate, the passing state exam score, the notarized citizenship affidavit, and the payment of a license application fee, which is approximately $120. As part of the application process, candidates must also schedule and complete a fingerprint-based background check through the state’s designated vendor. The Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner reviews the complete application package, including the background check results, before issuing the license.
Maintain Your Georgia Adjuster License
To maintain an active adjuster license in Georgia, licensees must fulfill continuing education (CE) requirements. For adjusters licensed for less than 20 years, 24 hours of CE must be completed every two years. For those licensed for 20 years or more, the requirement is reduced to 20 hours every two years.
A specific mandate focuses on professional conduct. All adjusters, regardless of years licensed, must complete at least three hours of ethics training as part of their total CE requirement each renewal period. Up to 50% of any excess CE credits earned can be carried over to the next renewal period.
The license renewal process itself is biennial, tied to the licensee’s birth month. Adjusters must ensure all required CE, including the ethics component, is completed before their renewal deadline. The renewal application is submitted online, typically through Sircon, along with the renewal fee. Failure to complete CE or renew on time can result in the license becoming inactive.
Finding Work as a Licensed Adjuster
With a new Georgia adjuster license, the focus shifts to securing employment. A strong starting point is to build a professional network. Joining industry organizations provides opportunities to connect with experienced professionals, learn about the market, and discover job openings that may not be publicly advertised.
Developing a targeted resume is another practical step. This document should prominently feature the newly acquired Georgia adjuster license and any relevant skills gained during the pre-licensing education. Highlighting capabilities in investigation, estimation, and knowledge of insurance software can attract the attention of hiring managers. For those interested in staff positions, applying directly to insurance carriers is the primary route. Aspiring independent adjusters should seek opportunities with independent adjusting firms that contract with multiple insurers.