An insurance adjuster investigates claims for an insurance company to determine its liability for a loss. They evaluate the facts of a situation, assess damages, and recommend a settlement amount. This guide provides a roadmap for becoming a licensed insurance adjuster in Ohio, outlining the requirements and procedures.
Ohio Insurance Adjuster Requirements
Prospective adjusters in Ohio must meet several eligibility criteria. The Ohio Department of Insurance requires applicants to be at least 18 years of age. A college degree is not a prerequisite, making the field accessible to a wide range of candidates.
Applicants must be residents of Ohio to apply for a resident adjuster license, though non-resident options may exist for those from states without adjuster licensing. The state also requires that applicants be trustworthy and competent. This is verified through a background check during the application process.
Steps to Get Your Ohio Adjuster License
Complete a Pre-Licensing Course
The first step toward licensure is completing a state-approved, 40-hour pre-licensing education course. This mandated course provides a comprehensive understanding of the insurance industry, covering insurance concepts, policy provisions, and Ohio-specific laws. The coursework is offered by approved providers and is structured to prepare applicants for the state licensing exam and to handle claims ethically.
Pass the Ohio State Exam
After completing the pre-licensing course, the next step is to pass the Ohio Casualty Insurance Adjuster exam. This exam is administered by a third-party provider, PSI Services, LLC. Candidates must schedule their exam in advance and can find details on procedures and locations in the PSI Ohio Insurance Candidate Bulletin.
The exam is a multiple-choice test that assesses knowledge from the pre-licensing course, and a passing score of 70% is required. To prepare, review your course materials, focusing on insurance terminology, policy language, and state regulations. Many course providers offer practice exams and study guides.
Submit Your License Application and Background Check
The final step is to submit an electronic license application through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). The NIPR portal streamlines the application process for Ohio. Applicants will need to pay a non-refundable application fee at the time of submission.
A mandatory criminal background check, including electronic fingerprinting, is also required. The results are sent to the Ohio Department of Insurance to ensure you meet the state’s standards for being trustworthy. Once the application, exam results, and background check are approved, the state will issue the adjuster license.
Types of Adjuster Licenses in Ohio
In Ohio, the primary license for an adjuster is the Casualty Adjuster License. This license grants the authority to handle a wide range of claims, including those related to property damage, automobile accidents, and general liability. An adjuster with this license can investigate, evaluate, and negotiate settlements for losses covered under casualty insurance policies. This is the most common path for individuals starting their careers in claims.
For those seeking broader authority, the state also offers a Multi-Line Adjuster License. This license encompasses the permissions of the Casualty Adjuster License and extends to other lines of insurance. It allows an adjuster to handle a more diverse portfolio of claims, which can be advantageous for those looking to work with a variety of policy types. The choice between a Casualty and a Multi-Line license depends on an individual’s career goals and the types of claims they wish to handle.
The Ohio Department of Insurance website provides detailed information on the specific lines of authority covered by each license type. Prospective adjusters should review this information to determine which license best aligns with their intended career path.
Maintaining Your Ohio Adjuster License
Once an adjuster license is obtained, it must be actively maintained to remain in good standing with the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI). The primary requirement for license renewal is the completion of continuing education (CE). Ohio adjusters are required to complete 24 hours of CE every two years. This requirement ensures that licensees stay current with industry trends, new laws, and best practices.
Within the 24-hour requirement, a specific portion must be dedicated to ethics. Adjusters must complete 3 hours of ethics coursework as part of their CE. The renewal period is biennial, and licenses must be renewed on or before the last day of the licensee’s birth month. The ODI sends out renewal notices to help remind adjusters of their upcoming deadlines.
Failure to complete the required CE hours or submit a renewal application on time can have serious consequences. The ODI may impose fines, suspend the license, or even revoke it in cases of non-compliance. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each adjuster to track their CE credits and manage their license renewal in a timely manner to avoid any lapse in their ability to work.
Finding Work as a Licensed Adjuster
After securing an Ohio adjuster license, there are two primary career paths to consider. One option is to become a staff adjuster, working as a salaried employee for a single insurance company. Staff adjusters handle claims exclusively for their employer and typically receive a benefits package and ongoing training. This path offers stability and a clear corporate structure.
The alternative is to work as an independent adjuster. Independent adjusters operate as contractors, often working for multiple insurance companies or third-party administrators (TPAs). This career path offers more flexibility and autonomy, as independent adjusters can often set their own schedules and may have higher earning potential during periods of high claim volume, such as after a natural disaster.
To begin a job search, newly licensed adjusters should focus on networking within the insurance industry. Attending industry events and connecting with other professionals can open doors to opportunities. It is also beneficial to utilize insurance-specific job boards and to tailor your resume to highlight your new license and the skills acquired during your pre-licensing education.