Navigating The Path To Becoming An Insurance Adjuster In Texas

Texas is the capital of insurance adjusters. From auto collision claims to hail, flood, or wind claims, Texas has all the weather that creates work for insurance adjusters. If you're interested in becoming an insurance adjuster in Texas, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Meet the Basic Requirements:

To become a licensed insurance adjuster in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old and a United States citizen or legal alien with work authorization.

2. Choose the Right License:

Texas offers two types of licenses: All-Lines Adjuster and Property & Casualty (P&C) Adjuster. The All-Lines license covers a wider range of insurance types, including workers' compensation, and is generally recommended as it makes you eligible for more jobs.

3. Complete a Pre-Licensing Course and Pass the Exam:

Enroll in an approved 40-hour pre-licensing course, such as AdjusterPro's Texas Adjuster Pre-licensing Course. After completing the course, you'll need to pass a 150-question multiple-choice exam with a score of at least 70%.

4. Apply for Your Texas Adjuster License:

Submit your application through Sircon, a website that facilitates the application process. You will also need to complete a fingerprint background check through IdentoGO and include the receipt with your application. The application fee is typically $50.

5. Maintain Your License:

To keep your Texas adjuster license active, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years and renew your license before it expires. The renewal fee is usually $50.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to becoming a licensed insurance adjuster in Texas and starting your career in this exciting field.

Be 18+, a US citizen or legal alien with work authorization

To become an insurance adjuster in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old. In addition, you must be a US citizen or a legal alien with work authorization from the US Immigration and Naturalization Services.

If you meet these basic requirements, you can then decide which type of license you want to pursue. Texas offers two types of licenses for insurance claims adjusters: the All-Lines Adjuster license and the Property & Casualty (P&C) Adjuster license. The All-Lines Adjuster license is more comprehensive and allows you to handle more types of insurance claims, including workers' compensation, so it is generally recommended.

Once you have chosen your license type, you will need to take a pre-licensing course and pass the exam. Texas requires a 40-hour pre-licensing course, after which you will take a 150-question multiple-choice exam. You must correctly answer at least 70% of the questions to pass.

After passing the exam, you can submit your application for a Texas adjuster license. This application must be submitted through Sircon, and you will need to provide a fingerprint background check, which can be scheduled through IdentoGO. The application fee is typically $50, but there may be additional costs, such as a fingerprinting fee and the cost of the pre-licensing course.

Choose a license type: All-Lines or Property & Casualty

Texas offers two types of licenses for insurance claims adjusters: All-Lines Adjuster and Property & Casualty Adjuster (also known as P&C Adjuster). The type of license you choose will determine the types of insurance claims you can handle.

The All-Lines Adjuster license is more comprehensive and covers a wider range of insurance types, including:

• Property and casualty (P&C) for residential, commercial, automobile, farm & ranch, inland marine, and ocean marine
• Workers' compensation insurance

On the other hand, the Property & Casualty Adjuster license covers all of the above types of insurance except for workers' compensation.

When deciding which license to pursue, consider your career goals and the specific area of insurance adjusting you want to work in. If you want to handle a wider range of insurance claims and have more flexibility in your career, the All-Lines Adjuster license is a good option. This license also offers more reciprocal licenses with other states, making it easier to work in multiple states.

However, if you are certain that you only want to work with property and casualty insurance claims (excluding workers' compensation), then the Property & Casualty Adjuster license may be sufficient for your needs.

It's important to note that Texas has specific requirements for each type of license, including pre-licensing courses and examinations. Be sure to review the full details of the licensing process for each type before making your decision.

Take a pre-licensing course and pass the exam

Taking a Pre-Licensing Course and Passing the Exam

To become a licensed insurance adjuster in Texas, you must complete a pre-licensing course and pass the state exam. Texas offers two lines of authority for insurance claims adjusters: All-Lines Adjuster and Property & Casualty (P&C) Adjuster. The All-Lines Adjuster license is more comprehensive as it includes the P&C license and workers' compensation insurance.

You can take the pre-licensing course online or in-person. Online courses are self-paced and can be completed from the comfort of your home. The course covers various topics, including residential, commercial, auto, farm and ranch, inland marine, ocean marine, and workers' compensation.

The final exam is typically a 150-question, multiple-choice exam, and you must score at least 70% to pass. The exam can be taken online and must be monitored by a disinterested third party who signs an Affidavit verifying exam compliance.

After successfully completing the pre-licensing course and passing the exam, you are qualified to apply for your Texas adjuster license.

Recommended Pre-Licensing Course Providers

• AdjusterPro: Offers Texas Adjuster Pre-licensing Courses that are 100% online. The course includes practice tests and reference materials. The cost of the course with the state exam is $279.
• Kaplan Financial Education: Provides online, live online, and self-study options for the Texas All-Lines Adjuster and Texas Property & Casualty Adjuster pre-licensing courses. The Essential Package costs $279, while the Basic Package costs $199.
• The Adjuster School: Offers a 40-hour online self-paced course for $169. The course includes end-of-chapter quizzes and real-life claim situations to help prepare for the final exam.
• 360training: Provides a 32-hour online course and 8 hours of homework for the All-Lines Adjuster License. The course includes a downloadable study guide and 24/7 instant access.

Submit an application with the Texas Department of Insurance

Once you have completed the pre-licensing course and passed the state exam, you can apply for your Texas Adjuster License. The application process is straightforward and can be done online. Here are the steps to submit your application:

• Fingerprint Background Check: Most applicants are required to undergo a fingerprint background check. Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO and submit a copy of the receipt showing that your fingerprints were sent to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The digital fingerprint process costs around $41.50 to $54 through IdentoGO.
• Application Portal: Begin the application process on TDI's online fingerprint portal. You will receive instructions and a fingerprint service code.
• Application Submission: Submit your application through Sircon. The application fee is $50. Attach a copy of your fingerprint receipt from IdentoGO.
• Application Status: Check the status of your application on TDI's License Search page.
• Timing: It is important to note that you must complete your fingerprints and submit your application within one year of passing the exam. The application review process by the Texas Department of Insurance can take about two to five weeks.

Get fingerprints for a background check

To become an insurance adjuster in Texas, you'll need to get a fingerprint background check. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get your fingerprints done:

• Schedule an appointment with IdentoGO: Visit the IdentoGO website or call them at 1-888-467-2080. Use the service code 11G6QF when booking your appointment. You can also schedule your appointment through the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) online fingerprint portal. You will receive a service code and instructions via email after registering your application.
• Gather required documents: Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to your appointment.
• Attend the fingerprinting appointment: Ensure your fingers are clean and free of any substances that might interfere with the process. The technician will take your fingerprints electronically and submit them to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a background check.
• Receive a receipt: After your fingerprinting is complete, IdentoGO will provide you with a receipt. Keep this receipt as you will need to attach a copy to your license application. Do not discard it.
• Check the status of your background check: You can monitor the progress of your background check by visiting the IdentoGO website and clicking on "Check the Status of your Service."

By following these steps, you will complete the fingerprint background check requirement for becoming a licensed insurance adjuster in Texas. Remember to submit the IdentoGO receipt with your license application to the Texas Department of Insurance.

Frequently asked questions