Unraveling The Path To Becoming A Public Insurance Adjuster In Wisconsin

If you want to become a public insurance adjuster in Wisconsin, you will need to obtain a license. However, since Wisconsin does not offer a specific license for insurance adjusters, you will need to obtain a Designated Home State (DHS) license from another state, such as Florida or Texas. This involves declaring the licensing state as your home state and completing their licensing process, including any required testing and compliance regulations. Obtaining a DHS license will allow you to work as a licensed insurance adjuster in Wisconsin and provide you with the opportunity to seek reciprocal license privileges to work in other states.

Wisconsin doesn't license insurance adjusters, so choose a designated home state

If you're a resident of Wisconsin and want to become a licensed insurance adjuster, you'll need to obtain a license in another state, known as a designated home state (DHS) license. This is because Wisconsin is one of 16 states that do not license insurance adjusters. While you can work as an unlicensed adjuster in Wisconsin, being unlicensed presents some major challenges if you're serious about a career in this field. Many employers will only deploy licensed adjusters, and most adjusters will want out-of-state licenses that enable them to work across the country.

A DHS license allows you to declare a licensing state as your home state. You will go through that state's licensing process, testing, and compliance regulations, and their license will act as your resident or home state license. Once you hold a DHS license, you can use it to get reciprocal license privileges, making you more employable and able to adjust claims in other states.

There are several states that offer DHS licenses, including Florida, Texas, and Indiana. However, Florida and Texas are the most popular choices. This is because they offer an easy online process, friendly service, and a relatively short insurance adjuster exam. Obtaining a DHS license in either state will allow you to act as though that state is your home state in licensing terms.

• Complete the Texas All-Lines Pre-Licensing Class.
• Obtain your fingerprints for the application.
• Submit the application, choosing Texas as your "designated home state", along with the class completion certificate and other required documents.
• Complete a 40-hour pre-licensing course.
• Pass the included exam.
• Apply for your Florida DHS license.

Remember, getting your home state or designated home state license is just the first step in becoming a licensed insurance adjuster. After that, you can (and should) apply for reciprocal licenses so you can work in more states and be more attractive to potential employers.

A Designated Home State (DHS) license lets you use another state's license

Wisconsin does not license insurance adjusters, so if you're a resident of the state and want to become a licensed adjuster, you'll need to obtain a Designated Home State (DHS) license. This is a type of license that allows you to “designate” another state as your “home state". In other words, you can apply for and obtain a license from another state as if you were a resident of that state.

There are several states that offer DHS licenses, but Florida and Texas are the most popular choices. Obtaining a DHS license from either of these states will allow you to enjoy the benefits of reciprocity when trying to obtain an adjuster's license in other licensing states. This means you'll be able to adjust claims in other states, which is vital for a successful career as a claims adjuster.

Here's a step-by-step guide to obtaining a DHS license from Texas or Florida:

Texas DHS License:

• Complete the Texas All-Lines Pre-Licensing Course.
• Obtain your fingerprints for the application.
• Submit the application, choosing Texas as your DHS, along with the class completion certificate and other required documents.

Florida DHS License:

• Complete a 40-hour pre-licensing course, such as the Florida Certified Adjuster Designation offered by AdjusterPro, or the Certified All-Lines Adjuster (CALA) designation offered by Kaplan Financial Education.
• Pass the included exam.
• Apply for your Florida DHS Adjuster License.

By obtaining a DHS license, you'll be able to work as a licensed insurance adjuster in your home state of Wisconsin, as well as in other states that recognize your chosen DHS license. This will open up more employment opportunities and allow you to maximize your income potential as an adjuster.

You'll need to pass an exam and submit fingerprints for a DHS license

To become a public insurance adjuster in Wisconsin, you must obtain a license from another state, known as a Designated Home State (DHS) license. This is because Wisconsin does not license insurance adjusters, and while it is not a requirement to operate within the state, it is beneficial for employment opportunities.

The DHS license allows you to declare a licensing state as your home state. You will need to complete that state's licensing process, testing, and compliance regulations. This will then act as your resident license.

Florida and Texas are the most popular states to obtain a DHS license from. Both offer the ability to complete the process online, and Texas also offers an in-person option.

Florida DHS License

The Florida DHS license is highly regarded in the industry and allows you to adjust insurance claims in Florida and all states that recognize the Florida 70-20 adjuster license.

Texas DHS License

The Texas DHS license is also highly respected and can enhance your marketability as an adjuster.

Examination

As part of the licensing process, you will need to pass an exam. For the Florida DHS license, you can obtain a Certified All-Lines Adjuster (CALA) designation from Kaplan, which will allow you to obtain a license without taking the state licensing exam.

For the Texas DHS license, Kaplan's online Property/Casualty (P/C) Adjuster licensing course contains the actual state licensing exam, which you can take online.

Fingerprinting

You will also need to submit your fingerprints for a background check as part of the DHS licensing process. For the Florida DHS license, this can be done as part of the licensing process, and it will not need to be repeated when applying for reciprocal licenses in other states.

A Florida DHS license is recommended due to its quick application and short exam

If you're looking to become a public insurance adjuster in Wisconsin, you'll need to obtain a license from another state as your "designated home state" (DHS) since Wisconsin does not offer a specific license for insurance adjusters. This is where a Florida DHS license comes into play. Here's why it's recommended:

Quick Application Process

The Florida DHS adjuster license stands out for its swift application procedure. Compared to other states, Florida offers the quickest turnaround time after you submit your documentation. This means you can get your license faster and start working as a public insurance adjuster without unnecessary delays.

Short Exam Structure

The Florida insurance adjuster exam is relatively concise. It consists of 100 questions, and you'll have a time limit of two hours to complete it. This format allows you to demonstrate your knowledge without facing an overly lengthy or cumbersome exam.

High Reciprocity

Florida has excellent reciprocity agreements with other states. This means that obtaining a Florida DHS license will enable you to work in multiple states and increase your job prospects. This is especially beneficial if you want to work on catastrophe (CAT) claims, as it allows you to travel across state lines and work on claims in various locations.

Online Convenience

The Florida DHS license offers the convenience of online processing. You can complete the required pre-licensing course and state exam from the comfort of your own home. This is a significant advantage, especially if you live far from testing centers or have a busy schedule.

Enhanced Employability

Employers in the insurance industry often seek licensed adjusters, and a Florida DHS license enhances your employability. It demonstrates your commitment to the profession and ensures you meet the basic requirements for handling insurance claims.

Additional Benefits

The Florida DHS license is valid for four years, giving you extended peace of mind. Additionally, Florida requires fingerprinting, which is beneficial when applying for reciprocal licenses in states that mandate this requirement.

A Texas DHS license is also a good option, with high reciprocity

If you're a resident of Wisconsin, a state without insurance adjuster licensing requirements, you can obtain a Designated Home State (DHS) license from another state. This is because a DHS license allows you to declare a licensing state as your home state, and you will go through that state's licensing process, testing, and compliance regulations.

A Texas DHS license is a good option for a few reasons. Firstly, Texas is one of the most popular states for a DHS license, along with Florida and Indiana. Secondly, Texas offers high reciprocity, meaning you can obtain a reciprocal license from another state without having to pass that specific state's exam. Texas grants reciprocal licenses to adjusters who are licensed in their home state or who hold a DHS license, as long as that state grants reciprocal licenses to Texas adjusters.

To obtain a Texas DHS license, you must complete the following steps:

Meet the basic Texas Adjuster Licensing Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years or older
• Be a United States citizen or legal alien with work authorization from the US Immigration and Naturalization Services

• Complete the required Texas Pre-licensing Course with a state exam.
• Process and submit Fingerprints according to the instructions on the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) Fingerprint Requirements page.
• Submit the application through Sircon.
• Check if your license has been issued at the TDI License Search page.

The Texas DHS license is a good option if you're looking for high reciprocity and the ability to work in multiple states. By obtaining this license, you can enhance your marketability as an adjuster and increase your career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions