Navigating The Path To Becoming An Insurance Adjuster In Alabama

Are you interested in becoming an insurance adjuster in Alabama? If so, read on to find out how to get your license and kickstart your career in this exciting field.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements

To get started on your path to becoming an insurance adjuster in Alabama, you'll need to meet the state's basic requirements. These include:

- Being a U.S. citizen or legal alien with work authorization

- Being at least 18 years old

- Being a bona fide resident of Alabama

Step 2: Choose Your License Type

Alabama offers multiple lines of authority for insurance claims adjusters, so you'll need to decide which license you want to pursue. The options include:

- Property & Casualty (P&C) Adjuster

- Workers' Comp Adjuster

- Crop Adjuster

- All-Lines Adjuster (P&C, WC, and Crop combined)

The type of license you choose will determine the types of insurance claims you can handle. For example, with a P&C license, you can handle claims related to residential, commercial, automobile, and farm insurance, while a Workers' Comp license limits you to only handling claims related to workers' compensation insurance. Most people recommend getting the P&C, WC, and Crop adjuster license, as it covers more areas and makes you a more attractive hire.

Step 3: Complete Pre-Licensing Education and Pass the State Exam

Once you know what type of license you want, it's time to complete the required pre-licensing education. Alabama requires you to take a state-approved pre-licensing course before you can take the adjuster exam. The amount of pre-license education you need will depend on the type of license you're pursuing. For the All-Lines license, you'll need 40 hours of pre-license education, while the other licenses require 20 hours each.

After completing your pre-licensing education, you'll need to pass the Alabama adjuster license exam. This is a proctored test, meaning you'll be in a controlled environment with a supervisor. The exam will vary depending on the type of license you're seeking, with the number of questions ranging from 100 to 150, and the time limit ranging from 120 to 180 minutes. A passing grade is 70% or higher.

Step 4: Submit Your Application and Fingerprints

Once you've passed the exam, it's time to complete the Alabama Insurance Adjuster License application and submit your fingerprints for a background check. You'll also need to submit proof of U.S. citizenship. The fee for the online application is $100, and the fingerprinting service costs $48.25.

Step 5: License Renewal and Continuing Education

Congratulations! If your application is approved, you'll now have your very own Alabama adjuster license. Don't forget that you'll need to renew your license every two years and complete 24 hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of ethics training, during each two-year licensing period.

Now that you know the steps, are you ready to begin your journey toward becoming an insurance adjuster in Alabama?

Be 18+, a US citizen or legal alien, and Alabama resident

To become an insurance adjuster in Alabama, you must be 18 years old or older. This is a standard requirement for most states when it comes to licensing for various professions.

In addition, you must be a US citizen or a legal alien with work authorization from the Immigration and Naturalization Services. This is an important eligibility criterion, and your license will not be issued or renewed without proof of citizenship.

Finally, you must be a bona fide resident of Alabama. This is a key requirement as it indicates that you are eligible to obtain an Alabama adjuster license.

Choose a license type: P&C, Workers' Comp, or Crop

Alabama offers multiple lines of authority for insurance claims adjusters, so you need to choose which license you want before getting started. The three main types of licenses available are:

• Property & Casualty (P&C) Adjuster
• Workers' Comp Adjuster
• Crop Adjuster

The difference between these licenses lies in the types of insurance you have the authority to handle claims for. The P&C, WC, and Crop adjuster license (referred to as "All-Lines" in other states) is the most comprehensive option, as it includes property and casualty insurance for residential, commercial, automobile, farm & ranch, inland marine, ocean marine, and crop, as well as workers' compensation insurance.

The other two licenses (Property & Casualty Adjuster and Workers' Compensation Adjuster) limit you to handling claims only from that specific line of authority.

Therefore, unless you've been instructed otherwise by your employer, it is generally recommended to obtain the P&C, WC, and Crop adjuster license. This license provides more options and makes you a more attractive candidate for employers, both now and in the future.

Exam Details

The number of questions and the time limit for each exam differ according to the license type:

• The Alabama Property and Casualty Adjuster license exam consists of 125 questions, and you have two and a half hours to complete it.
• The Alabama Workers' Compensation Adjuster license exam consists of 100 questions, and you have one hour and forty minutes to complete it.
• The Alabama Crop Adjuster license exam consists of 100 questions, and you have one hour and forty minutes to complete it.
• The Alabama All Lines Adjuster license exam consists of 150 questions, and you have three hours to complete it.

Each attempt at the exam costs $75, and you must achieve a score of 70% or more to pass.

Take a pre-licensing course

To become an insurance adjuster in Alabama, you must complete a pre-licensing course. This is a state-required course that covers claims adjusting, basic insurance information, state laws and mandates, and professional ethics. The number of credit hours you need to complete will depend on the lines of authority (types of licenses) you wish to attain. For example, to attain the All Lines Insurance line, you must complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education, while for the Property & Casualty Insurance line, Workers' Compensation, and Crop Adjuster Insurance line, you must complete 20 hours of pre-licensing education for each.

You can choose to take these courses online or in person, depending on your preference and schedule. Online courses offer flexibility, while in-person courses may be better suited to those who prefer a more traditional learning environment. The goal of the pre-licensing course is not just to meet the requirements but also to adequately prepare you to pass the Alabama adjuster exam on your first attempt.

Several organizations offer pre-licensing courses, including AdjusterPro and the University of Alabama. AdjusterPro's Alabama Adjuster Exam Prep course is designed to help you pass the state adjuster exam, which is a required step for obtaining your license. Their course includes printable PDFs, glossaries, practice exams, and flashcards. The University of Alabama offers online instructor-led pre-licensing courses for Property and Casualty Insurance and Life and Health Insurance. These courses include a digital textbook and access to Exam4Caster®, a tool that helps you prepare for the state exam.

It is important to note that while Alabama previously required candidates to take a pre-licensing course before taking the state exam, this is no longer mandatory as of January 1, 2024. However, taking a pre-licensing course is highly recommended to increase your chances of passing the state exam and obtaining your Alabama adjuster license.

Pass the Alabama Adjuster Exam

The Alabama Adjuster Exam is a mandatory step towards obtaining your Alabama adjuster license. The exam is proctored, meaning you will be in a controlled environment with an invigilator. The exam costs $75 per attempt and must be booked at least 7 days in advance.

The exam will consist of 100-150 questions, and you will have 120-180 minutes to complete it, depending on the license type. The passing grade is 70% or more.

Alabama Property and Casualty Adjuster License Exam

This exam consists of 125 questions, and you will have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete it.

Alabama Workers' Compensation Adjuster License Exam

This exam consists of 100 questions, and you will have 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete it.

Alabama Crop Adjuster License Exam

This exam consists of 100 questions, and you will have 1 hour and 40 minutes to complete it.

Alabama All Lines Adjuster License Exam

This exam consists of 150 questions, and you will have 3 hours to complete it.

How to Prepare for the Exam

To prepare for the exam, you can enrol in an exam prep course such as AdjusterPro's Alabama Adjuster Exam Prep course. This course includes printable PDFs, glossaries, practice exams, and flashcards to help you prepare. It is recommended to work on your timing and nerves before sitting for the exam.

You can also refer to the Alabama Department of Insurance Examination Content Outline to get an idea of the topics covered in the exam.

Registering for the Exam

You can register for the Alabama Adjuster Exam online or by calling (205) 348-3000. The exam is administered at the University of Alabama locations in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery, and Gadsden.

After Passing the Exam

Once you have passed the exam, the next steps include processing your fingerprints through Fieldprint, submitting your application through NIPR, and providing proof of citizenship documentation.

Submit an application with fingerprints

To become an insurance adjuster in Alabama, you must submit an application with fingerprints. Here are the steps to complete this process:

Step 1: Complete the Required Pre-Licensing Course

Before submitting your application, ensure that you have completed the necessary pre-licensing course. The State of Alabama requires you to take a state-approved pre-licensing course before taking the adjuster exam. The pre-licensing course will cover topics such as claims adjusting, basic insurance information, state laws, and professional ethics. You must complete 40 hours of pre-license education for the All Lines Insurance line or 20 hours for the Property & Casualty Insurance line, Workers' Compensation, or Crop Adjuster Insurance line.

Step 2: Pass the Alabama Adjuster Exam

After completing the pre-licensing course, you will be ready to take the Alabama Adjuster Exam. This is a proctored test, which means it will be administered in a controlled environment. The exam will cover the topics you studied in the pre-licensing course. You must register at least 7 days in advance of the exam. The cost of each attempt is $75, and you must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher.

Step 3: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check

The State of Alabama requires all insurance license applicants to provide fingerprints prior to licensing. You can schedule an appointment for fingerprinting through Gemalto or Fieldprint after passing your exam. The fingerprinting process will initiate a background check, so any prior misdemeanors or felonies may impact your licensing efforts. The fee for fingerprinting services is typically around $48-$50.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once you have completed your exams and fingerprinting, you can submit your application for the Alabama Adjuster License. The application can be submitted online through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). The fee for an online application is $100, and you must submit proof of U.S. citizenship along with your application. The documentation must be received within 10 days of submission; otherwise, your application will be declined. Additionally, applicants must submit their applications within 30 days of completing their fingerprinting check, as the fingerprint results remain valid in the Alabama system for a limited time.

Step 5: Application Review

After submitting your application and completing all requirements, the Alabama Department of Insurance will review your license application. This process typically takes around 2-4 business days. Depending on the background check results, the Department may request additional information or documentation. You will receive an email from NIPR regarding the status of your license, and you can also check the status through the Alabama License Lookup portal.

Frequently asked questions