Pursuing A Career As An Insurance Adjuster In Delaware: A Comprehensive Guide

Becoming an insurance adjuster in Delaware requires several steps, including meeting basic requirements, passing the state exam, submitting an application, and completing a background check. The process also involves registering for the exam, preparing for it, and paying various fees.

Meet basic requirements

To become an insurance adjuster in Delaware, you must meet the following basic requirements:

Age

You must be at least 18 years old to obtain an insurance claims adjuster license in Delaware.

Address

To get your resident adjuster license, you must provide a valid residence or business address in the state of Delaware. Non-residents must submit a separate application and visit the National Insurance Producer Registry for more information on non-resident licensing in Delaware.

Education

Although not a legal prerequisite, it is highly recommended that you complete some form of pre-exam education to increase your chances of passing the licensing exam on your first attempt. You can purchase a study guide or take a state-approved online course to prepare for the exam. These courses are composed of video, audio, and text, and include short knowledge quizzes and practice exams.

Exam

Once you have completed your pre-exam education, you will be ready to take (and hopefully pass) the Delaware insurance adjuster license exam. This is a proctored test, which means that you will be in a controlled environment with a person watching over you. The exam is very challenging, and you should expect to put in hours of study beforehand.

Prepare for exams

Preparing for your insurance adjuster exams is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a licensed insurance claims adjuster in Delaware. Here are some tips and resources to help you get ready for exam day:

• Understand the Exams: In Delaware, there are separate licenses and exams for each line of authority: Property Adjuster, Casualty Adjuster, and Motor Vehicle Adjuster. Each exam consists of 50 questions and has a time limit ranging from 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes. The Property Adjuster exam is 1 hour and 15 minutes long, the Casualty Adjuster exam is 1 hour and 30 minutes long, and the Motor Vehicle Adjuster exam is 1 hour long.
• Complete Pre-Exam Education: While pre-licensing courses are not required by the state, it is highly recommended that you take advantage of exam prep courses or study guides. These resources will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the material covered on the exams. Providers such as AdjusterPro, ABTrainingCenter, and Kaplan offer online courses, practice tests, and study materials specifically designed for the Delaware insurance adjuster exams.
• Study Strategies: Dedicate sufficient time to studying for your exams. It is recommended to focus on one exam at a time to avoid confusion between different lines of authority. Work on your timing and nerves, as the exams are proctored tests with time limits.
• Practice Exams and Quizzes: Utilize the practice exams and quizzes provided by exam prep course providers. These tools will help you become familiar with the exam format and identify areas that need improvement. Aim to consistently score 90% or higher on your practice tests before taking the actual exams.
• Xactimate Software Training: Familiarize yourself with Xactimate, the industry-leading software used by successful insurance adjusters. Many exam prep courses include training on Xactimate to help you develop the necessary skills for adjusting claims efficiently.
• Register for Exams: When you feel confident in your preparation, register for your desired exams through PearsonVue Delaware. You can schedule multiple exams on the same day if needed. The exam fee is $90 for each attempt, payable during reservation.

Remember, passing your exams is a crucial step towards obtaining your Delaware insurance adjuster license. Don't rush your preparation, and make use of the available resources to increase your chances of success on the first attempt.

Register and pass exams

Registering and passing the exams for an insurance adjuster license in Delaware is a straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to take:

Register for the Exams:

• Visit the Pearson VUE Delaware Insurance page or call Pearson VUE at (800) 274-2604 or 1-800-274-0455 to register for your exams.
• You will need to pay an exam fee of $90 for each attempt.
• You can schedule multiple exams on the same day if you wish to take more than one exam, but be sure to allow adequate time for preparation and check-in.

Prepare for the Exams:

• While pre-licensing courses are not required by the state, it is highly recommended that you complete some form of pre-exam education to increase your chances of passing the exams on your first attempt.
• Various companies offer online study packages and exam prep courses, such as AdjusterPro, ABTrainingCenter, and Kaplan. These courses cover the material you will encounter on the exams and include practice tests and quizzes.
• It is advisable to focus on one exam at a time to avoid confusion between different lines of authority.

Take the Exams:

• The Delaware Adjuster License State Exams are administered by Pearson VUE Testing Centers.
• The exams are proctored, meaning you will be in a controlled environment with a person overseeing the test.
• There are separate exams for each line of authority: Property Adjuster, Casualty Adjuster, and Motor Vehicle Adjuster.
• The Property Adjuster Exam consists of 50 questions to be completed in 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• The Casualty Adjuster Exam consists of 50 questions to be completed in 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• The Motor Vehicle Adjuster Exam consists of 50 questions to be completed in 1 hour.
• The exams are scored on a scaled system, with scores ranging from 0 to 100. The passing score varies depending on the exam and will be listed on your score report.

By following these steps and dedicating sufficient time to preparation, you will be well on your way to passing the required exams for obtaining your insurance adjuster license in Delaware.

Submit license application

Once you have passed the exam, submit an application for your adjuster license(s) through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR). You will need to submit a separate application and pay the fees for each license.

The fee for an online application is $100, and NIPR will charge a $5.60 transaction fee for a total of $105.60. If you wish to add lines of authority to your license at a later date, there is an amendment fee of $25.

Fill out and submit your online application on the NIPR Delaware website.

After submitting your application, you should receive an email requesting your background check information and exam report. The state should already have your background check, but you will need to send them a copy of your exam report.

Application review

Once you have submitted your application and completed all the other requirements, your Delaware license application will be reviewed by the state. This process generally takes about two to five weeks. Depending on the results of your background check, the Department of Insurance may request more information or documentation.

After the review is complete, you will receive an email from the state regarding the status of your license.

Keeping your license active

Once you have your license, you’ll need to complete some additional steps every few years to keep it active. Delaware adjusters are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years.

The 24 hours must include at least 3 hours of Ethics continuing education. You cannot receive credit for any course more than once in any reporting period. Excess CE credits can be rolled over into the next compliance cycle.

Renew your license through NIPR.

Submit fingerprints for a background check

To become an insurance adjuster in Delaware, you must submit fingerprints for a background check. This is a mandatory part of the application process and is required by the State of Delaware.

• Schedule an appointment with the Delaware State Police by calling (302) 739-2528. Inform them that you require fingerprinting for a Delaware insurance license and request both state and FBI background checks.
• Attend your fingerprinting appointment and pay the associated fee. The fee for fingerprinting is typically $75, but some sources state it is $52 for the state check and $18 for the FBI check, totalling $85.
• The Delaware State Police will send the results directly to the Insurance Department.
• Obtain a Delaware State Criminal History Check and an FBI Criminal History Check.
• Fax both reports to the Delaware Department of Insurance within 90 days of obtaining your fingerprints and submitting your adjuster license application. The fax number is 302-736-7906.
• The background check will be reviewed by the Department of Insurance, and they may request additional information or documentation if necessary.

It is important to note that any prior misdemeanors or felonies on your record may impact the outcome of your licensing application. If you have specific concerns or questions about your background check, you can contact the Delaware Insurance Department at (302) 674-7390 or via email.

Frequently asked questions