Becoming An Insurance Appraiser: Texas Requirements And Steps

If you're interested in becoming an insurance appraiser in Texas, there are several steps you need to take. First, you must meet the basic requirements, which include being a US citizen or legal alien with work authorization, being at least 18 years old, and having a valid driver's license. Next, you'll need to complete pre-licensing education, which involves 40 hours of coursework covering insurance policies, laws, regulations, and ethics. After that, you'll need to pass the Texas All-Lines Adjuster Exam, a 150-question multiple-choice test, with a score of at least 70%. Once you've passed, you can apply for a license with the Texas Department of Insurance and pay the associated fee. To maintain your license, you'll need to complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. This covers topics such as industry trends, new regulations, and updates to insurance laws. Gaining relevant experience and specializing in a particular type of claim can also enhance your career prospects.

Meet basic requirements: Be 18+, a US citizen or legal alien, and pass a background check

To meet the basic requirements to become an insurance appraiser in Texas, you must be at least 18 years old and either be a US citizen or a legal alien with work authorization from the Immigration and Naturalization Services. In addition, you must pass a criminal background check and have a good driving record.

The background check will be conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the FBI. To initiate this process, you must schedule an appointment with IdentoGO to get your fingerprints digitally scanned and submitted. The digital fingerprint process through IdentoGO costs around $41.50 to $54.00.

If you have a criminal record, you may submit a pre-application fitness determination to see if your history may prevent you from becoming licensed. Relevant documents for the background history review include final orders, judgments, and a written explanation.

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

Choosing a License: All-Lines Adjuster or Property & Casualty Adjuster

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 are authorised to handle.

The All-Lines Adjuster license is the most common license for adjusters and covers a wide range of insurance types, including property and casualty (P&C) for residential, commercial, automobile, farm and ranch, inland marine, ocean marine, and workers' compensation insurance. On the other hand, the P&C Adjuster license covers all the above types of insurance except for workers' compensation.

Therefore, the All-Lines Adjuster license is generally recommended as it provides a more comprehensive certification and allows you to handle more lines of insurance. With this license, you won't be restricted to handling only residential or auto claims. Additionally, the All-Lines Adjuster license offers the most reciprocal licenses with other states, giving you greater flexibility to work in different states.

However, it's important to consider your specific career goals and the types of insurance claims you want to focus on. If you are primarily interested in handling property and casualty claims, and not workers' compensation claims, then the P&C Adjuster license may be more suited to your needs.

To obtain either license, you will need to meet the basic requirements, complete a pre-licensing course, pass the state exam, and submit your application. The pre-licensing course requirement varies by state, with Texas being one of the states that require it. The course will prepare you for the state exam, and you must correctly answer at least 70% of the questions to pass.

Complete a pre-licensing course: 40 hours, covering insurance policies, laws, regulations and ethics

To become an insurance appraiser in Texas, you'll need to complete a pre-licensing course covering insurance policies, laws, regulations, and ethics. This course will prepare you for the state exam and your future career as an insurance appraiser.

The pre-licensing course is a comprehensive 40-hour program that can be completed online or in-person. It covers a wide range of topics to ensure you have a strong foundation in the insurance industry and its regulations. The course is self-paced, allowing you to study at your own convenience and complete the required hours within your own schedule.

Online courses offer flexibility, allowing you to access the course material from anywhere and at any time. This option suits those with busy schedules or those who prefer to study at their own pace. On the other hand, in-person classes provide a traditional classroom experience, which may be beneficial if you prefer a structured learning environment and direct interaction with instructors and peers.

During the course, you will delve into the specifics of insurance policies, gaining an understanding of the various types of insurance, including life, health, property, casualty, and more. You will learn about the legal framework surrounding the insurance industry, including the Texas Insurance Code and other relevant laws. Additionally, you will explore ethical considerations and regulations that govern the profession, ensuring you conduct yourself with integrity when handling insurance claims.

The course will also provide valuable insights into the day-to-day tasks of an insurance appraiser, such as investigating claims, assessing damages, and determining compensation. It will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of insurance policies and claims handling.

Remember, the pre-licensing course is a crucial step towards obtaining your license and starting your career as an insurance appraiser in Texas. It will provide you with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of the insurance industry, so make sure you take advantage of the learning resources available and thoroughly prepare for the state exam.

Pass the state exam: Score 70% or higher

Passing the state exam is a crucial step in becoming a licensed insurance adjuster in Texas. The exam is not easy, so it's important to prepare thoroughly. Here are some tips to help you pass the exam and achieve a score of 70% or higher:

Understand the Exam Format and Content:

The Texas All-Lines Adjuster Exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 70% correctly to pass. The exam covers various topics, including the Texas Insurance Code, the Texas Administrative Code, insurance policy provisions, adjusting losses, and the role of the adjuster. Familiarize yourself with the exam outline and content to know what to expect.

Complete Pre-Licensing Education:

Before taking the exam, it is mandatory to complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education. This course covers essential topics such as insurance policies, laws, regulations, and ethics. You can opt for online courses or in-person classes to fulfill this requirement. Ensure you choose an accredited program that thoroughly covers the relevant material.

Take Preparation Courses:

Enrolling in a preparation course can significantly increase your chances of passing the exam. These courses are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Search for reputable preparation courses online or visit PearsonVue, the state's exam vendor, for suggestions. The more practice and preparation you undertake, the better your chances of passing.

Study and Understand Insurance Policies:

The Texas Department of Insurance wants to ensure that you understand how insurance policies work before licensing you to settle claims. Therefore, it is crucial to study and comprehend the intricacies of insurance policies, even if it may not seem directly relevant to the job. This knowledge will not only help you pass the exam but also provide a valuable foundation for your career.

Utilize Practice Tests and Study Materials:

Take advantage of practice tests and study materials to familiarize yourself with the exam format and assess your knowledge. AdjusterPro, for example, offers an online classroom where you can take practice tests and create custom quizzes to focus on areas you need to improve. The more you practice, the more confident and prepared you will feel for the actual exam.

Manage Your Time:

Give yourself enough time to study and prepare for the exam. For most people, completing the pre-licensing course and exam takes around 2 to 4 weeks. However, everyone's learning pace is different, so ensure you allocate sufficient time for studying and fully understanding the material.

Stay Motivated:

Becoming an insurance adjuster in Texas is a rewarding career choice, but the licensing process can be challenging. Stay motivated by reminding yourself of your career goals and the benefits of obtaining your license. Celebrate your accomplishments along the way, and don't be afraid to take breaks when needed to stay focused and energized.

Remember, passing the state exam is a critical step towards becoming a licensed insurance adjuster in Texas. With dedication, preparation, and a good understanding of the material, you can achieve the required score and move one step closer to your career goals.

Submit your application: Pay the $50 application fee

Submit Your Application and Pay the $50 Application Fee

Once you have passed your Texas Adjuster State Exam, you can submit your application to the Texas Department of Insurance. The application fee is $50.

You will need to submit your application online using Sircon. You must submit your application within one year of passing the exam, or you will need to retake it.

Before submitting your application, you will need to complete a background check. You can do this by getting fingerprinted through IdentoGo and submitting the receipt with your application. The digital fingerprint process costs around $54.

After fingerprinting, submit your application and pay the fee. You will then need to wait for Texas to process your application and inform you that you are a licensed insurance adjuster in the state of Texas.

Tips for Getting Work as a Texas Insurance Adjuster

While getting licensed can be a challenging process, many people do it. In 2017 alone, 17,732 people received their Texas adjuster license. Although getting your license is something to be proud of, it doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be handed a job. Here are some tips to help you get work as a Texas insurance adjuster:

• Get adjuster training: Being properly trained in the correct software for auto or property claims is important if you plan to write estimates on damaged property. Also, learning the correct way to inspect damages and job skills training are crucial for you to have a shot at getting hired.
• Improve your resume: Most people have poor resumes that only state their work history. You need an insurance adjuster resume that showcases your skills and makes you stand out.
• Find an adjusting mentor: A mentor can help shave off years of mistakes from your career and introduce you to people in the industry.

Frequently asked questions