What Is An Adjuster License? And Reasons It Has Become Important
What Is An Adjuster License? And Reasons It Has Become Important Pixabay

In mid-June 2020, Calgary, Canada experienced severe thunder and hailstorms, creating devastating damage to property and vehicles. Amid the pandemic, and the rise of natural disasters in the area, the Canadian Independent Adjuster Association (CIAA) saw more than 300 licensed adjusters arriving in Calgary to assist with the damages caused by the hailstorm. The CIAA and Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) noted that more than 100 of these adjusters were American citizens, sparking a debate on whether allowing American adjusters to assist is necessary for a time where travel and movement of people are highly discouraged by the Canadian federal government.

Now, nearly two months later, Canadian authorities are looking into claims made during June, as individuals are hopeful that the use of independent adjusters will help with their claims. Back in the United States, the New York Law Journal saw a decrease of 25% of claims and cases going cold compared to 2019 with courts remaining closed, and limited judges available.

Licensed adjusters have for years been able to assist individuals with insurance claims, and although the pandemic has made it possible for these claims to fall through the cracks, insurance companies, and individual adjusters are now ramping up efforts to kick-start and resolve issues left unattended during the peak of the pandemic.

Although licensed adjusters have made it possible for thousands of individuals to resolve insurance claims issues, too many are still unaware of what an adjuster can do, and how their services have managed to help save them time and money. With some states rapidly changing laws and jurisdiction for adjusters, it’s good to know and understand what a DHS Adjuster is, and for interested parties, how they can obtain an adjuster license.

The Designated Home State Adjuster License

What it is

The DHS adjuster license allows individuals to become licensed adjusters in states where local legislation does not offer it. This means if you want to become a licensed adjuster but your state doesn’t offer it, you can apply for a DHS Texas adjuster license. Allowing you to operate inside and outside of your home state.

Why it’s important

A licensed adjuster can assist individuals to resolve any insurance claims and disputes that have not been accepted by your insurance company.

How it works

To make it simple, if your home state does not offer an adjuster license, you apply for a Designated Home State adjuster license outside of your jurisdiction. This will enable you to operate as a licensed adjuster for both your current state and DHS.

How can you obtain a DHS adjuster license?

There are a few things you will need to do to obtain a DHS license. It may take you some time to complete, and you will need to thoroughly complete all the necessary documentation.

Complete the pre-exam education : You will need to complete a written exam, but before you can do that, you will need to complete pre-exam study materials. You should make yourself comfortable with all the necessary terms, and information to be well-prepared for the final examination.

Take the licensing exam : Each state will have various government entities regulating or overseeing the examination process. Tests consist of 150 questions, and the national average pass rate stands at 70%.

Undergo background checks : Once you’ve completed your examination, you will need to submit your fingerprints and undergo a background clearance check. Each state will specify whether you will need to submit your fingerprints at local law enforcement agencies or make use of a third party.

Complete the application : You will need to complete the DHS adjuster license application and pay a $50 application fee.

Application Review : Once your application has been completed and all the necessary documentation has been submitted alongside your application it will go under review before a final decision can be made. This process takes about 2 to 5 weeks.

Licensed adjusters are making it easier for individuals to file claims and complete insurance disputes. More so, a DHS licensed adjuster is creating an opportunity for every person to have a fair chance at resolving insurance issues that have for too long been ignored and disregarded by major insurers.