Becoming a licensed public adjuster is a challenging but rewarding career path. It requires a high school diploma or equivalent (GED) as the minimum education, and having a university degree is highly recommended. Depending on the state, public adjusters may need to complete 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year period and obtain a bond. They must also be able to investigate and adjust losses, advise insured persons on first-party claims, and travel to disaster sites.
Idaho issues public adjuster licenses to individuals and agencies, residents and non-residents. Renewal requirements and fees vary by state, but all states require public adjusters to complete 24 hours of continuing education during each two-year period. If the public appraiser's license was not renewed before the expiration date, the license will need to be reinstated. Independent resident appraisers and DHS-Idaho adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) credits approved by the Department during each license period.
Bonds are a particularly important requirement that many state governments place on public adjusters. The content of each state's test varies, but every potential public adjuster needs a solid basic knowledge of some key insurance basics. Public adjusters (both individuals and agencies) have a duty to report any criminal or administrative action to the Idaho Department of Insurance within 30 days under sections 41-5819. Coastal states, as well as those prone to tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes, tend to have a greater demand for public adjustment services. But for those who invest this effort, adapting to the public is an incredibly rewarding profession that offers an active daily lifestyle, great work flexibility, interesting daily challenges and the opportunity to learn new things in every case that arises.
