Insurance claims adjusters investigate insurance claims and determine how much an insurance company should pay for damages. They inspect property damage to homes, business, autos, planes, boats, etc., interview different people involved, consult with police, hospitals, and more, depending on the type of claim.

• Analyze the insurance policy to determine coverage
• Investigate the events and cause of the damage
• Calculate repair/replacement cost of the damaged item(s)
• Negotiate the settlement

Adjusters can work directly for insurance companies usually at an office building or out of their home, an independent adjusting firm traveling to storm locations, or as a public adjuster who represents the policyholder.

Earning Potential

The amount you earn as an adjuster can vary:

• Independent adjuster - Each firm deploying adjusters have a tiered fee schedule, using the extent of damages. (See sample fee schedule).
• Desk adjuster - Insurance companies usually pay desk adjusters an hourly rate (with potential overtime) averaging $61k annually.
• Staff adjuster - Staff adjusters are typically salaried employees, averaging $55k annually. Desk and staff adjusters typically receive benefits (i.e., insurance, vacation and sick leave); however, there are additional benefits for staff adjusters. Desk adjusters have to "punch a time clock", whereas staff adjusters have much more flexibility in scheduling and may have a company vehicle as well.
• Public adjuster - Public adjusters enter into a contract with a property owner for 15%-20% of the repair estimate. For example, if the public adjuster has a 20% contract and the extent of damage was $10,000, the property owner would pay the public adjuster $2,000 and keep the remainder.

This four-day class is taught over two consecutive weekends. You must complete the prerequisite self-study and attend all four days.

The class meets 8:00-5:00 with a one-hour lunch break covering the following topics:

• Insurance terms and related concepts
• General property insurance product knowledge pertinent to adjusters:
• Standard fire policy
• Personal lines coverage (auto, health, etc.)
• Auto liability (includes Texas PAP)
• Standard Fire Policy (homeowners)
• Additional coverages, exclusions, and extensions
• Commercial lines coverage
• Inland & Ocean Marine
• Bonds
• Texas statutes and rules pertinent to property and casualty adjusting:
• Licensing requirements
• Marketing practices
• Adjuster practices, responsibilities, and duties
• Workers compensation

Class location:
1425 W Pioneer Dr, Ste 203
Irving, TX 75061

The files listed below are necessary for this class and for you to get your adjuster license.

• Read Me First ~ This file contains more details about the remaining files. Read this first.


• Detailed Course Outline ~ This is the planned instruction time per topic. The specific start and stop time of each section and lunch break is approximate.


• Prerequisite Self-Study ~ This class is 40-hours with 10 of those hours studying this file prior to class. Passing an open-book, online exam (minimum score of 70) is required. The link and password are included in the document. You will have three attempts to pass the exam.


• Insurance Terminology Games ~ Games designed to aid in learning and memorization of insurance terms used throughout this course. 40% of the exam is based on these terms.


• Affidavit ~ You must have this document to take the class. Print this form and bring it to the first day of class.


• Texas Fingerprint Service Code Form ~ This form is needed to obtain your fingerprints for the state to conduct a background investigation. Scheduling your fingerprinting may be difficult depending on the available services and your schedule. Plan on scheduling your session prior to the last day of class so there are no delays in submitting your application.
  
  You must use code 11G6QF when scheduling your appointment to ensure the results are submitted to the Texas Department of Insurance.


• Adjuster Application ~ Screen shots of the adjuster application process. Before attempting to apply for the adjuster license, you should examine this file thoroughly and gather all the required information. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may cause significant processing delays.

Whether you are handling claims in the field or behind a desk, here are some helpful links to assist with claim handling.

There are many useful sites available for adjusters. If you encounter any problems with any of these links or if you have a suggestion for one to be added, please contact us.

Catastrophe Adjusters

If you intend to work as a CAT adjuster, the Property Adjusting 101 guidebook is a must!

Click the file name below for contents.

Modifiable Documents - free to download

Right click on the file name and select 'Save Link As'.

• Phone Contact: Useful log to document contact when away from your computer.
• Scope Sheet: Sketch roof and elevations while noting quantity of items such as plumbing vents.
• Inventory List: Provide to claimants to create a list of personal items lost or damaged.

PDF (non-modifiable) Documents - free to download

• Phone Contact: Useful log to document contact when away from your computer.
• Scope Sheet: Sketch roof and elevations while noting quantity of items such as plumbing vents.

Web Sites:

• Texas Department of Insurance
• Monitor required Continuing Education credits
• Flood Information
• Police, Fire, Court, Motor Vehicle reports, and Background Checks
• Prior Claim Data
• Roof Pitch and Angle Conversions

Weather History Reports

• Hail
• Lightning Strikes
• Rain, Hail, and Snow
• Wind Speeds and Temperature