FAQ – COURSE INFORMATION

Is The Adjuster School certified by the Texas Department of Insurance?

Yes, the The Adjuster School is certified by the Texas Department of Insurance.
Texas Department of Insurance Provider # 33399
Online Texas All-Lines Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course #90535
15 Hour Classroom Equivalent Package 1 # 90456
15 Hour Classroom Equivalent Package 2 # 90457

Who needs a Texas All-Lines Adjuster’s License?

If you are resident of Texas and you wish to become an insurance adjuster, you need to obtain the Texas All Lines Adjuster License. If you are a non-resident of Texas and live in a state that does not have an adjuster license requirement, and you want to become an insurance adjuster, then you need this Texas All Lines Adjuster License.  Non-Residents of Texas, who live in a state that does not require an Adjusters License, are able to designate Texas as their “Home State”.  This is Great News for you as you will be able to enjoy the “FULL BENEFITS of RECIPROCITY”!  Here’s a list of states that do not have adjuster license requirements, and who are able to deem Texas as their home state:

Colorado, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

If you are a non-resident of Texas and reside in state that requires adjuster licensing, you are now required to obtain your home state license before Texas will issue you a non-resident license.  Please check with the Department of Insurance in your home state to determine the requirements to obtain your license.  For many states, it’s just successfully passing a state exam.  For a few, a pre-licensing course is required in that state.  We have test preparation material that can help prepare you for your state exam.  Eric Thomas has over 20 years in the insurance industry as a Staff Adjuster, Independent Adjuster, Staff Property Claims Manager, and Owner of an Independent Adjusting Firm.  Get the proper training that you need and be led down the correct path to launch your career in Insurance.

Do you offer Classroom and Online Courses?

The Adjuster School offers both Classroom and Online Courses.  You know what works best for you.  Some people like Online, some like going to a Classroom.  We offer both learning methods to service the needs of our customers.  Both of our methods are extremely effective, cost effective, and presented in a manner that is easy to understand.

Is there a difference between the online course and the classroom course?

No.  Both are reflective of each other.

What does the Pre-Licensing Course consist of?

The Pre-Licensing course has thirteen sections with a quiz after each and a final exam.  The final exam consists of 150 questions.  You must pass the final exam with a score of at least a 70%.

Is there a time limit on the course?

The Online Texas All Lines Adjuster Licensing course is a 40 hour course.  The Adjuster School will allow you up to 6 months (from the date of purchase) to complete this course and the Final Examination.  No exceptions will be made.  It normally takes our students anywhere from 4 days to 3 weeks to complete the entire course and final examination.  In the event of course expiration, you will have to repurchase the course.  You will not lose all of your information, as our system will maintain your course progression and you will be able to resume wherever you left off. (Rev. 5/4/2016)

You have up to 3 attempts to pass the Final Examination.  The Final Examination is 150 questions.  Students must obtain a 70 to successfully pass the Final Examination. (rev. 5/4/16).

Will I be issued a certificate of completion for the Texas All Lines Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course?

Yes.  You must successfully complete the course with a score of 70% or above.  The final exam is 150 questions multiple choice.  The certificate is valid for a year from date of issuance i.e., based on the date of certificate you have one year to submit certificate to Texas Department of Insurance.  If you fail to submit certificate to Texas Department of Insurance within the one year, you will be required to retake the Texas All Lines Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course.

Will I be issued a certificate of completion for Continuing Education Course?

Yes.  You must successfully complete the course with a score of 70% or above. 

What is your refund policy?

Online CE Courses 

You have the right to cancel your registration for The Adjuster School Online Course prior to beginning the course. All requests for cancellation must be made by contacting The Adjuster School by email (info@theadjusterschool.com). The Adjuster School will refund the full enrollment fee less a $5.00 administrative fee. 

Students will not be allowed to obtain a refund on any online class that they have started.  

You can not get a refund on any online class that is 30 days old.  

You can not get a refund on any online class that is expired or completed. 

Please note that refunds will not be granted if email notification is given after you have begun the course. 

Online Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course / Online Xactimate Training 

You have the right to cancel your registration for The Adjuster School Online Course prior to beginning the course. All requests for cancellation must be made by contacting The Adjuster School by email (info@theadjusterschool.com). The Adjuster School will refund the full enrollment fee less a $50.00 administrative fee. 

Students will not be allowed to obtain a refund on any online class that they have started.  

You can not get a refund on any online class that is 30 days old.  

You can not get a refund on any online class that is expired or completed. 

Will I be able to print the online material?

No.  The course is 100% online.

FAQ – CAREER  AS AN ADJUSTER

How do I get started as an adjuster?

It’s simple.  You need to enroll in either an online or classroom course.  You must successfully complete the Texas All Lines Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course.  Upon successful completion, a certificate will be issued to you.

What type of insurance claims can I handle?

With the Texas All-Lines Adjuster’s License, you can handle claims for all lines of insurance.  These include, but not limited to; Homeowner’s, Auto, Catastrophe, Commercial, Liability, Crop, Aviation, Boat, Workers’ Compensation, Surety, Inland and Ocean Marine, and more.

How long is my certificate valid for?

The certificate is valid for a year from the date of issuance i.e., based on the date of certificate you have one year to submit certificate to Texas Department of Insurance.  If you fail to submit certificate to Texas Department of Insurance within the one year, you will be required to retake the Texas All Lines Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course.

After I receive my certificate, what’s the next step?

1.  You will need to mail ALL items listed below Texas Department of Insurance.  Upon receipt of this information, TDI will process and issue to you via US Postal Service a Texas All Lines Adjuster License.

·         Texas Adjuster License Application http://www.tdi.texas.gov/forms/finagentlicense/FIN506.pdf

·         Copy of Certificate of completion of course

·         Fingerprints

·         $50 for the application fee

2.  Xactimate Training

3.  Carrier Certification (Ex. State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, American Family)

4.  Employment

5.  Continuing Education

What is Xactimate and do I really need it?

Yes.  Xactimate is a cost estimating software used by an adjuster to determine the amount of damage to a property.  Xactimate is the most commonly used cost estimating software used in the insurance repair industry.  Please visit our course catalog for course information or http://www.theadjusterschool.com/hot-products.

What is State Farm Certification and do I really need it?

Yes.  It’s optional but, we highly recommend that students obtain State Farm Certification.

State Farm Insurance insures more homes, automobiles, and property than any other insurance company.  Therefore, State Farm certification increases your employment opportunities. In order to work a State Farm Claim through any of their preferred adjusting firms, you will have to obtain your State Farm Certification.

 E.A. Renfroe, Eberls, Pilot, and Worley have been approved by State Farm to administer the State Farm Adjuster Certification class.  Unfortunately, the certification classes are not offered online.  You will need to contact the companies referenced above to inquire about location and dates as the classes are only offered quarterly basis. However, class offering is subject to change based on the demand. The duration of the class is two days.  During our training, we will walk you through the steps to ensure that you handle this correctly.  Unfortunately, some prospective adjusters waste a lot of time and money by not knowing the step by step process for meeting all of the requirements.  We have helped a large number of new adjusters obtain Carrier Certifications and proceed with a successful career.  Don’t be tricked by companies with no experience in this.  Eric Thomas has worked as an Independent Adjuster for State Farm and has also worked as a Staff Adjuster / Property Claims Manager for Allstate Insurance Company.

The information covered in our class is State Farm protocol for handling, Wind/Hail certification exam, and the Estimatics exam.

Companies offering the State Farm Certification classes require all individuals interested in enrolling in the course to a resume and an online application online via their website before access is granted to class schedule information and registration accepted.  The fee for the course varies for each company.  You will need to inquire prior registering for class.  We recommend that you register with as many Adjusting Firms as possible as this definitely increases your opportunities for employment..

The Adjusting Firms compile and maintain a deployment roster.  You MUST successfully pass the State Farm Certification course to be placed on the roster.  In the event of a catastrophe, Adjusting Firms typically utilize the roster as tool to refer to in notifying and deploying adjusters for work.

How do I get a job?

The Texas All Lines Adjuster License can be utilized in seeking employment for a Staff Adjuster or an Independent Adjuster.  Staff Adjuster works directly for the insurance company.  Independent Adjuster’s work directly for Adjusting Firms but, is considered an independent contractor.  An Adjusting Firm is a company that has entered into a contractual agreement with an insurance company to assist as needed with the handling of claims.  Typically, this occurs during natural catastrophes when the insurance companies are unable to service claims as a result of limited adjuster manpower.  We recommend that you register with as many Adjusting Firms as possible as this definitely increases your opportunities for employment.

What is Continuing Education?

You are required renew your Texas All Lines Adjuster License every two years.  Renewal is based on the date of issuance of your license NOT the date of certificate of completion of the Texas All Lines Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course.  To renew your Texas Adjuster License, you will need to pay the renewal fee AND acquire 30 CE Hours. Failure to maintain CE compliance could result in loss of Adjuster License and/or penalties.

How much money does an insurance claims adjuster make?

As an adjuster, there are typically two types of compensation:

Fee schedule - Each insurance company has their own fee schedule, but most pay on average of $400-$600 per claim.  The average adjuster usually can handle between 3-5 claims per day, while the more efficient adjusters can handle more.  You will typically be paid on a fee schedule during the initial 2-3 months on a Catastrophe assignment.

Daily Rate - Each insurance company has their own daily rate schedule, most most pay around $700 / day.  One of the great things about being a Catastrophe Adjuster is that you can work whenever you want to work.  Some adjusters work during the fall, while others work only in the summer.  Some choose to work 3-4 months a year, while others work 4-6 months.  Some choose to work year round also.

Is there much of a demand for adjusters?

The demand for available adjusters has never been greater.  The largest demand usually occurs after a large catastrophic event such as a Hurricane.  However, that demand is usually continuous due to isolated Hailstorms, Tornados, Floods and other weather related events.  Another option is to work Daily claims.  Daily claims are claims that you work in your local area.  Eric Thomas, Inc. handles both Catastrophe and Daily claims.

What are the requirements to become a licensed adjuster?

-As for experience, there are no requirements.
-You do not have to have a college degree.
-You do not have to have prior military experience.
-You can be a male or female.
To acquire a Texas Adjuster’s License, the State of Texas requires either:
1.  Successful completion of a Certified Pre-Licensing course (such as ours).
2.  File a license application with the Texas Department of Insurance and submit fingerprints.
3.  Be 18 years of age or older.