How to Become a Public Adjuster? Learn the most important steps [2020]

How to Become a Public Adjuster?

Hey everyone and welcome back. Today we have a great topic ahead of us and it’s about the essential steps to become a Public Adjuster (PA).

I know a lot of my readers and followers are already in the industry and that there are those of you who are considering this career path as well but they aren’t certain about it yet.

Therefore, this article will certainly help you kick start your career and also inform you about everything you’ll need in order to become a certified PA. So, let’s not drag out any longer and let’s focus on those essential steps.

Step 1. Obtaining your Public Adjuster License

As you may already know, becoming a PA requires you to obtain a license.

Here, in the sunny state of Florida, you need either get a 6-20 or 7-20 license. The 6-20 is for residents, whereas the 7-20 license is for non-residents.

However, before you can get your hands on a license there are a few steps you have to go through before that door is opened for you. Here are those steps.

1. Applying for a course

What this means is that you have to take a course that will help you familiarize yourself with all the factors and aspects of being a PA.

The course consists of various modules, such as auto, commercial, watercraft, insurance policies, deductibles, and so on, alongside various other acronyms and terms.

After you’ve completed the course you have to pass a formal exam at the end that will get you a certification. The good thing is that you can complete these courses online. I will recommend some of the online courses you can check out.

The first is https://www.insurance-schools.com/. I used this course to get my license in the state of Texas. The other is https://adjusterpro.com/. Make sure you check them out!

Don't miss the Claims Game Podcast!

Make sure you sign up and learn small secrets of the insurance claims process. Expect a lot of awesome guests from the industry!

2. Apprenticeship

After you get a certificate that you’re knowledgeable in the field of PA, you will have to go through an apprenticeship. In Florida, this apprenticeship is mandatory and it lasts 6 months. It used to last a whole year but not it’s reduced to 6 months.

If an apprenticeship isn’t mandatory in your state, I recommend you still try and find a firm to work for and learn under, because it will help you learn the ropes.

Somewhere where you can actually learn more and gain experience.

So, don’t settle for the first company you come across. Instead, do a bit of research and find a company you’re compatible with.

I sometimes take on apprentices myself, so feel free to contact me.

Aside from that we also provide one on one consultations where we can help and advise you properly. You can check out our mentorship program here https://www.commercialclaimsadvocate.com/public-adjuster-consulting-course/. Feel free to sign up if you’re interested. We will start another group probably in December.

3. Signing up for an exam

After the courses and apprenticeships, it’s time to get your license. However, there’s one final step to take, and that’s signing up for a formal exam.

You can do this via Pearson VUE center. They are all over the country and you can schedule your exam online whenever you feel like it.

The thing is that you’ll have to study a lot, so take a lot of study material and go over it whenever you can. Moreover, you can take as many practice exams you want and constantly be reviewing practice questions.

If you don’t pass the exam at the first try, don’t be discouraged because you can take the exam again.

I also failed the exam on the first try and look at me now.

Want to generate more income?

Then join more than 400 public adjusters and business owners in the industry that get my weekly tips via email.

Step 2. Find a Good Company to Work for

Once you get your license you can take two career paths.

The first is that you can start your own company and build your career from there.

The other one is that you can find a good company to work for.

Now, I know a lot of you would prefer to be your own boss and run your own company, which is fine, I do the same in a way.

However, when you’re fresh in the industry, you might consider working for someone for at least a while until you get some valuable experience under your belt.

I believe that you’re simply not ready to go out on your own. You may end up making a mistake that will set you back.

That said, if you decide to work for someone, you may even end up liking working for a company and decide to stay there permanently.

But like I said for the apprenticeship, find a good company that can teach you and provides you with the experience you need.

Unlike apprenticeships where you’re not allowed to sign any claims, here you should also look for a company that will pay you well. I was fortunate to find good partners to work with, especially after my first experience with a company ended up very bad, and I had to leave after a year.

Now, I run my own company, yes, but I’m not alone. Myself and two others are actually partners in the same company and it’s working out extremely well for us.

So, my advice to you is, don’t go out on your own.

As for the company paying you well, my opinion is that you should be paid at least 50%. If it’s less than 50% make sure you have options to advance in that company and eventually reach a percentage you’ll be satisfied with.