The Basics of Adjuster License Reciprocity
Whether you have been an independent insurance adjuster for years, or just starting out, license reciprocity is one of those things you need to know. We have a lot of information to cover, so let’s get started…
What Is Reciprocity
Here’s the basics on license reciprocity – it’s an agreement between states where an adjuster with a license in their base state can get a license in another state without being required to take that state’s exam. Most states with a reciprocity agreement still have an application and fees, but the process takes less time. Reciprocity is the fun bridge that lets you bypass all the examinations and get right to obtaining that state’s license and getting to work.
The Most Common Misunderstanding of Reciprocity
Have you ever heard, “just get a Texas adjuster license and you can work in any state”? This is one of the most common misunderstandings of reciprocity. True – a majority of states do accept the Texas adjuster license, not all, but most. False – that you can hop on over to any state and work claims under a Texas license. You still have to check what the reciprocity license application process is for each state you want to work in, as well as any fees associated with it. The only time reciprocity isn’t even an issue is when a state of emergency is declared by the state’s insurance commissioner and they grant an open door policy to licensed adjusters from other states.
The No Exceptions States
Some states have not jumped on the reciprocity bandwagon and require their state license must be obtain to work claims and there are no exceptions. The upside is it’s only three states – California, Hawaii, and New York.
- A few other states, like Florida and Delaware, added a little more to their reciprocity agreement where not all licenses are reciprocal in FL and DE. Where there is a will, there is a way, so if you are determined to take claims in those states, contact their dept of insurance and see what you can do.
- You can’t get another state’s license in lieu of your base state adjuster license. Example: If your base state is Florida, you can’t skip getting your FL adjuster license and just get a Texas license. This was a common practice so much that Texas won’t even issue a nonresident license to an adjuster that does not hold their base state license.
States That Don’t Require an Adjuster License
Did you know there are states that don’t even require an adjuster license? Who knew, right? Well there are and a nifty little loophole is available for resident adjusters in those states to get licensed so they can work in more places. What you do is obtain another state’s license and designate it as your home state – referred to as a DHS license. The three most popular states to acquire this type of license in is Florida, Indiana, and Texas. The Florida 70-20 DHS License is the most popular to get because turn around time is usually within a week and the Florida Dept. of Insurance is super easy to work with.
Now you have had a crash course in license reciprocity, you can take your new knowledge and build upon it more. Storm season is quickly approaching you want to be ready to take on claims anywhere – well most anywhere depending on how far you are willing to travel. Remember, more state licenses equals more claims you can work.
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