How to Find a Claims Adjuster Online Course

How to Find a Claims Adjuster Online Course
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Becoming a Claims Adjuster

A claims adjuster online course is a great way for an otherwise employed professional to break into the insurance industry. There are no formal college degrees or trade school training programs that cover a uniform curriculum. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) suggests that candidates for this profession will be able to put already achieved training to work – such as medical or automotive training – for the sake of claims adjusting in the health or automotive fields. Bright Hub’s own CheriseMK touched on the role of the claims adjuster in her article entitled “Do You Have Home Business Driving Insurance.”

It is noteworthy that there may be some licensing requirement that vary from state to state. Moreover, it is also true that an insurance company license may actually cover an unlicensed individual. Prior to enrolling in a course of study, it is a good idea to discuss your goal of becoming a claims adjuster with an industry insider, who can point you to required licenses or certifications. This insider could be your very own car insurance agent!

Earnings vary, depending on the industry. The median income for a claims adjuster in 2006 was $50,660. That being said, there are also possible employer paid bonuses and fringe benefits, such as laptop computers, company cars, and cell phones.

Where to Find Online Coursework

The Insurance Educational Association offers a number of online classes for claims adjusting. They deal with liability claims, property loss, bodily injury and also the overall claims environment. These courses are instructor led, so they do have specified starting and ending dates. Since they are aimed at insurance industry professionals, 27 CEUs may be earned by fire and casualty broker agents upon passing the national exam administered by the Insurance Institute of America. This is also the entity which sells the study materials. The cost for a course starts at $249.

Florida residents may want to take a look at the Online Training Institute, which offers a distance learning claims adjuster course that is geared toward professionals who are looking to take the independent adjuster or the company adjuster licensing exam. Successful completion of the course and examination makes the Florida state exam obsolete. Best of all, Florida adjusters may later on apply for non resident licenses in other states that offer a reciprocal licensing standard. Please note that the final exam of this course must be taken in person at a Florida community college.

The Insurance Schools website is geared to the professional looking to either take the state licensing exams for their locality or ahead of time take an online course that will prepare her/him for passing the test. Costs vary; for example, to take the California adjuster practice exam, be prepared to pay $60. If you want to take a basic class to prepare you for the experience, you will need to pay an additional $160. The classes may offer CEUs in Florida, Wyoming, Mississippi, Utah, Montana, Texas, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and North Carolina.

What You Must Know Before Signing Up For a Claims Adjuster Online Course

If you want to become a claims adjuster for a major insurance company, it is a good idea to contact the human resources department and find out what education and licensing they require of their adjusters. Since there is a lot of leeway with respect to education in the field, insurance companies are able to set their own standards for prerequisites that applicants must meet. Moreover, a public adjuster, who works with the claimants, requires different skills than a corporate adjuster, who is employed – and looks out for – the insurance company.

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