Becoming a public adjuster is not an easy task, but it can be incredibly rewarding. It requires a lot of work, skill, and determination, as well as a solid understanding of insurance basics. In Ohio, there is no adjuster license requirement, but in most work situations, you will still need to have a license. Public adjusters must be expert observers, capable of analyzing damage and drawing financial conclusions from the details of a case.
Having a license in several states will help you become a successful claims adjuster. It is also beneficial for public appraisers to acquire certifications on a voluntary basis, especially if they frequently work with claims involving certain companies. If you have a high school diploma and some relevant work experience, obtaining an appraiser's license will only take a few weeks. Many public appraisers also travel to places where recent disasters occurred to make themselves available to policyholders after the event.
The content of each state's exam varies, but every prospective public appraiser needs to have a basic understanding of some key insurance basics. Another way to gradually start public adjustment is to start as a claims adjuster, working for an insurance agency. Networking is also essential for developing a successful and satisfying career. Some states have reciprocity agreements that allow public appraisers to obtain licenses in other states without having to pass multiple exams. Generally, that license will be reciprocated with that of many other states, allowing you to apply for a non-resident appraiser's license without having to sit for that state's appraiser license exam. Like a claims adjuster, public experts visit damage sites and investigate what happened, why it happened, who is responsible, and how much the damages cost.
The minimum education required to become a public insurance adjuster is a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Some public appraisers choose to obtain additional certifications that can make their work easier and strengthen their reliability in the eyes of potential clients. You can also consider what your focus will be as a public appraiser and what your specialty will be in a topic related to that specialty. Investing effort into becoming a public adjuster can lead to an active lifestyle on a daily basis, great work flexibility, interesting daily challenges and the opportunity to learn new things in every case you face.
