Learn About Adjusting

Public Adjusting vs. Insurance Adjusting

Public adjusters work for the insured. They are typically compensated based on the claim amount and are paid from the claims proceeds. In Florida, public adjusters have additional requirements that aren’t necessary for insurance adjusters. The public adjuster license is the 3-20 designation. To become a public adjuster you’ll first need to get your 6-20 license. You can learn more by reading our article on Career Options as a Public Adjuster.

Insurance adjusters work, directly or indirectly, for the insurance companies. The license types for Florida adjusters are 6-20 or 7-20. Insurance adjusters are either Staff adjusters or Independent adjusters.

Staff vs. Independent Adjusters

Staff adjusters are usually year round employees working directly for an insurance company.

Independent adjusters are contractors working for independent adjusting companies. Independent adjusters are typically compensated based on the claim amount and can handle daily claims and/or catastrophe claims.

Pick a Path

Now that you know your choices, what do you want to do?

Catastrophe (Cat) adjusters tend to follow seasonal events such as storms, fires, or flooding. The work is intense and typically (but not always) spans a relatively short period of time. It often involves travel for extended periods of time into areas where the infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Think New Orleans after hurricane Katrina or New Jersey after super storm Sandy.
Daily claim adjusters handle the day to day issues that people file claims about. It may be workers compensation claims, property damage (e.g. kitchen fire), or marine claims. Daily claims tend to be more steady and less intense then catastrophe claims and usually involve local travel.
Keep in mind, as a licensed Florida adjuster you can do both of these.

Get your Florida License (6-20, 7-20, or 70-20)

Before you can begin adjusting, you need to be licensed. What’s the best way to getting licensed?

Getting your Florida license is quick and easy. The WeTrainAdjusters Florida PPIA Licensing and Designation Program allows you to take the training and get your license 24/7 from any pc with internet access.
Once you complete the course, you’ll receive the paperwork needed to apply with the State of Florida to get your adjusters license while being except from taking the State exam.
Learn more about the PPIA Florida Licensing and Designation Program.

Learn the Skills You Need

Ok, you’ve got your Florida Adjusters License. What’s next?

Adjusting has changed a lot over the years. The days of handwritten estimates are long gone and have been replaced with powerful software packages that streamline and automate the process. By far the most popular package is Xactware’s Xactimate. Xactimate can be confusing if you haven’t previously used an electronic adjusting package. You can learn Xactimate with our online video training which will enable you to pass the Xactware Level 1 Certification exam.

Of course, knowing what to do when you start adjusting is more than just software. There are a lot of classes you can take, including our Catastrophe Adjuster Skills and Techniques.

Getting Employed

Time to put all that knowledge and practice to work. How do I get a job?

Contact the HR (human resource) departments at major adjusting firms. You can request a list of adjusting firm after you finish the PPIA Designation course if you need some help.
Get an eye-catching, professional resume that captures the attention of HR professionals. Our Resume Review service can help you out.
Have a plan that gets you on company deployment rosters.
Use due diligence and followup with your employment contacts.
Don’t let your license expire and make sure you get the adjuster CE credits you need.

Get your Florida All Lines Adjuster License!

Only $288

Get more info and act now!