Getting your Adjuster License in Alabama is the first step to becoming an independent insurance adjuster.
Cost
License course: $139+
Exam fee: $75
Application fee: $110
Fingerprint fee: $50
Time
Total time: 2-4 weeks
Becoming an independent insurance adjuster in Alabama begins with getting your adjuster license. We’re here to make the licensing process easy.
On this page you’ll find step-by-step instructions to find the best adjuster license course, pass your exam, and apply for the Alabama adjuster license.
Be sure to bookmark this page so you can reference the steps as you need them.
Alabama Adjuster License Requirements
Before you begin the steps to getting your Alabama adjuster license there’s a few requirements you’ll need to ensure you qualify.
You must be 18 years of age or older
You must be a resident of Alabama (non-residents will need to apply for a different license)
You must be able to pass a background check (more info in step 4)
Along with these requirements, you’ll also need to choose which lines of insurance you’d like to work within.
Property and Casualty, Worker’s Compensation, and Crop Adjuster (All-Lines)
Property and Casualty Adjuster (P&C)
Workers’ Compensation Adjuster (WC)
Crop Adjuster
Most folks choose the license that offers them the most selection of insurance claims – generally referred to as an “all-lines” license. This gives you the most flexibility and looks best on an application for work.
How much does it cost to get an Adjuster License in Alabama?
The total cost to get your adjuster license in Alabama is between $400 – $480. Costs differ based on the level of your exam prep course and assume you pass your exam on the first attempt.
How long does it take to get an Alabama Adjuster License?
Most people complete the licensing process within 2-4 weeks. Your timeline will depend on the amount of time you spend studying in your prep course daily.
How to Get an Alabama Adjuster License
Step 1: Alabama Adjuster License Course
The first step to getting your adjuster license is taking your exam prep course.
The prices of these courses range depending on the provider and level of coursework, but generally start around $139.
Recommended
Kaplan’s adjuster courses have above average pass rates, and come at a considerably lower price than their competition.
Depending on the type of license you’re working toward, the number of questions and time allotted for the exam differ. See the table below for details.
Adjuster License Type
Cost
Questions
Time Allotted
Exam Outline
Property and Casualty, Worker’s Compensation, and Crop Adjuster (All-Lines)
Difficulty is a subjective matter, but we answer this question with: Yes. The exam is intentionally tough.
The overall pass rate for the Alabama Adjuster Exam is 61%.
Don’t let this discourage you. Keep in mind that most folks who take this exam haven’t taken any formal tests since high school or college. The state intentionally makes these tests difficult in the hopes of protecting the average citizen from working with adjusters who don’t understand the laws and guidelines surrounding insurance.
The key to passing the exam is to take your exam-prep course seriously and allow yourself time for in-depth study.
Military members and their spouses may be eligible for waived licensing fees. Check this page for more info and to apply.
Step 4: Proof of Citizenship and Fingerprints
Once you’ve submitted your license application, the last step in the process is to complete your proof of citizenship and submit your fingerprints.
Proof of Citizenship – Submit your proof of citizenship using the ALDOI Proof of Citizenship page. You’ll need to have your driver’s license or other state identification ready.
Fingerprints – Schedule an appointment online with Fieldprint to have your fingerprints taken. There are several locations across Alabama that you can complete your scan. The fingerprint fee is $49.20.
Once you submit your application, you must submit your Proof of Citizenship and Fingerprints within 10 days.
Note
Submitting your fingerprints will initiate a background check. If you have any past offenses on your record and are curious of your eligibility for an insurance license, reach out to the ALDOI licensing department for clarification.
Application and Background Check Processing
Once you’ve completed all of the steps above you’ll just need to wait for the background check to come back and the licensing department to process all the paperwork. ALDOI will contact you if they need any supporting documentation or have any questions. Be sure to respond promptly to any requests.
If everything goes smoothly, you’ll receive a message from the licensing department within a week or so containing your license number and any other pertinent information. You can check the status of your license online using the Alabama Insurance License Search tool.
Now that you’re licensed, you can get to work! Most folks take one of two paths at this point. They choose to become an independent adjuster or a staff adjuster.
The main difference is that staff adjusters are employed by one firm, usually an insurance company, whereas independent adjusters operate as contractors, normally being “rostered” to multiple Independent Adjusting (IA) firms.
If you’re interested in becoming a staff adjuster, check out the current job openings on StateRequirement Jobs.
If the independent adjuster role is more alluring (we think it is), check out this IA Directory.
Adjuster Certifications
To be considered a great candidate for IA firms or insurance companies, you’ll need to prove that you know how to actually work an insurance claim. Certifications show that you know your stuff and will give you a strong advantage over other candidates.
While there are several adjuster certifications available, focus on Xactimate and Insurance Company certs first.
Xactimate Certifications
Xactimate is the industry standard software used by adjusters and insurance companies. There are three levels of certification offered by Xactimate. You should strongly consider levels one and two now, and look into level three after you’ve spent some time in the field.
Insurance Company Adjuster Certifications
Large insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and others require that adjusters (staff or independent) get their specific certifications.
To get these certs, you’ll need to be on the roster of an IA firm that works with that company. They offer courses to their adjusters throughout the year. Staff adjusters that work for the insurance company will be provided training and certification through their employer.It’s widely accepted that State Farm’s adjuster certification is the most valuable insurance company cert. They are the largest insurer in the US, and therefore have more claims than other insurers.
Out-of-State and Reciprocal Licensing
Most claims, especially catastrophe (CAT) claims come from weather events. And since you can’t control the weather, you should get licenses in states outside your home state. These are called Non-Resident Adjuster Licenses.
IA firms are much more likely to both roster you and select you for work if you are licensed in states where they operate. If you’re already on a roster or two, talk with your contact there to see if they recommend a state to get licensed in.
The best states to start with are generally those that neighbor your home state. For Alabama, this includes:
All these states (except Tennessee) offer what’s called reciprocation with Alabama. This means that you don’t need to take a pre-licensing course or pass an exam in order to get their license. All you need to do is apply, pay the fee, and you’ll be licensed quickly.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
The Alabama Adjuster License expires every two years. To keep your license active, you must:
Complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) coursework
Pay the renewal fee of $80
Any additional non-resident licenses you hold will also expire. Most state licenses expire every two years and require a renewal fee. Note that unless the state specifically requires it, you will not be required to take CE courses for each state – just your home state.