Becoming an independent insurance adjuster in Delaware 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 Delaware Adjuster License.
Be sure to bookmark this page so you can reference the steps as you need them.
Delaware Adjuster License Requirements
Before you begin the steps to getting your Delaware 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 Delaware (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 Adjuster
Casualty Adjuster
Workers’ Compensation Adjuster (WC)
Motor Vehicle Adjuster
Crop Adjuster
Delaware also offers the option to become an apprentice adjuster.
Some courses offer not only test prep and pre-license credits, but instruction on the day-to-day operations and duties of an adjuster. If you don’t have any experience handling claims, it would be wise to consider these higher-level courses.
Recommended
Kaplan’s adjuster courses have above average pass rates, and come at a considerably lower price than their competition.
To get a Delaware Adjuster license, you’ll complete your pre-education, pass the exam, file your application and fees, then complete your background check and fingerprints.
A common question we receive is: How much is the Delaware adjuster license? Prices will vary depending on the type of license, but the most common license will cost as little as $490.
Another common question is: How long does it take to get the Delaware adjuster license? If you take the proper time to study and pass the exam on your first attempt, the process should take around 3-4 weeks.
Step 1: Delaware Adjuster License Course
The first step to getting your adjuster license is taking your test-prep course.
The prices of these courses range depending on the provider and level of coursework, but generally start around $139.
Be sure that you’re comfortable with the material in the coursework before moving on to your state exam.
You must score at least 70% on the exam to pass. With this in mind, we suggest taking an adjuster license course through an approved provider.
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.
Difficulty is a subjective matter, but we answer this question with: Yes. The exam is intentionally tough.
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.
Resident Crop Adjusters are not required to take an exam in the state of Delaware. You must instead submit a copy of your CAPP card.
Step 3: Delaware Adjuster Application – DDI
Once you’ve passed your exam, the next step is to apply for your license.
The fee to submit an application is $100 for property, casualty, and motor vehicle adjuster licenses. For crop or apprentice licenses, the fee is $50. Apply for your license using the NIPR Delaware Insurance Application page.
Step 4: Submit Fingerprints
Once you’ve submitted your license application, the last step in the process is to submit your fingerprints for your background check.
Schedule an appointment online with IdentoGo to have your fingerprints taken. There are several locations across Delaware that you can complete your scan. You will be required to pay two fees:
State of Delaware Criminal History fee: $72
State of Delaware and Federal Criminal History fee: $85
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 Delaware State Police by phone at (302) 739-5884 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. The DDI 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 by visiting the SBS Delaware website.
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.
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 Delaware, this includes:
West Virginia
New Jersey (no license required)
Maryland (no license required)
Pennsylvania (no license required)
All these states offer what’s called reciprocation with Delaware. 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 Delaware Adjuster License expires every two years for property, casualty, workers’ compensation, crop, and motor vehicle adjusters.The expiration date of your license is set as the last day of your birth month.
Apprentice adjusters’ licenses are only valid for one year. To keep your license active you must:
Pay the renewal fee for a Delaware adjuster license of $100
Complete 12 hours of continuing education (CE) coursework
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.