Becoming an independent insurance adjuster in Minnesota 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 Minnesota Adjuster License.
Be sure to bookmark this page so you can reference the steps as you need them.
Minnesota Adjuster License Requirements
Before you begin the steps to getting your Minnesota 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 Minnesota (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.
To get a Minnesota Adjuster license, you’ll complete your adjuster course, pass the exam, file your application and fees, then submit your proof of citizenship and fingerprints.
A common question we receive is: How much is the Minnesota adjuster license? Prices will vary depending on the type of license, but the most common license will cost as little as $290.
Another common question is: How long does it take to get the Minnesota 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: Minnesota 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.
Depending on the type of license you’re working toward, the number of questions, time allotted, and exam outline may 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.
Step 4: Submit Fingerprints for a Background Check
Once you’ve submitted your license application, the last step in the process is to submit your fingerprints. You can submit your fingerprints one of two ways:
Electronic fingerprinting at PSI Test Center Locations after you’ve completed your exam. This requires a $65 fingerprinting fee.
Manual fingerprinting at any local police station. Once you have completed your fingerprinting, a card will be given to you. Mail this card along with a Background Check Consent Form and a check for $33.25 payable to Minnesota Department of Commerce to the following address:
Administration Division Attn: Licensing Minnesota Department of Commerce 85 – 7th Place East, Suite 280 St. Paul, MN 55101
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 Minnesota Department of Commerce 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 MDC 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 in about ten business days containing your license number and any other pertinent information. You can check the status of your license online using the Sircon website.
Congratulations! You are now a licensed insurance adjuster in Minnesota!
After Getting Your License
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 Minnesota, this includes:
Wisconsin
Michigan
North Dakota
South Dakota
Most of these states do not require a license to operate as an insurance adjuster in the state. However, Michigan offers what’s called reciprocation with Minnesota. 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 Minnesota 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 $50 per line of authority
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.