Becoming an independent insurance adjuster in Vermont 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 Vermont Adjuster License.
Be sure to bookmark this page so you can reference the steps as you need them.
Vermont Adjuster License Requirements
Before you begin the steps to getting your Vermont 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 Vermont (non-residents will need to apply for a different license)
You must be able to pass a background check (more info in step 4)
You must complete two years of relevant experience
Along with these requirements, you’ll also need to choose which lines of insurance you’d like to work within.
To get a Vermont Adjuster license, you’ll complete your adjuster course, meet experience requirements, pass the exam, then file your application and fees.
A common question we receive is: How much is the Vermont adjuster license? Prices will vary depending on the type of license, but the most common license will cost as little as $300.
Another common question is: How long does it take to get the Vermont 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: Meet Experience Requirements
The Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (VDFR) requires adjuster applicants to complete experience requirements before applying or sitting for the exam.
The experience or accreditation required is dependent on the type of license you’re applying for:
Workers’ compensation adjusters must have at least two years of experience in or special training handling in Workers’ Compensation.
Property and casualty adjusters must have at least two years of experience in, or special training, handling loss claims.
Crop adjusters may be required to be certified as having passed a proficiency examination approved by the Federal Risk Management Agency.
Step 2: Vermont Adjuster License Course
Once you’ve completed you experience requirement, the next step is to take a 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 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.
Along with two checks, one $120 check for your license fee and one $30 for your application fee, both payable to VT Dept. of Financial Regulation. Mail all documents and checks to the following address:
Vermont Department of Financial Regulation Insurance Division – Producer Licensing 89 Main Street Montpelier, VT 05620-3101
Checking the Status of Your Application
If everything goes smoothly, you’ll receive a message from the licensing department within two or so days containing your license number and any other pertinent information. You can check the status of your license online through the NIPR Vermont 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 Vermont, this includes:
New York
New Hampshire
Massachusetts (no license required)
Maine
Maine and New Hampshire offer what’s called reciprocation with Vermont. 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 Vermont Adjuster License expires every two years. To keep your license active, you must pay the renewal fee of $120.
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.