Arkansas residents interested in becoming an independent claims adjuster working catastrophic claims across the country should strongly consider first obtaining their resident Arkansas adjuster license. Non-residents interested in working claims in Arkansas may be required to obtain this license before being allowed an assignment. There is an exam required and a stipulation regarding experience. Follow these 3 steps to obtain and maintain your adjuster license in Arkansas.
Step 1) Observe the Requirements
Individuals applying for an Arkansas adjuster license must be 18 years of age or older. According to the Arkansas Department of Insurance, if you are a resident of Arkansas you must have "at least one year of experience in claims adjusting or must work under the direct supervision of an Arkansas licensed adjuster for 1 year after licensure to maintain the adjuster license." Finally, residents must pass an insurance adjuster exam administered by Promissor.
Step 2) Obtain the License
To successfully become a licensed Arkansas adjuster, you will need to fill out and submit the Adjuster Application Form AID-LI-ADJ and accompany it with a $60 licensing fee. Page 5 of the application requires your consent to allow the State Police to conduct a criminal record search and release any results to the Arkansas Insurance Department. This, however, only applies to resident applicants. Arkansas grants reciprocal licensing privileges to non-resident adjusters holding a license in their home state. Unfortunately, if your home state does not require a license to be an adjuster, you must then pass the Arkansas adjuster exam.
Step 3) Maintain the License
Licensed Arkansas adjusters must renew their license once yearly by submitting a renewal application and a $35 renewal fee. There are no Continuing Education requirements mandated by Arkansas for the proper maintenance of the adjuster license.
Summary: Ultimately, residents of Arkansas will want to obtain their resident Arkansas adjuster license - whether you intend to work claims there or not. Independent catastrophic adjusters who work outside the state but have their primary residence in Arkansas should strongly consider obtaining this license. Many states will not allow you to reciprocally obtain their license if you are not licensed in your resident state. This is not your prototypical risk state for disaster, but as it borders the tornado belt, and with frequent hail storms and flooding, non-resident applicant interest should remain stable. For additional licensing information, refer to the complete Arkansas insurance adjuster requirements.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Daniel Kerr has served as a career and training consultant for thousands of experienced and aspiring professionals in the insurance claims adjuster industry. In addition to his work as a catastrophic claims adjuster, Daniel acted as the V.P. of Operations for one of the most successful adjuster licensing companies in the country - helping to grow the business into the most recognized brand in the industry.
