How to Become a Public Adjuster in Tennessee

A public adjuster is an insurance professional that assesses damages to help settle claims for policy holders. Public adjusters are hired by policy holders and have no affiliation with a specific insurance company.

Common reasons to hire a public adjuster include:

Simplifying and expediting the claims process
Avoiding the complicated filing process
Navigating insurance claims

Learn how you can become a licensed public adjuster in this step-by-step guide.

How Do I Get a Tennessee Public Adjuster License?

All public adjusters working in Tennessee are required to get a license. Once approved, your license will last for two years. Follow these six steps to apply.

Step 1: Establish your eligibility

To be a public adjuster in Tennessee, you must meet the following requirements:

Be at least 18 years of age
Have proof of financial responsibility
Have a clean business record

If you can’t meet these eligibility requirements, your license application will likely not be approved.

Step 2: Purchase surety bond and E&O

Alongside your application, you must file a $50,000 surety bond and proof of an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy.

The surety bond protects your clients in cases of fraud or intentional misrepresentation. It ensures that you comply with Tennessee Code Title 56, Chapter 6.

The E&O policy protects you from legal damages if a customer accuses you of negligence or failure to provide accurate information.

Step 3: Take your exam

Next, you must pass the public adjuster exam. There is no mandatory pre-license training, but exam prep classes are available to help you pass.

You can schedule and pay for your exam through Pearson VUE or by calling 1(800)274-4957.

Pearson will automatically submit your scores to the Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI). If you fail, sign up and pay the $50 exam fee to take it again.

Step 4: Establish a place of business

Set up and maintain an office that the public can access through appointment hours or reasonable business hours for licensing approval.

Also select an already licensed public adjuster to be responsible for managing compliance with state insurance laws, rules and regulations.

Step 5: Background check

Before submitting your application, you must complete a fingerprint–based background check. The fingerprints you submit will be used to check your criminal history record with the TBI and FBI.

Use Identogo to make an appointment for digital fingerprints. Use your zip code to find the service location nearest to you. Then, follow the site prompts to make an appointment or call 1(855)226-2937.

Step 6: Submit application

Wait at least 48 hours after taking the exam before submitting your application to the DCI.

You can apply online via NIPR or file a uniform paper application. Follow the application instructions carefully and upload all supporting documentation, including the following:

A background check
$100 filing fee
Proof of surety bond and E&O policy

Once you submit your packet and the additional components, the DCI will process your application.

Please Note: Once you receive your license, the Commissioner reserves the right to revoke it at any time if you violate any laws.

Do I Need to Live In Tennessee to Apply for a Public Adjuster License?

All public adjusters with clients in Tennessee need to apply for a license. You may live and operate your business in another state but still be required to get licensed.

Out–of–state and non-resident adjusters do not need to take the Tennessee licensing exam, but you do need to prove that you are legally licensed in your home state.

You must also submit the Home State Verification through the National Producer Data Base (PDB) or a Letter of Certification.

You still have to apply via NIPR or file a uniform paper application and pay the $100 filing fee.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Public Adjuster License?

The upfront fees to get a public adjuster license range from $1335 to $1800. The fee breakdown typically looks like this:

E&O coverage: $650
Surety bond premium: $500
Exam fee: $50
Fingerprinting: $35.15
Filing fee: $100

Financial fees are subject to change based on your personal credit score and coverage needs.

You’ll also want to calculate the cost of operating your business location, including rent and mortgages as well as any overhead costs.

How Do I Renew My Public Adjuster License?

Your license will remain active for two years. Renewals occur on the same date your original license was issued. To renew your bond, simply notify the DCI and pay the $100 renewal fee.

If your license lapses because you don’t renew it in time, you have 12 months to complete the form. You will also have to pay an additional $100 late fee.

You must have an active bond throughout your entire license period.

What Are the Continuing Education Requirements?

Licensed Tennessee public adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. These are typically ethics courses and must be approved by the Commissioner.

Non-residents who have met the continuing education requirements in their own state, and whose state gives credits to residents of Tennessee, do not have to fulfill this requirement.

How to Get a Public Adjuster License in Tennessee