Course Overview
The Public Adjuster Licensing Course prepares you for a unique role in insurance: representing policyholders — not insurance companies — in filing, documenting, and negotiating their claims. This 40-hour course meets New York’s pre-licensing requirement and covers the regulations and practices you’ll need to pass the licensing exam administered through the Department of Financial Services. Because public adjusters work solely for their clients, it’s a meaningful, in-demand career, and no prior insurance experience is required to begin.
Pass your exam, post your surety bond, and start advocating for policyholders who need someone in their corner.
Why choose REEDC for your insurance pre-licensing education?
- 100,000+ Graduates Licensed and Employed
- Industry’s Most Flexible Schedule
- Classroom, Livestream via Zoom, and Online Self-Paced Courses Available
- Lifetime Job Placement Assistance
- Classes available in Mandarin and Spanish at Select Locations (contact us for more info)
Key Topics Covered
This 40-hour course gives you the foundation to pass the New York licensing exam and start advocating for policyholders: covering insurance policies, the claims and settlement process, and the state laws that govern public adjusters. Here’s a look at what you’ll learn.
- Insurance & Public Adjusting Basics
- Reading & Interpreting Policies
- Property & Casualty Coverages
- The Claims Process
- Documenting & Estimating Losses
- Appraising Property Damage
- Negotiating Settlements
- Working on Behalf of Policyholders
- New York Insurance Laws & Regulations
- Public Adjuster Licensing & Bonding
- Fee Limits & Contracts
- Ethics & Conflicts of Interest
Average rating 4.2 based on 39 reviews
El H.
This recommendation is for Garry, one of the Property and Casualty Insurance Broker Pre-Licensing course instructors. He kept class interesting and fun and almost my whole class passed the exam the first time. He really seemed to care about his students and their comprehension of the material as opposed to just drilling the correct answers into us.
Jillian R.
At the time of writing this, I am about 75% done with my classes at REEDC and I am having such a great time that I felt compelled to write a review.
The instructor is very knowledgeable, funny and engaging. When you are there, you genuinely follow the material because it is taught so well.
Todd M.
I have just finished my course and exam here. I cannot say enough about this wonderful place! There is a great concern and devotion on the part of everyone there that your experience is positive and you are happy with your learning. Most impressive was the incredible effort put towards job placement, recruiting, and real world networking.
Jessie B.
The Property Casualty Insurance course was taught by Garry Smalley, a great instructor who engaged the class and made the whole experience worthwhile. Believe it or not, I remember laughing a few times in the class from some of the stories. I just got my license today! Passed on my first try, the course was more then enough if you are willing to study 1-2 hours a few nights a week
Paul L.
Just finished two weeks of classes, and I couldn’t be more pleased. The teacher, Greg is very impressive, having been in the field, and is a wealth of knowledge. He always has time to answer my many questions. I live in Brooklyn, and work in Manhattan, and if I don’t feel like coming into NY on weekends, I can go to their Brooklyn office, which works out well for me.
Susan M.
Our Public Adjuster Licensing Packages
Become a licensed Public Adjuster by registering for one of the packages below:
Best Value
Complete Insurance Package
$1500
A value of $2000+
- Life, Accident & Health Licensing Course
- Property & Casualty Licensing Course
- Public Adjuster Licensing Course
- All Textbooks Included
- Practice Exams
- Expert Training by Industry Professionals
Package
Public Adjuster Plus
$599
A value of $700+
- Public Adjuster Licensing Course
- Course Textbook Included
- Practice Exams
- Expert Training by Industry Professionals
- 1 Hour Coaching Session
Package
Public Adjuster Basic
$450
A value of $500+
- Public Adjuster Licensing Course
- Expert Training by Industry Professionals
Helpful Links
Pre-Licensing Requirements
Public Adjusters are different from other insurance professionals, and although they share many of the same requirements, there are some variations. To become a licensed Public Adjuster in New York, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not have been convicted of a felony or a crime involving fraud or dishonesty (applicants who have received a certificate of good conduct from the Board of Parole may still qualify)
- Take and pass the state licensing exam within two years of application
- Submit all required fees and forms to the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS)
Due to the nature of the role, Public Adjusters have additional requirements that other insurance professionals do not. In addition, Public Adjusters must also:
- Provide five certificates of character from community members who have known the applicant for at least five years and are not related by blood or marriage
- Provide a $1,000 surety bond to cover the licensing period
- Be electronically fingerprinted through IdentoGO
- Provide proof of the required filing of a partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or trade name, if applicable
Once obtained, your license is valid for two years. New York is not reciprocal with any other state for licensing adjusters, which means you may only perform Public Adjuster duties within the State of New York with this license.
Opportunity
Public Adjusters are trained professionals concerned solely with their clients’ interests. Many find the work deeply fulfilling, because it directly helps clients secure the financial support they need to recover from a disaster or unfortunate event such as fire, vandalism, or a weather-related catastrophe. In New York, Public Adjusters are compensated with a percentage of the settlement, capped at 12.5% but subject to negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a public adjuster do?
A public adjuster represents policyholders — not insurance companies — in filing, documenting, and negotiating their insurance claims. When someone suffers a loss from fire, water, storm, or other damage, a public adjuster works on their behalf to help them receive the fullest settlement their policy allows.
Do I need experience or a degree to start?
No degree or prior experience is required to take the course. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old and complete the 40-hour pre-licensing course to qualify for the state exam. If you already have at least one year of insurance experience in sales, underwriting, or claims, you may be able to waive the course requirement.
What does it take to get licensed beyond the course?
Public adjusters have a few requirements other insurance professionals don’t. Along with passing the state exam, you’ll need to post a $1,000 surety bond, submit five certificates of character, and complete fingerprinting through IdentoGO. Your license is then issued by the Department of Financial Services.
How do public adjusters get paid?
Public adjusters are paid a percentage of the settlement they help their clients recover, rather than a flat fee or salary. In New York, that percentage is capped at 12.5% and is negotiable. Because they’re paid based on results, their interests are aligned with their clients’.
Can I also work as an independent adjuster?
Yes. Completing this course and passing the exam also qualifies you to work as an independent adjuster, representing insurance companies rather than policyholders. That gives you flexibility to work either side of the claims process and broadens your career options.