Notice for Resident and Nonresident PC Adjusters: The department is continuing its effort to streamline licensing function and process. Non Resident PC Adjusters who hold a Resident PC Adjuster license in their Resident State, and Resident PC Adjusters can apply for a license using NIPR. The electronic process is open for Adjusters who are licensed using a DHS (Designated Home State) because their Resident State does not license Adjusters. For those with a DHS, you will need to apply using NIPR's product NRAL (Non Resident Adjuster Licensing).
For information about licensing requirements, how to apply for a license and FAQs. Vermont Law defines an Adjuster to mean, any person who investigates claims and negotiates settlement of claims arising under policies of insurance in behalf of insurers under such policies, or who advertises or solicits business from insurers as an adjuster. Lawyers settling claims of clients shall not be considered an adjuster. A license as an adjuster shall not be required of an official or employee of a Vermont domiciled fire or casualty insurance company or of a duly licensed resident insurance producer of a licensed insurer who is authorized by such insurer to appraise losses under policies issued by such insurer. See Title 8, §4791.
License Requirements
In order to obtain an Adjuster license an applicant must be at least 18 years of age; must be deemed to be competent, trustworthy and financially responsible; have passed a written examination; meet an experience requirement and submit a license application and fees. The experience requirement may be satisfied in three different ways:
- The applicant possesses two years’ experience in handling of loss claims.
- The applicant has undergone special training of sufficient duration and scope to make him/her competent to fulfill the responsibilities of the license sought. A person seeking to have special training recognized should submit a detailed description of the training, including syllabi, curriculum and training material.
- The applicant is employed by and subject to the immediate personal supervision of a licensed adjuster who is licensed in Vermont and who has been licensed for not less than three years next preceding the date of application for the license.
For further information, see Title 8, §4803.
Initial Adjuster Licensing Fees
How to Apply for a License
Nonresident and Resident Electronic Application
- PC Adjusters who hold a Resident PC Adjuster license in their Resident State can apply electronically using either NIPR;
- PC Adjusters who have a Designated Home State (DHS), can apply using NIPR; and
- PC Adjuster: Vermont does not allow non-resident adjusters to designate Vermont as a home state at this time.
Complete the online application process and pay the relevant fees. Attachment #2 is no longer required for electronic submissions.
If your application is routine, and does not require any additional information, the license is generally issued within 48 hours.
If your application is not routine, you will be notified on-line that additional information must be submitted directly by you to the Department. All additional information that must be submitted is outlined on the application, and can be faxed to (802) 828-1633. Your license application will be reviewed after all required information has been received.
Resident Paper Application Submission
An applicant must submit to the department the following:
- NAIC Uniform Individual Application (This application is used for ALL license types, though they are not all specified on the form);
- The original score report showing passage of the Adjuster's Property and Casualty examination;
- Attachment #2 Certification print a hard copy, fill in; and,
- A license application fee of $30.00 and a license fee of $120.00. Checks may be made payable to VT Dept. of Financial Regulation.
- Attachment #1 Social Security Disclosure is for your information.
Nonresident Paper Application
An applicant must submit to the department the following:
- NAIC Uniform Individual Application (This application is used for all license types, although they are not all specified on the Form);
- A home state certification (no older than 90 days preceding receipt by the department of the application);
- Attachment #2 Certifications print a hard copy, fill in; and,
- A license application fee of $30.00 and a license fee. Please locate the state in which you reside to determine the license fee (see Fee Chart). Checks should be made payable to VT Dept. of Financial Regulation.
- Attachment #1 Social Security Disclosure is for your information.
NOTE: All applicants must satisfy an examination requirement in order to be licensed. If a nonresident has not taken an examination, or resides in a state that does not require a license examination, the applicant can either:
Submit a letter of certification from another state where the applicant did take an examination and is currently licensed, or
Take and pass the Vermont Adjuster's Property and Casualty examination and submit the original test score report with the application.
FAQs
- What is a Property and Casualty Adjuster?
- What is the license term?
- Does Vermont require Continuing Education for Property and Casualty Adjusters?
- Is a staff adjuster or other salaried employee of an insurance company who adjust claims required to be licensed in Vermont as an adjuster?
- Does an Adjuster have specific record keeping requirements under Vermont law?
- How long do records have to be maintained?
- Is a Property and Casualty Adjuster authorized to adjust Workers Compensation claims?
- Who should I contact with license questions?
- Does Vermont allow the use of Catastrophe Adjusters/Appraisers?
What is a Property and Casualty Adjuster?
An Adjuster is any person who investigates claims and negotiates settlement of claims arising under policies of insurance in behalf of insurers under such policies, or who advertises or solicits business from insurers as an adjuster. Lawyers settling claims of clients shall not be considered an adjuster. A license as an adjuster shall not be required of an official or employee of a domestic fire or casualty insurance company or of a duly licensed resident insurance producer of a domestic or duly licensed foreign insurer who is authorized by such insurer to appraise losses under policies issued by such insurer.
What is the license term?
The license term is April 1st to March 31st of even years. The Department will send out renewal notices for existing licensees at the beginning of the even year. Note, license fees are not prorated and the license term is fixed, regardless of time of application.
Does Vermont require Continuing Education for Property and Casualty Adjusters?
No.
Is a staff adjuster or other salaried employee of an insurance company who adjust claims required to be licensed in Vermont as an adjuster?
Yes. There is no exception to the licensing requirement in Vermont for staff adjusters or salaried employees with the exception of an official or employee of a Vermont domestic insurance company. See Bulletin #172
Does an Adjuster have specific record keeping requirements under Vermont law?
Yes. Each Adjuster shall keep at the address shown on the license a record of all transactions under the license. The record shall include:
A copy of all investigations, adjustments or appraisals undertaken or consummated.
A statement of any fee, commission or other compensation received or to be received by the Adjuster on account of such investigation, adjustment, or appraisal.
The Adjuster shall make such records available for examination by the commissioner at all times, and shall retain the records for at least three years.
How long do records have to be maintained?
Three years.
Is a Property and Casualty Adjuster authorized to adjust Workers Compensation claims?
No. A person adjusting Workers Compensation claims on behalf of an insurer must possess a Workers Compensation Adjuster license.
Who should I contact with license questions?
For answers to additional questions that have not been addressed in the FAQs above, send an email to dfr.producerlicensing@vermont.gov please be sure to provide a telephone number where we can contact you
Does Vermont allow the use of Catastrophe Adjusters/Appraisers?
Yes. Under Vermont law in the event of a catastrophe a licensed insurer may use an Adjuster or Appraiser who is not licensed in Vermont to adjust claims arising out of the catastrophe. The following guidelines apply:
A catastrophe must have occurred. The Department will notify insurers on its Website if an event has been recognized as a catastrophe by the Commissioner for purposes of allowing the use of individuals who are not licensed in Vermont. Insurers are welcome to contact the Department for further guidance.
The adjuster/appraiser must be licensed in his/her resident state or other state if resident state does not issue such license;
The insurer must notify the Department via email to dfr.producerlicensing@vermont.gov of its intention to use catastrophe adjusters/appraisers and provide a list of the names, addresses and license information for individuals who will be adjusting/appraising;
Within ninety (90) days from the date of a claim denial a Vermont licensed adjuster will review the denial to ensure the claim was properly adjusted.
For answers to additional questions that have not been addressed in the FAQs above, send an email to dfr.producerlicensing@vermont.gov please be sure to provide a telephone number where we can contact you.
Vermont Department of Financial Regulation
Insurance Division – Producer Licensing
89 Main Street
Montpelier, VT 05620-3101
802-828-3303 Telephone
802-828-1633 Fax