How do I become an auto (car) insurance claims adjuster?

Auto damage appraising is the claims specialty tied to car insurance. Requirements vary by state: some states license or certify appraisers separately, while in others company-employed adjusters work under the insurance company's license. Entry-level education is typically a high school diploma, with training on the job. Insurance appraisers for auto damage earned a median of $78,240 per year in May 2025, and employment in the occupation is projected to decline 9% from 2025 to 2035.

Kansas does not license auto claims adjusters. The state licenses only public adjusters, and that license is limited to first-party claims under commercial insurance contracts; per Kansas Attorney General Opinion 2025-22, residential public adjusting is neither prohibited nor required to be licensed. Adjusters who want a state license typically obtain a designated home state license from a state that licenses adjusters, and staff or independent adjusters work in Kansas by contracting with insurers or adjusting firms.

To adjust auto claims in Vermont, obtain the Adjuster's Property and Casualty license: be at least 18, pass the Prometric Series 14-33 exam ($67.60), and meet the experience requirement, which is two years handling loss claims, special training, or supervision by a Vermont-licensed adjuster with 3 or more years of experience. The paper application takes a $30 application fee plus a $120 license fee, and the license runs April 1 to March 31 of even years. A PC adjuster may not adjust workers' compensation claims; that requires a separate WC Adjuster license.