A recent question on workers' compensation adjuster licenses was emailed to me two weeks ago:

James Moore

I have just passed my licensing exam in Georgia to handle workers' compensation claims.  Do I have to take a test for each state to adjust claims outside of my home state?   

Most states allow out-of-state adjusters to adjust claims, but it is not automatic. Do not adjust claims in states where you do not have the authority to do so, or you may end up in quite a bind. You do not want your name listed in an insurance department publication where you have had your license revoked in your home state. Not good.

The following states have reciprocity with Georgia: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.

Some licensing rules and suggestions with reciprocity

Some of the concerns with workers' comp adjuster licenses (P&C licenses) include:

• Must have a valid, up-to-date license in your home state.
• If your home state does not have a licensing requirement, there is no license authority to reciprocate — a very complicated situation. Check with your home state’s insurance department to see how to proceed.
• Pay a yearly fee to the out-of-state insurance department.
• Adjust the same lines of insurance as permitted with your home state license; an all-lines license is always preferable.
• Not all states, such as California, allow reciprocal licensing; check carefully before adjusting any claims.
• Many states will allow licensed claims adjusters from other states to adjust with no license if the state’s insurance department waives the requirement during a catastrophe. One caveat: You cannot adjust lines of insurance that are different than your home state license.

Websites assist with out-of-state comp licenses

I have used Sircon with success. Most reciprocating states allow online applications that speed up the licensing process to a few days. 

Another recommended website to see a map of reciprocity can be found here. Check out how you can reciprocate your license if you have a Texas or Florida workers' comp adjuster license by obtaining a DHS license from those states.

Regardless, it is always best to have an all-lines license. It adds value to your career, such as obtaining your AIC or ARM designations.

This blog post is provided by James Moore, AIC, MBA, ChFC, ARM, and is republished with permission from J&L Risk Management Consultants. Visit the full website at www.cutcompcosts.com.