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You Don’t Need a Law Degree to Make Great Money in Insurance
Let’s be real: not everyone wants to become a lawyer or spend years in school. But if you’re looking for a solid, well-paying job that’s both meaningful and in-demand, becoming a claims adjuster could be your golden ticket.
This isn’t just a desk job. Claims adjusters work in the field, investigate real incidents, and help determine how much money should be paid out — often dealing with car accidents, home damage, or even injury cases.
You can break in fast, earn well, and grow from there. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
WHAT DOES A CLAIMS ADJUSTER ACTUALLY DO?
A claims adjuster works with insurance companies (or the insured) to evaluate claims. In simple terms: someone gets into a car accident, has a house fire, or gets injured — and you’re the one who shows up (or logs in) to assess what happened, calculate the damage, and decide how much should be paid.
There are three main types:
- Staff Adjusters — work directly for insurance companies
- Independent Adjusters — work on contract for multiple insurers
- Public Adjusters — represent policyholders (the insured), not the insurance company
WHY CLAIMS ADJUSTER IS A GREAT CAREER MOVE
- No law degree or advanced education needed
- Fast entry — some start within 3–6 months
- High income potential — average salary: $55,000 to $80,000/year
- Work-life flexibility — many remote or hybrid roles
- Massive demand — especially after hurricanes, fires, or other natural disasters
Bonus: Catastrophe (CAT) adjusters can make $100,000+ in just a few months during storm seasons.
HOW TO BECOME A CLAIMS ADJUSTER (STEP BY STEP)
STEP 1: LEARN THE BASICS OF THE INDUSTRY
You don’t need a legal background — just good communication skills, attention to detail, and basic math.
STEP 2: COMPLETE TRAINING OR TAKE AN ONLINE COURSE
Many states require you to be licensed. You can find affordable adjuster licensing programs online. Some popular ones:
- AdjusterPro
- Kaplan Financial
- The Institutes
Most courses can be completed in a few weeks.
STEP 3: GET LICENSED (IF REQUIRED IN YOUR STATE)
Some states (like Texas or Florida) require a license. Others don’t. If your state doesn’t require one, getting a Texas All-Lines Adjuster License can allow you to work in multiple states (reciprocity).
STEP 4: BUILD EXPERIENCE — EVEN IF IT’S ENTRY LEVEL
Start with internships, call center roles for insurance companies, or assistant adjuster roles. Many companies offer on-the-job training.
STEP 5: APPLY TO STAFF OR INDEPENDENT FIRMS
Look for job titles like:
- Claims Trainee
- Field Claims Adjuster
- Insurance Claims Specialist
- Catastrophe Adjuster
Websites to check include Indeed, Glassdoor, and IA Path — a platform focused on independent adjusters.
REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE: HOW MIKE MADE $10K IN A MONTH
Mike was working in retail, earning $16/hour. He took a 30-day online adjuster course, passed his licensing exam, and landed a contract job as a CAT adjuster during hurricane season. Within one month of storm deployments, he cleared $10,500 — more than 6 months of his old job.
SKILLS YOU NEED TO STAND OUT
- Strong communication (written and verbal)
- Basic tech skills (claims software, photos, documentation)
- Critical thinking and negotiation
- Customer service — because you’ll talk to people who are often emotional or stressed
TOP COMPANIES HIRING CLAIMS ADJUSTERS
- Allstate
- State Farm
- Progressive
- GEICO
- Sedgwick
- Crawford & Company
- Travelers
Many of these offer remote training and work-from-home opportunities.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need a college degree to become a claims adjuster?
No. Many adjusters start with only a high school diploma and complete short licensing courses.
How long does it take to get licensed?
Most programs take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the state and pace of the course.
Can I work remotely as a claims adjuster?
Yes. Many insurance companies offer remote or hybrid roles, especially for desk and virtual adjusters.
What’s the difference between a public and staff adjuster?
Public adjusters work on behalf of policyholders to maximize their payout. Staff adjusters work for insurance companies to determine fair payouts.
FINAL THOUGHTS: THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO GET STARTED
If you’re looking for a stable career, strong income, and a path that doesn’t require years of schooling, becoming a claims adjuster is a smart move.
It’s accessible, fast, and in demand — especially with the rise in climate-related disasters and legal insurance claims.
Found this useful? Share it with a friend or tag someone who’s job hunting. Got a question or tip of your own? Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your story!
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