How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Colorado

Colorado does not require a state-issued license for independent adjusters. Adjusters working on behalf of insurance companies can handle claims in Colorado without obtaining a Colorado-specific adjuster license.

However, Colorado does issue a Public Adjuster License for adjusters who represent policyholders. Public adjusters must pass an exam and meet ongoing requirements.

For independent adjusters, most employers and independent adjusting firms require you to hold a license from a Designated Home State (DHS) — typically Florida or Texas — even though Colorado itself does not mandate one.

Since Colorado does not license independent adjusters, there are no state-mandated pre-licensing education requirements. If you pursue a DHS license from another state (such as the Texas 40-hour pre-licensing course or the Florida exam), you will need to meet that state's education requirements.

Public adjusters in Colorado should check current requirements with the Colorado Division of Insurance for any applicable pre-licensing education.

No exam is required for independent adjusters in Colorado. Public adjusters must pass a state licensing exam covering property and casualty insurance, Colorado insurance law, and claims adjusting procedures.

1. Determine if you need a Public Adjuster license (representing policyholders) or will work as an independent adjuster (representing insurers)
2. For independent adjusters: Choose a Designated Home State for your license (Florida and Texas are the most common choices)
3. Complete your chosen DHS state's licensing requirements (pre-licensing course, exam, application)
4. Use your DHS license credential when applying to independent adjusting firms and deploying to Colorado claims
5. For public adjusters: Apply directly through the Colorado Division of Insurance

Colorado has no CE requirements for independent adjusters since the state does not issue the license. Public adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

Your CE obligations are determined by your DHS state. If you hold a Texas DHS license, you must complete 24 CE hours every 2 years through Texas-approved providers.

Since Colorado does not license independent adjusters, reciprocity is managed through your DHS state. A Florida or Texas home state license provides access to non-resident licensing in most other states that require adjuster licenses. Colorado will accept adjusters working under licenses from any state.

• Colorado Division of Insurance
• Colorado Insurance Licensing Information
• NIPR — National Insurance Producer Registry

Colorado is one of the most active catastrophe claims markets in the country despite not requiring an adjuster license. The state is often referred to as the "hailstorm capital of the United States" due to frequent and severe hailstorms along the Front Range, particularly in the Denver metro area and Colorado Springs. Wildfires have also become an increasingly significant exposure, with the Marshall Fire in 2021 becoming one of the most destructive wildfires in Colorado history. Adjusters deploying to Colorado should be prepared for high-volume hail and fire claims.