How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Delaware

Delaware issues adjuster licenses through the Delaware Department of Insurance with multiple license types based on the lines of coverage:

• Property Adjuster — Handles property damage claims (fire, wind, hail, water damage, etc.)
• Casualty Adjuster — Handles liability and casualty claims
• Motor Vehicle Physical Damage Adjuster — Specializes in automobile damage claims
• Workers' Compensation Adjuster — Handles workers' compensation injury claims

Most independent adjusters obtain Property and Casualty licenses for the broadest scope of work. Staff adjusters employed by a single insurer may be exempt from individual licensing.

Delaware does not require any pre-licensing education hours before sitting for the adjuster exam. Candidates are responsible for preparing independently through self-study materials or optional exam preparation courses offered by third-party providers.

The Delaware adjuster exam is administered by Pearson VUE and requires a passing score of 70%. The exam covers insurance principles, claims adjusting procedures, Delaware insurance law, and the specific line of coverage for the license type being pursued. Candidates must pass a separate exam for each license type they wish to hold.

1. Determine which license type(s) you need (Property, Casualty, Motor Vehicle, Workers' Comp)
2. Prepare for and pass the corresponding Pearson VUE exam(s) with a 70% or higher score
3. Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check
4. Complete the license application through the Delaware Department of Insurance or via NIPR
5. Pay all applicable application and fingerprint fees
6. Receive your Delaware adjuster license (processing time varies)

Delaware requires 12 hours of continuing education every 2 years for license renewal. This is lower than the 24-hour requirement in most other states. CE courses must be approved by the Delaware Department of Insurance, and ethics coursework may be required as part of the total hours.

Delaware participates in non-resident licensing reciprocity. Adjusters who hold an active resident license in their home state can apply for a Delaware non-resident adjuster license without retaking the state exam. Non-resident applications are processed through NIPR or directly through the Delaware Department of Insurance.

Yes. All applicants must submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as part of the Delaware adjuster licensing process. Background checks are conducted through state and FBI databases, and certain criminal convictions may result in denial of the application.

• Delaware Department of Insurance
• Delaware Producer Licensing
• Pearson VUE — Insurance Exam Scheduling
• NIPR — National Insurance Producer Registry

Delaware is a small state but sits within the Philadelphia and Baltimore metropolitan areas, which generates steady claims volume. The state's 12-hour CE requirement is one of the lowest in the country, making it a relatively low-maintenance license to hold. Delaware also experiences coastal storm damage along its Atlantic shoreline, including Nor'easters and tropical storm impacts.