How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Hawaii

Hawaii issues adjuster licenses through the Hawaii Insurance Division. The state licenses both public and independent adjusters:

• Independent Adjuster — Investigates and settles claims on behalf of insurance companies
• Public Adjuster — Represents policyholders in the claims process and must post a surety bond

Staff adjusters employed by a single insurer may be exempt from individual licensing requirements.

Hawaii does not require any pre-licensing education hours before taking the adjuster exam. Candidates are responsible for preparing independently through self-study or optional exam preparation courses. Given Hawaii's unique insurance regulations and geographic considerations, candidates should ensure their study materials include Hawaii-specific content.

The Hawaii adjuster exam is administered by Pearson VUE and requires a passing score of 70%. The exam covers property and casualty insurance principles, claims adjusting procedures, Hawaii insurance law, and ethical obligations. Due to Hawaii's unique geographic and regulatory environment, the exam includes questions specific to island-related insurance issues.

1. Prepare for the Hawaii adjuster licensing exam
2. Schedule and pass the Pearson VUE exam with a score of 70% or higher
3. Submit fingerprints for a criminal background check
4. Complete the license application through the Hawaii Insurance Division
5. Pay all applicable application, exam, and fingerprint fees
6. For public adjusters: Post the required $10,000 surety bond
7. Receive your Hawaii adjuster license

Hawaii is one of the few states that has no continuing education requirement for licensed adjusters. Once you obtain your Hawaii adjuster license, you are not required to complete any CE hours to maintain or renew it. This makes Hawaii one of the most maintenance-friendly adjuster licenses in the country, alongside Arizona and a small number of other states.

Hawaii participates in non-resident licensing reciprocity. Adjusters who hold an active resident license in their home state can apply for a Hawaii non-resident adjuster license without retaking the state exam. However, due to Hawaii's geographic isolation, non-resident adjusters should be aware of additional logistical and travel considerations when working claims in the state.

Yes. All applicants must submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as part of the Hawaii adjuster licensing process. The background check covers state and FBI criminal history databases, and certain criminal convictions may result in denial of the application.

Public Adjusters in Hawaii must maintain a $10,000 surety bond with the Hawaii Insurance Division. Independent adjusters working on behalf of insurance companies are not required to post a bond.

• Hawaii Insurance Division
• Hawaii Insurance Licensing Information
• Pearson VUE — Insurance Exam Scheduling
• NIPR — National Insurance Producer Registry

Hawaii's isolated island geography creates unique challenges for insurance claims work, including higher costs for materials and labor, longer repair timelines, and specialized construction methods. The state is also exposed to hurricanes, volcanic activity, tsunamis, and flooding. Adjusters working in Hawaii should be prepared for logistical challenges and the higher cost of living associated with deployment to the islands. The lack of a CE requirement makes this license easy to maintain once obtained.