How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Louisiana

Louisiana issues adjuster licenses under two primary categories:

• Independent Adjuster — Adjusters contracted by insurers to investigate, negotiate, and settle property and casualty claims on the insurer's behalf
• Public Adjuster — Adjusters who represent policyholders in the claims process, advocating for maximum settlement on behalf of the insured

Staff adjusters employed directly by an insurance company are generally exempt from individual licensing requirements. Louisiana's licensing framework is administered by the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI).

Louisiana does not require pre-licensing education for adjuster applicants. There is no mandatory coursework before sitting for the state exam, which makes the licensing process faster compared to states that require 40 or more hours of classroom instruction.

However, many applicants choose to take a voluntary exam preparation course to improve their chances of passing on the first attempt. These prep courses typically cover Louisiana insurance law, claims adjusting fundamentals, and ethical practices.

The Louisiana adjuster licensing exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice test administered by Prometric at testing centers throughout the state. A 70% passing score is required. The exam covers property insurance, casualty insurance, claims adjusting procedures, Louisiana insurance law, and ethics.

Candidates who do not pass on the first attempt may retake the exam after a waiting period. The exam fee is $15, making Louisiana one of the most affordable states for the exam itself. Study materials are available through multiple approved providers.

1. Register for and pass the adjuster licensing exam through Prometric
2. Submit fingerprints for background check processing
3. Complete the license application through the LDI online licensing portal
4. Pay the application fee ($55) and fingerprint processing fee (~$61)
5. Public adjuster applicants: obtain and file a $50,000 surety bond
6. Receive your adjuster license (processing typically takes 2-4 weeks)

Louisiana requires all licensed adjusters to complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years for license renewal. CE coursework must include ethics training and may include updates to Louisiana insurance law and claims handling procedures. Courses must be taken through LDI-approved providers.

Louisiana participates in non-resident licensing reciprocity. Adjusters licensed in their home state can apply for a Louisiana non-resident license without retaking the state exam, provided their home state has comparable licensing standards. Non-resident applications are submitted through NIPR.

Yes. All adjuster applicants must submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check. Fingerprints are processed through the Louisiana State Police and the FBI. The fingerprint fee is approximately $61 and is paid separately from the application fee.

Public Adjusters must obtain and maintain a $50,000 surety bond with the Louisiana Department of Insurance. The bond protects policyholders from potential misconduct. Independent adjusters are not required to post a bond.

• Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI)
• LDI Adjuster Licensing Information
• Prometric — Louisiana Insurance Exams
• NIPR — National Insurance Producer Registry

Louisiana is among the highest-volume catastrophe claims states in the nation, driven by major hurricanes including Katrina (2005), Laura (2020), and Ida (2021). The state's Gulf Coast exposure generates consistent demand for licensed adjusters, particularly during hurricane season from June through November. Getting licensed in Louisiana is a strategic move for any adjuster pursuing catastrophe work.