How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in New Hampshire

New Hampshire issues adjuster licenses under two primary categories:

• Independent Adjuster — Adjusters contracted by insurers to investigate, negotiate, and settle property and casualty claims
• Public Adjuster — Adjusters who represent policyholders in the claims process

The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) administers the licensing program. Staff adjusters employed directly by an insurer may be subject to different requirements.

New Hampshire is one of the few states that requires pre-licensing education before adjuster applicants can sit for the state exam. Applicants must complete an approved pre-licensing course that covers property and casualty insurance fundamentals, claims adjusting procedures, New Hampshire insurance law, and ethics.

This requirement distinguishes New Hampshire from the majority of states, which allow applicants to sit for the exam without any formal coursework. The pre-licensing course provides a structured foundation and helps ensure applicants are well-prepared for both the exam and the responsibilities of claims adjusting.

The New Hampshire adjuster licensing exam is administered by PSI and is a multiple-choice, computer-based test requiring a 70% passing score. The exam covers property insurance, casualty insurance, claims adjusting procedures, New Hampshire insurance law, and ethics.

Candidates must complete the required pre-licensing course before they are eligible to sit for the exam. Those who do not pass on the first attempt may retake the exam after a waiting period.

1. Complete the required pre-licensing education course through an approved provider
2. Register for and pass the PSI licensing exam (70% passing score)
3. Submit your license application through NIPR
4. Pay all application, exam, and course fees (total approximately $140)
5. Receive your adjuster license

Important: License renewals must be submitted through NIPR. New Hampshire has a strict no-late-renewal policy — if your renewal is not submitted before the expiration date, you cannot renew and must re-apply as a new applicant at twice the standard renewal fee. Set calendar reminders well in advance of your renewal deadline.

New Hampshire requires all licensed adjusters to complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years for license renewal. CE courses must be taken through providers approved by the New Hampshire Insurance Department and should cover property and casualty insurance, claims handling, ethics, and regulatory updates.

New Hampshire participates in non-resident licensing reciprocity through NIPR. Adjusters licensed in their home state can apply for a New Hampshire non-resident license without retaking the state exam, provided their home state has comparable licensing standards. All non-resident applications must be submitted through NIPR.

Background check requirements are part of the application process. Contact the New Hampshire Insurance Department for current fingerprint and background check procedures.

• New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID)
• NHID Adjuster Licensing Information
• PSI Exams
• NIPR — National Insurance Producer Registry

New Hampshire's pre-licensing education requirement places it in a small group of states that mandate coursework before the exam. Adjusters should also pay close attention to the state's strict no-late-renewal policy — there is no grace period, and missing the renewal deadline means starting over with a new application at double the cost. New Hampshire's Nor'easter and winter storm exposure, particularly in the White Mountains and along the seacoast, generates seasonal claims activity for property adjusters.