How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Tennessee

Tennessee is a non-licensing state for independent insurance adjusters. The state does not require independent or staff adjusters to hold a state-issued license. However, Public Adjusters must obtain a license through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

Independent adjusters working in Tennessee should still obtain a Designated Home State (DHS) license from another state (commonly Florida or Texas) for the following reasons:

• Most independent adjusting firms require a license before adding you to their rosters
• A DHS license enables you to apply for non-resident licenses in states that require licensing
• Insurance carriers increasingly prefer or require licensed adjusters for claims assignments

Tennessee has no pre-licensing education requirements for independent adjusters. If you pursue a DHS license from another state, you will need to meet that state's specific requirements.

Public adjuster applicants should contact the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for current education requirements.

No state exam is required for independent adjusters since Tennessee does not issue that license type. Public adjuster applicants must meet the examination requirements set by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.

1. Choose a Designated Home State for your license (Florida and Texas are most common)
2. Complete that state's licensing requirements (pre-licensing course, exam, and application)
3. Obtain your DHS license
4. Use your DHS license to work in Tennessee and apply for non-resident licenses in other states
5. If pursuing public adjuster work, apply for a Tennessee Public Adjuster license separately

Independent adjusters have no Tennessee CE requirements since the state does not issue the license. Public adjusters must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain their license.

If you hold a DHS license, your CE requirements are determined by your home state. Both Florida and Texas require 24 CE hours every 2 years, including ethics coursework.

Since Tennessee does not issue independent adjuster licenses, reciprocity is managed through your DHS state. A Florida or Texas home state license provides access to non-resident licensing in most states that require adjuster licensure.

Tennessee does participate in non-resident public adjuster licensing through NIPR for those who hold that specific license type.

• Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance
• Tennessee Insurance Licensing
• NIPR — National Insurance Producer Registry

Tennessee offers a growing insurance market, particularly in the Nashville metropolitan area, which has experienced rapid population and economic growth. The state is also highly exposed to tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and straight-line winds, creating consistent demand for catastrophe adjusters. Tennessee's affordable cost of living and central geographic location make it an attractive base for adjusters who travel for catastrophe deployments. While independent adjusters don't need a state license, a DHS license is effectively required by most employers.