# How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Tennessee

_Licensing_

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Tennessee does not require independent insurance adjusters to hold a state-issued license, making it a non-licensing state for most adjuster types. However, public adjusters must be licensed through the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. The state's exposure to tornadoes, severe storms, and its rapidly growing Nashville metro market create strong demand for claims professionals. If you are a Tennessee resident planning a career in independent adjusting, obtaining a Designated Home State (DHS) license from Florida or Texas is the standard path to entering the profession.



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 rostersA DHS license enables you to apply for non-resident licenses in states that require licensingInsurance carriers increasingly prefer or require licensed adjusters for claims assignments

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.



Choose a Designated Home State for your license (Florida and Texas are most common)Complete that state's licensing requirements (pre-licensing course, exam, and application)Obtain your DHS licenseUse your DHS license to work in Tennessee and apply for non-resident licenses in other statesIf 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.



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.