How to Become an Insurance Adjuster in Virginia

Virginia 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 Virginia Bureau of Insurance, which is part of the State Corporation Commission (SCC).

Independent adjusters working in Virginia 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 for roster placement
• A DHS license provides access to non-resident licensing in states that require it
• Carriers and employers increasingly prefer licensed adjusters for claims assignments

Virginia 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 pre-licensing requirements.

Public adjuster applicants should contact the Virginia Bureau of Insurance for current education and examination requirements.

No state exam is required for independent adjusters since Virginia does not issue that license type. Public adjuster applicants must meet the examination requirements established by the Virginia Bureau of 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 Virginia and apply for non-resident licenses in other states
5. If pursuing public adjuster work, apply for a Virginia Public Adjuster license separately through the Bureau of Insurance

Independent adjusters have no Virginia 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.

Since Virginia 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.

Virginia participates in non-resident public adjuster licensing through NIPR for those who hold that specific license type.

• Virginia Bureau of Insurance (State Corporation Commission)
• Virginia Insurance Licensing
• NIPR — National Insurance Producer Registry

Virginia offers a diverse claims market with significant exposure to hurricanes and coastal storms in its eastern counties along the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coast, as well as inland risks from severe thunderstorms and flooding in the Shenandoah Valley and mountain regions. The state's proximity to Washington, D.C. and the large concentration of military installations and government property create additional claims opportunities. While independent adjusters don't need a Virginia license, a DHS license is effectively required by most employers in the industry.