You're Licensed. Now How Do You Get Work?
The license is the starting line, not the finish. Here’s how to turn that certificate into actual claim assignments.
The Single Most Important Step
Independent Adjusting (IA) firms are the companies that carriers call when a storm hits and they need adjusters deployed. They maintain rosters of licensed adjusters and match them to claims based on location, experience, and availability.
Getting on rosters is the single most important thing you can do after getting licensed. Apply to multiple firms. The more rosters you’re on, the better your chances of getting a deployment call.
Most IA firms have online applications. They’ll want your license number, your state(s) of licensure, your Xactimate proficiency level, your deployment availability, and your experience. If you’ve completed the Smart Start Package, you have a license, Xactimate training, and Practical Adjusting — that gives you something meaningful to put on the application even as a new adjuster.
Keep It Focused
Carriers and IA firms care about: your license, your Xactimate skills, your training, your availability, and your reliability. Not your prior career history in an unrelated field.
Lead with: license type/number, states of licensure, training completed (2021 Training, Xactimate Level 1/2), and deployment availability. If you have construction, roofing, or insurance background — include it. If not, lead with the training.
Honesty Beats Bravado
IA firms interview to assess whether you can communicate, follow instructions, handle stress, and close claims on time. They want to know: Can you talk to a homeowner? Can you write an estimate? Can you work independently? Are you going to disappear mid-storm?
"I'm new, but I've completed pre-licensing, Xactimate training, and Practical Adjusting through 2021 Training. I understand the claims process and I'm ready to learn" is a better answer than pretending you've done 500 claims.
Two Very Different Paths
| Staff Adjuster | Independent Adjuster | |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | Full-time employee of a carrier | Contract work through IA firms |
| Pay | Salary + benefits | Per-claim compensation |
| Schedule | Predictable | Flexible |
| Travel | Less | Travel to storms |
| Income Potential | Stable | Higher during active seasons, lower during quiet ones |
Most new adjusters start independent — that’s where the demand is. Some transition to staff roles after gaining experience.
Florida vs. Texas: Key Differences
Florida
Requires a specific 6-20 All-Lines Adjuster License or 3-20 Public Adjuster License depending on your path.
Florida has a high demand for both independent and public adjusters due to frequent hurricanes and tropical storms.
Public adjusting is more common and well-regulated.
Continuing education is mandatory to maintain your license.
Texas
Offers the Texas All-Lines Adjuster License, which is highly portable (reciprocal with many states).
Most jobs lean toward independent or staff adjuster roles.
Public adjusting exists but is less common compared to Florida.
Licensing is required unless you work for a carrier that self-trains and licenses internally.
Reputation Travels
Join the National Association of Catastrophe Adjusters (NACA). Attend industry conferences. Connect with other adjusters. The adjusting community is smaller than you think, and reputation matters. Adjusters share leads, answer each other’s questions in the field, and recommend each other to firms.
Licensed and Ready to Find Work?
Start with the IA firm list.