Adjusters who hold the New York Series 17-70 Independent General Adjusters License are in high demand.

 

Part of the reason for this is that the process for obtaining a license in New York, compared to other states, is…well…kind of a hassle. A hassle that some adjusters choose not to bother themselves with. The only way to get a license in New York is to take their exam and to jump through their application process hoops. Those who do choose to take on this challenge can become always-in-demand superstars sought out by Independent Adjusting Firms. So, it is worth it and with AE21 on your side to equip you, it is definitely attainable.

So here is a breakdown of what you need to do to get a 17-70 General Independent Adjuster License in New York.

Step 1: Meet the requirements.

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Be trustworthy and competent
• Have never been convicted of felony or any crime or offense involving fraudulent or dishonest practices

Step 2: Prepare for, register for and pass the NY state exam.

The New York Independent General Adjuster license exam proudly boasts its reputation as the most difficult adjuster licensing course in the United States. Fortunately, AE21 Online is likewise proud to launch the fastest, most flexible and effective way of preparing for the New York IGA Exam. New York does NOT require pre-licensing education for independent general adjusters. However, a comprehensive course of study such as AE21 Online’s New York License Prep Course is highly recommended to ensure that you are ready to pass the state exam. This program is a flexible study aid that can be used at your discretion and in the way that best suits you to prepare for the New York adjuster licensing exam. Many choose to go through the entire program, complete every lesson in order, and then take the practice exam a few times. This is the recommended method for all new adjusters. However, it is also possible to use the course to study only specific areas. For example, a seasoned adjuster who just moved to New York and now needs a New York license may only need to study up on New York’s unique laws and regulations. Therefore, it is not even necessary to fully “complete” the program.

AE21’s prep course will help remove the anxiety of taking the exam. Our practice exams contained within the course can be taken over and over with a new random shuffle of questions until you are consistently achieving a high score. You will know when you are ready to take on the official exam and can be confident in your ability to pass.

Once you feel ready. You’ll need to sign up to take the exam.

As of March 2019, PSI Exams Online became the testing provider for New York. You will need to create an account on their website and pay the $33 fee.

After registering, you’ll schedule the time, date, and location to take the exam in person at a PSI testing center. If you need to cancel or reschedule your test, you must do so at least 2 days in advance or lose your exam fee.

The exam consists of 100 questions and you must score at least 70% to pass. Candidates who score below 70% will need to retake the exam and pay the fees again. You will be given 2 hours to take the exam.

Step 3: Apply for your license.

Once you pass the exam, you need to apply for the license by following the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) submission requirements for IA (Independent Adjuster) Applicants. Here is a little breakdown of that process:

1. Download and complete the Independent Adjuster Application from the Department of Financial Services website.
2. Pay the licensing fee ($100) with a check payable to “Superintendent of Financial Services.”
3. New York adjusters need to provide a $1,000 surety bond to cover the licensing period. This helps ensure the individual faithfully executes his or her duties as an insurance adjuster. For example, if an adjuster is found guilty of fraudulent behavior, the state may recover any amount necessary from the bond. You can get a surety bond from a national company or local agency as long as they are licensed in your state. Costs vary but are typically around $100 a year.
4. Provide five Certificates of Character. According to the NYDFS, the certificates and authors need to adhere to the following guidelines:
   • “Five persons must vouch in their own handwriting for the character of an applicant for an independent adjuster’s license under Section 2108 of the Insurance Law; they must be citizens of at least eighteen (18) years of age, of good character and standing in the community where they reside, and must have known applicant personally for at least five (5) years. They should be well acquainted with the experience, ability, and character of the applicant, as they may be required to give further information. Each affidavit must be executed the same date or after the date of execution of the application to which it is to be attached. Original signatures are required.”
5. Get your fingerprints processed through IdentoGo.
6. Provide your original passed score report. We recommend waiting a week to submit your application to ensure your exam has been processed.

Once these steps have been completed, you can check the status of your license on the NYDFS License Search page. For a complete list of application details, visit the NYDFS website.

A couple of things to know about being a licensed claims adjuster in New York:

CONTINUING EDUCATION

New York does NOT require Continuing Education in order to renew your license.

Your license is valid for two years. It will expire on December 31 in each even-numbered year. To renew your license, click HERE

 

RECIPROCITY

New York is not reciprocal with any state. If you wish to become a licensed adjuster in New York, you MUST take a state exam.

However, other states do offer reciprocity with New York, so if you hold a New York license you can apply for a license in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

We’re here to help you get started on your way to becoming a successful claims adjuster in New York. For more information click here or check out The New York Department of Insurance website.