Individual state rules vary regarding issuing an insurance adjuster license to someone who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.
Most states do have some sort of regulation stating that licensure “may be denied” if the person has ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor. Whether or not the applicant is approved or denied is often based on the type of offense and how long ago it happened, the severity, and whether it was financially motivated or involved fraud/dishonesty — both of which are major red flags in the insurance industry. Misdemeanors are not usually an impediment to getting a license, but again, this isn’t always the case.
We recommend checking your state’s Department of Insurance’s website for its particular rules. The details of the crime and when it happened are critical to whether you can be considered for adjuster licensing. Some states, like Oklahoma, require you to complete a waiver and receive approval back from the state before you can apply. If you don’t complete that step, you can be denied a license, regardless of your crime. Other states will want to review copies of court documents to see the specifics of your case.
If you can’t find the information you need on the website, call the licensing department and discuss the situation with them. They should be able to give you information and directions on how to proceed according to their laws.
You can find your Department of Insurance’s contact information in the FAQ section at the bottom of our state adjuster licensing pages.
It is worth noting that while each state has its own rules about issuing licenses to persons with a criminal history, employers (i.e.: insurance carriers and independent adjusting firms) may have completely different hiring policies. So while you may meet the guidelines to get an adjuster license, you will still need to meet a company’s standards for employment to get hired.
We always recommend applicants be 100% honest about their criminal history on both license and job applications. If you do not report your background and the state or employer finds out later you were convicted of a felony, you will likely lose your license, potentially lose your job, and it could have lasting effects on your future opportunities as well.
