Want to become a public adjuster in Georgia? Before you can represent policyholders and assist them with insurance claims, you’ll need to get a Georgia public adjuster license.
Georgia requires resident public adjuster applicants to complete approved pre-licensing education, pass the Georgia Public Adjuster exam, obtain a $5,000 surety bond, complete the license application process, and meet several additional requirements.
The good news? AdjusterPro’s Georgia Property & Casualty Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course satisfies the pre-licensing education requirement for both Georgia adjusters and Georgia public adjusters.
However, the licenses themselves are different. Public adjuster applicants must follow the public adjuster licensing process and take the Georgia Public Adjuster exam, not the standard Adjuster exam.
Here’s how the process works.
What Is a Public Adjuster in Georgia?
A public adjuster is an insurance claims professional who represents the policyholder rather than an insurance company.
Public adjusters may help policyholders document property damage, understand their coverage, prepare claims, communicate with the insurance company, and negotiate claim settlements.
That makes public adjusting different from working as an independent or staff claims adjuster. Independent and staff adjusters generally handle claims for and are paid by insurance companies. Public adjusters work for insured individuals or businesses and are paid by them, usually as a portion of the claim settlement.
Because public adjusters directly represent consumers during insurance claims, Georgia has specific licensing, bonding, and contract requirements for the profession.
How to Get a Public Adjuster License in Georgia
For most new resident applicants, becoming a licensed Georgia public adjuster involves these steps:
- Complete approved Property & Casualty public adjuster pre-licensing education.
- Pass the Georgia Public Adjuster licensing exam.
- Complete Georgia’s Citizenship Affidavit.
- Obtain a $5,000 public adjuster bond.
- Apply for your license through Sircon and pay the licensing fee.
- Complete fingerprinting for a criminal background check.
- Wait for the state to approve and issue your license.
- Submit your public adjuster contract to the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire for approval.
Let’s look at each requirement more closely.
Step 1: Complete Georgia Public Adjuster Pre-Licensing Education
Georgia requires new resident public adjuster applicants to complete a state-approved Property & Casualty pre-licensing education unless they qualify for an exemption.
AdjusterPro’s Georgia Property & Casualty Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course satisfies Georgia’s pre-licensing education requirement for both adjuster and public adjuster applicants. (Georgia Office of Insurance approved pre-licensing provider #223331)
That means you do not need to purchase a separate AdjusterPro pre-licensing course simply because you plan to pursue the public adjuster license instead of the standard adjuster license.
Our online course covers Property & Casualty concepts and includes the AdjusterPro Smart Pass Toolkit, with customizable quizzes, unlimited practice exams, performance tracking, and exam-readiness tools.
Important: The state exams are different
While AdjusterPro’s course satisfies the 16-hr pre-licensing requirement for both licensing paths, Georgia’s Adjuster license and Public Adjuster license are separate licenses with different state examinations.
If your goal is to become a public adjuster, make sure you register for the Georgia Public Adjuster examination.
If you’re planning to become an independent or staff adjuster instead, see our guide to becoming an insurance adjuster in Georgia.
Step 2: Pass the Georgia Public Adjuster Exam
After completing your required pre-licensing education, you’ll need to register for and pass Georgia’s Public Adjuster exam, code ‘20 Public Adjuster‘.
Georgia insurance licensing examinations are administered through Pearson VUE.
When registering, make sure you’re selecting the examination associated with the Public Adjuster license rather than the standard Adjuster examination.
According to Pearson VUE, the current examination fee is $67. Exam fees are paid directly to the testing provider and are separate from your AdjusterPro course purchase.
Your pre-licensing course completion and passing examination results are reported electronically to the state.
Step 3: Complete the Georgia Citizenship Affidavit
First-time Georgia insurance license applicants must complete the state’s Citizenship Affidavit.
You’ll need to have the affidavit properly notarized and provide a copy of an acceptable secure and verifiable identification document.
The completed affidavit and identification documentation should be uploaded as part of your license application through Sircon. Georgia notes that an application cannot be processed until the required affidavit and supporting documentation have been received.
Step 4: Get a $5,000 Georgia Public Adjuster Bond
Georgia public adjusters must maintain a $5,000 surety bond in favor of the Commissioner of Insurance.
This is one of the major differences between obtaining a standard Georgia adjuster license and obtaining a public adjuster license.
The bond helps protect consumers and the state by providing financial protection related to certain obligations of the public adjuster.
The Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire provides a specific Public Adjuster Bond form that must be used.
Keep in mind that a $5,000 bond does not generally mean you pay $5,000 out of pocket. You typically purchase the bond from a surety provider for a premium based on the bond amount and other underwriting factors.
The bond must remain in effect to maintain your license.
Step 5: Apply for Your Georgia Public Adjuster License
Once you’ve completed the applicable requirements, you can submit your public adjuster license application electronically through Sircon.
Georgia currently charges a $120 licensing fee for resident public adjuster applicants.
Make sure all required documentation is included with your application, including your Citizenship Affidavit, identification documentation, and public adjuster bond.
Georgia receives pre-licensing course completion and exam results electronically.
Step 6: Complete Your Fingerprinting and Background Check
New public adjuster applicants must also submit electronic fingerprints for a criminal background check through the state’s provider, IDENTOGO. Do not register for your fingerprinting appointment until after you have submitted your license application.
Follow the current fingerprinting instructions provided by the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire (#9). The state currently lists 2TGJ6B as the service code for OCI insurance licensing applicants.
Step 7: Wait for Your Georgia Public Adjuster License
Once you’ve submitted the application and all required documentation, the state will review your information. Processing times can vary, with an average turnaround of approximately 14 business days.
If information or documentation is missing or there is a problem with the application, the state may contact you by email.
Once approved, Georgia will email your license to you via Sircon.com automated system.
Step 8: Get Your Public Adjuster Contract Approved
Receiving your license isn’t quite the final step.
Georgia requires public adjusters to have their consumer contracts approved by the Commissioner before working with consumers.
For newly licensed public adjusters, Georgia states that the adjuster has 30 days after license approval to provide the contract for review. The state will send instructions for submitting it.
Your contract cannot be approved until your public adjuster license is active.
Do not begin working with Georgia consumers under a public adjuster contract that has not received the required approval.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Georgia Public Adjuster License?
Your total cost will depend partly on what you pay for your required bond and fingerprinting.
Some of the primary expenses include:
- AdjusterPro Georgia Pre-Licensing Course: $179
- Georgia Public Adjuster Exam: $63
- Georgia license application: $120
- $5,000 surety bond: Usually around $100 per year, but premiums vary by provider and applicant’s background
- Fingerprinting/background check: $53
Because fees can change, always verify current examination, licensing, fingerprinting, and bonding costs before applying.
Georgia Adjuster vs. Public Adjuster License: What’s the Difference?
The difference primarily comes down to who you represent.
A Georgia independent or staff adjuster generally handles claims for an insurance carrier. A Georgia public adjuster represents the policyholder during the claims process.
Georgia licenses these roles separately.
If you want to become an independent claims adjuster, follow the Georgia Adjuster licensing path and take the appropriate Adjuster state exam (24 Adjuster).
If you want to represent policyholders as a public adjuster, follow the Public Adjuster licensing path and take the Georgia Public Adjuster exam (20 Public Adjuster).
AdjusterPro’s Georgia Property & Casualty Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course satisfies the pre-licensing requirement for either path, but completing the course does not make the two licenses interchangeable.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Georgia Public Adjuster License
Do public adjusters need a license in Georgia?
Yes. Anyone who wants to perform activities requiring a public adjuster license in Georgia must meet the state’s licensing requirements before doing so.
Does Georgia require pre-licensing education for public adjusters?
Yes, for most new resident applicants. Georgia requires approved Property & Casualty public adjuster pre-licensing education unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.
AdjusterPro’s Georgia Property & Casualty Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course satisfies the pre-licensing education requirement for Georgia public adjuster applicants.
Can I use the same AdjusterPro course for a Georgia adjuster or public adjuster license?
Yes. AdjusterPro’s Georgia Property & Casualty Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course can satisfy the pre-licensing education requirement for either licensing path.
However, the licenses and state examinations are different. Public adjuster candidates need to follow the Public Adjuster licensing process and take the appropriate Georgia Public Adjuster exam.
Does Georgia require public adjusters to take an exam?
Yes. Unless you qualify for an applicable exemption, you must pass the Georgia Public Adjuster examination.
How much is the Georgia public adjuster bond?
Georgia requires public adjusters to maintain a $5,000 bond in favor of the Commissioner. You generally purchase the bond for a premium rather than paying the entire $5,000 bond amount.
How much is the Georgia public adjuster license application?
The Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire currently lists the resident public adjuster licensing fee as $120.
Do Georgia public adjuster contracts need state approval?
Yes. Georgia requires public adjusters to have their contracts approved by the Commissioner before working with consumers. Newly licensed public adjusters have 30 days after license approval to submit their contract for review.
Start Your Georgia Public Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course
If you’re ready to work toward your Georgia public adjuster license, start by completing your required pre-licensing education.
AdjusterPro’s Georgia Property & Casualty Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course satisfies the state’s pre-licensing education requirement for both Georgia adjuster and public adjuster candidates.
The course is completely online and self-paced, so you can work through the material on your own schedule while preparing for the next step in the Georgia licensing process.
Start your Georgia Adjuster Pre-Licensing Course
https://adjusterpro.com/georgia-insurance-claims-adjuster-license/
**Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures can change. Always confirm current requirements with the Georgia Office of Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire before applying.
