Top 10 Auto Claims Adjuster Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for auto claims adjusters. Certifications demonstrate to employers that a candidate has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively handle the tasks associated with auto claims adjusting. Additionally, certifications provide validation that an individual is capable of taking on the responsibility of handling complex cases while also providing assurance to insurance companies that they are working with a qualified professional who is up-to-date on current industry standards and regulations. Certifications also help adjusters stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market by demonstrating their commitment to ongoing education and professional development.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Auto Claims Adjusters and explains how they can help to enhance an auto claims adjuster's career prospects.

What are Auto Claims Adjuster Certifications?

Auto claims adjuster certification is a type of certification program designed to help individuals understand the process of handling auto insurance claims. The certification program provides training on the fundamentals of auto insurance, including state-specific laws and regulations, as well as best practices for processing claims. It also covers topics such as evaluating coverage, claims investigation and negotiation, dispute resolution, settlement options and customer service.

Having an auto claims adjuster certification helps individuals become more knowledgeable about how to properly handle auto insurance claims. It can also be beneficial for employers to have certified staff in their organization as it shows that they have a high level of expertise in dealing with these types of cases. Having certified staff can also lead to increased customer satisfaction since customers will feel more confident that their claim is being handled properly by someone who has been trained in the field. Additionally, having certified staff could potentially lead to reduced costs associated with processing claims since they would be more efficient at handling them.

Pro Tip: When considering auto claims adjuster certification, be sure to research the requirements for each state in which you plan to work. Different states may have different licensing and training requirements, so make sure you understand what is required for your particular situation.

Related: What does an Auto Claims Adjuster do?

Top 10 Auto Claims Adjuster Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Auto Claims Adjusters today.

1. Certified Auto Claims Adjuster (CACA)

Certified Auto Claims Adjuster (CACA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of auto insurance claims adjusting. It is awarded by the National Association of Professional Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA).

To become a Certified Auto Claims Adjuster, an individual must meet certain requirements, including having at least two years' experience in auto claims adjusting and successfully passing the CACA exam. The exam covers topics such as auto policy language, liability coverage, accident investigation and estimation techniques.

The CACA exam can be taken at any NAPIA-approved testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on the location but typically ranges from $150 to $200. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam, and results are available immediately after completion.

Once an individual has passed the CACA exam, they will receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to use the designation “Certified Auto Claims Adjuster” (CACA) after their name. They will also be listed in NAPIA's online directory of certified adjusters.

2. Certified Automobile Damage Appraiser (CADA)

A Certified Automobile Damage Appraiser (CADA) is an individual who has been certified to accurately assess the damage to a vehicle after an accident. They are responsible for providing an estimate of the cost of repairs, as well as determining the value of a totaled vehicle.

To become a CADA, individuals must complete a course and pass an exam administered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The course typically takes between 8-10 hours and can be completed online or in person. The cost of the course varies depending on where it is taken, but generally ranges from $100-$200.

Once the course is completed, individuals must take and pass the ASE exam in order to receive their certification. This exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions and typically takes 2-3 hours to complete. It costs $50 to register for the exam, which must be taken at an approved testing center.

Once both requirements have been met, individuals will receive their CADA certification from ASE. This certification is valid for 5 years before renewal is required.

3. Certified Automotive Claims Professional (CACP)

Certified Automotive Claims Professional (CACP) is a professional designation given to those who have met the educational and experience requirements set by the National Association of Certified Auto Claims Professionals. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in their knowledge and skills related to automotive claims processing.

It typically takes about six months to one year to complete the CACP program, depending on how quickly you can complete the required coursework and exams. The program consists of two courses: Fundamentals of Automotive Claims Processing and Advanced Automotive Claims Processing. Both courses must be completed before taking the final exam.

To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having at least two years of experience in automotive claims processing or a related field. You must also pass both courses with a minimum score of 70%. Once you have passed both courses, you will need to take and pass the final exam with a score of 75% or higher.

The cost for obtaining your CACP certification depends on where you are located and what type of training program you choose. Generally, it costs around $1,000 - $2,000 for all materials and fees associated with getting certified.

4. National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (NAIIA) Certification

The National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (NAIIA) Certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of insurance adjusting. It is designed to provide adjusters with an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to excellence in the profession.

To obtain the NAIIA certification, applicants must complete a series of courses, pass an exam, and meet certain experience requirements. The courses cover topics such as claims handling, legal principles, ethics, and customer service. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering the same topics as the courses.

In order to qualify for the certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience as an independent adjuster or three years of part-time experience. Applicants must also submit proof that they have completed continuing education credits within the past two years.

The cost of obtaining the NAIIA certification varies depending on location and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range from $500 to $1,000 USD for all course materials and fees associated with taking the exam.

5. Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) Designation

The Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation is a professional credential offered by the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (AICPCU). This designation is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the property and casualty insurance industry.

To obtain the CPCU designation, an individual must complete eight courses and pass examinations covering topics such as insurance law, finance, accounting, ethics, risk management, underwriting and claims. The courses can be taken at any accredited college or university offering them or through AICPCU's online program. The exams are administered at Pearson VUE Testing Centers.

It generally takes two to three years to complete all of the requirements for the CPCU designation. The cost varies depending on whether you take courses at a college or university or through AICPCU's online program. Courses through AICPCU typically cost between $400-$600 each while college/university courses may cost more depending on the school. In addition to course fees, there is also an application fee of $100 and examination fees of $75 per exam.

6. Associate in Claims (AIC) Designation

The Associate in Claims (AIC) designation is a professional credential offered by The Institutes, the leading provider of insurance education and training. It is designed to provide insurance professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the claims process, from initial claim filing through resolution.

The AIC program consists of 10 courses that cover topics such as liability and property claims, subrogation, and legal aspects of claims handling. To earn the AIC designation, candidates must successfully complete all 10 courses within a two-year period.

Candidates must also pass an open-book exam for each course with a minimum score of 70%. The cost for the entire AIC program is $2,895 (as of 2021). This includes all 10 courses and exams as well as study materials.

In addition to completing the AIC program, candidates must also have at least three years of experience in the insurance industry before they can become eligible for the AIC designation. Candidates must also meet certain ethical requirements set forth by The Institutes.

7. Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) Designation

The Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the insurance industry. This designation is awarded by the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, an organization dedicated to providing quality education and training for the insurance industry.

In order to obtain the CIC designation, individuals must complete five courses, pass an examination for each course, and complete a comprehensive two-day review course. The courses cover topics such as personal lines of insurance, commercial lines of insurance, life and health insurance, agency operations and risk management.

The entire process can take anywhere from nine months to two years depending on how quickly you are able to complete the required courses and exams. The cost of obtaining the CIC designation varies depending on which state you live in but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500 including tuition fees, textbooks and study materials.

8. Certified Automotive Loss Adjuster (CALA) Certification

Certified Automotive Loss Adjuster (CALA) Certification is a professional designation offered by the National Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters (NAIIA). The certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of automotive loss adjusting. The CALA program covers topics such as estimating repair costs, evaluating claims, and negotiating settlements.

To become a Certified Automotive Loss Adjuster, an individual must complete a two-day training program and pass an exam administered by NAIIA. Upon successful completion of the program and exam, the individual will receive their CALA certification. The cost for the two-day training program and exam is $995.

In order to maintain their certification, individuals must complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years. This can be done through attending approved seminars or taking online courses offered by NAIIA. Additionally, CALAs must adhere to a strict code of ethics set forth by NAIIA in order to maintain their certification status.

9. Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) Designation

The Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) is a professional organization that provides education and resources to insurance professionals who specialize in professional liability underwriting. The PLUS designation is an advanced credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the field of professional liability underwriting. It is designed to identify those individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the principles, concepts, and practices related to this field.

To obtain the PLUS designation, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least three years of experience in professional liability underwriting or related fields. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as risk management, legal principles, underwriting processes, and industry trends. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a score of 80% or higher to pass.

The cost for the PLUS designation varies depending on the type of membership chosen by the applicant. For non-members, the cost is $595; for members it is $495; for students it is $295; and for retired members it is $145.

It typically takes approximately two months from application submission to receive notification of exam results and certification status.

10. International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) Certification

The International Association of Special Investigation Units (IASIU) Certification is a professional certification program for individuals who work in the field of insurance fraud investigation. It is designed to recognize and reward those who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the area of insurance fraud investigation. The IASIU certification is awarded by the IASIU Board of Directors after an individual has met certain criteria, including successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

The IASIU Certification Program consists of three levels: Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (CIFI), Advanced Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (ACIFI), and Master Certified Insurance Fraud Investigator (MCIFI). To obtain any of these certifications, an individual must meet specific educational requirements and pass a comprehensive exam.

To become certified at the CIFI level, an individual must have at least two years of experience as an insurance fraud investigator or related field, complete 40 hours of continuing education in areas such as ethics, legal issues, investigative techniques, and fraud detection methods within the last five years; and pass a written examination covering topics such as basic principles of insurance fraud investigation, interviewing techniques, evidence collection and analysis, document review and analysis, financial statement analysis, report writing and presentation skills.

To become certified at the ACIFI level an individual must have at least four years experience as an insurance fraud investigator or related field; complete 80 hours of continuing education in areas such as advanced investigative techniques; financial statement analysis; legal issues; evidence collection/analysis; report writing/presentation skills; case management/supervision; ethical considerations; computer forensics/data mining techniques within the last five years; pass a written examination covering topics such as advanced principles of insurance fraud investigation; interviewing techniques; evidence collection/analysis; document review/analysis; financial statement analysis; report writing/presentation skills; case management/supervision skills within the last five years.

To become certified at the MCIFI level an individual must have at least six years experience as an insurance fraud investigator or related field ; complete 120 hours of continuing education in areas such as advanced investigative techniques ; financial statement analysis ; legal issues ; evidence collection / analysis ; report writing / presentation skills ; case management / supervision ; ethical considerations ; computer forensics / data mining techniques within the last five years ; pass a written examination covering topics such as advanced principles of insurance fraud investigation , interviewing techniques , evidence collection / analysis , document review / analysis , financial statement analysis , report writing / presentation skills , case management / supervision skills within the last five years .

The cost to obtain IASIU certification varies depending on which level you are seeking certification for. Generally speaking however it can range from $100 - $400 USD depending on your location.

Do You Really Need a Auto Claims Adjuster Certificate?

The answer to this question ultimately depends on the individual and their career goals. For some, an auto claims adjuster certificate may be a valuable asset that can help them advance their careers. However, for others, such a certification may not be necessary.

If you are considering becoming an auto claims adjuster, you should first assess your current level of knowledge and experience in the field. If you already possess a high degree of expertise in the area, then a certification may not be necessary as it would likely not add much additional value to your resume or portfolio. On the other hand, if you are just starting out in the field or have limited knowledge or experience with auto claims adjusting, then obtaining a certificate could be beneficial as it could provide you with the skills and credentials needed to stand out from other applicants when applying for positions in the industry.

In addition to assessing your own level of knowledge and experience, you should also research what types of certifications employers are looking for when hiring auto claims adjusters. Different organizations may have different requirements for potential employees in this field so it is important to familiarize yourself with these requirements before making any decisions regarding whether or not to pursue an auto claims adjuster certificate.

Finally, if after researching job requirements and assessing your own abilities and interests you decide that obtaining an auto claims adjuster certificate is right for you, then there are plenty of resources available online that can help guide you through the process. From choosing an accredited program to preparing for exams and even finding job opportunities once certified, there is plenty of information available that can make achieving your goal easier than ever before.

Related: Auto Claims Adjuster Resume Examples

FAQs About Auto Claims Adjuster Certifications

1. What is an auto claims adjuster certification?

Answer: An auto claims adjuster certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s expertise in handling automobile insurance claims. It requires successful completion of a training program and passing an exam to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the field.

2. How do I become certified as an auto claims adjuster?

Answer: To become certified as an auto claims adjuster, you must complete a training program and pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and proficiency in the field. Most states also require that you obtain a license from the state insurance department before you can become certified.

3. What are the benefits of becoming an auto claims adjuster?

Answer: Becoming an auto claims adjuster offers many benefits, including job security, increased earning potential, higher job satisfaction, greater flexibility in terms of work hours and location, and more opportunities for career advancement.

4. How long does it take to become certified as an auto claims adjuster?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as an auto claims adjuster depends on several factors such as the depth of knowledge required by your state’s licensing board and how quickly you can complete the necessary coursework and exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years to become certified depending on these factors.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most states require that you complete continuing education courses every year or two in order to maintain your certification as an auto claims adjuster. These courses typically cover topics such as changes in laws or regulations related to automobile insurance policies or new best practices for handling car accident cases efficiently and effectively.