What This License Is
Michigan's Insurance Adjuster license authorizes you to contract with and represent insurance companies in adjusting fire and other hazards, crop, and/or workers' compensation losses. It's issued by the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and is what most people mean by a Michigan independent adjuster license.
Michigan splits the adjusting world in two: the Insurance Adjuster license (you represent insurers) and the Adjuster for the Insured license — Michigan's public adjuster credential for representing policyholders, which can't be used for workers' compensation claims. This guide covers the insurer-side license.
Notably, staff adjusters employed directly by an insurer don't need a license (unless affiliated with a holding company system or management company), and Michigan-licensed attorneys may adjust claims without one. The license is aimed squarely at independent adjusters.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the insurance you'll adjust, knowledge of Michigan insurance law, an intent to act in good faith, a good business reputation, and good moral character. Answer the application's background questions truthfully — DIFS reviews them closely.
No fingerprinting and no pre-licensing course are required. Nonresidents already licensed in their home state apply through NIPR without testing — though if their home state issued the license without an exam, Michigan requires its exam or proof of an equivalent one passed elsewhere.
The Licensing Exam
PSI administers Michigan's adjuster exams at $41 per attempt. Both versions — Independent Adjuster with Workers' Compensation and without — run 100 questions in 2 hours. Pick the with-WC exam if you ever expect to touch a comp file; it costs nothing extra.
Timing matters in Michigan: your application stays active for 6 months, and you must pass the exam within that window or resubmit fees. A passing result is then valid for 12 months. Exam fees are non-refundable, and missing your appointment (or canceling with less than 2 days' notice) forfeits the fee.
Apply online through NIPR — $15 application fee plus a $5 transaction fee for residents.
Passing Score
You need 70% to pass either Independent Adjuster exam (the public Adjuster for the Insured exam is set at 71%), with your result shown on screen immediately. Aim for a consistent 80% on practice exams before scheduling.
Keeping Your License Active
Important CE details: Michigan currently requires no continuing education for adjusters (VERIFY); the license simply renews annually by March 31.
Michigan adjuster licenses — resident and nonresident — expire annually on March 31, with the renewal window opening February 1. Renewal is inexpensive and handled electronically.
There is currently no continuing education requirement for Michigan adjusters (VERIFY) — CE obligations in Michigan attach to producer licenses, not adjuster licenses. Just don't miss the March 31 date: a lapsed license means going through DIFS's reinstatement process.
Quick Reference
Official Links
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