Auto Insurance Claims: Claims Processor exam, new endeavor, economic climate

Question
QUESTION: Hi -
I am not quite sure you can help me here, but it is worth a shot!
I am considering leaving my present job to become a claims processor. I live in Virginia and I am required to take an exam to become licensed. Virginia doesn't require a license but North Carolina and Delaware do, and the company I want to work for deals with those 2 States. The job is contingent on passing the test so I am not sure I want to quit my current job and then not be able to pass the test. Have you taken such a test? Is it extremely difficult to pass?
Thanks for any help.
Joe

ANSWER: Joe,

Thank you for the question.

I have taken a test to acquire my Florida Insurance Claim Adjuster's (6-20)license and it was difficult due to having to know information on laws and regulations relative to the state as well as issues you may never be exposed to. I took a prep class to help me prepare which was a great investment as I passed it the first time.

I guess the question is, are you going to have to re-locate or are you going to handle claims from home for NC and Delaware and why would you have to quit your current job to merely take the test?

I think what I would do, and suggest you consider doing, is to see if you can't find an on-line training course to assist you in taking and passing the test. There are numerous resources for this in Florida and other states as well and would think you could find one for Delaware and/or North Carolina claims licensure testing.

I wouldn't quit your current job if at all possible until you have passed the test and accepted the other job (and they you). In this current economic climate, having a job to many is a blessing.

Hope this helps in some small way.

Best wishes in your new endeavor and your new career!



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply - The job is with State Farm, and I would have to quit my current job because State Farm hires you, then they train you for 4 months, then you are tested. I would be working at State Farm here in Virginia, but couldn't hold my current job and still train. My follow-up question is, Claims Adjuster vs. Claims Processor??? Are the tests the same? I guess the laws also vary from State to State. Tough decision here for me!

Answer
Joe,

because it is State Farm and they will provide training, I am confident you will pass the test. They won't make the investment of the time and costs in potential employees unless they feel confident they have made a sound decision.

State Farm has been around since 1922 and is a financially sound company. In auto claims they are often very aggressive at mitigating costs (saving claims dollars) and your ethics and morals may be tested. It will be a career move and depending upon what and where your duties are, you may be confronted with ethical and moral dilemmas.

Wishing you the best! Good luck in your endeavor.