Designated Home State (DHS)

The Designated Home State (DHS) is a licensing designation used to determine reciprocity for multi-state adjuster licensing. If an adjuster’s home state, or place of principal residence or business, does not issue adjuster licenses, an adjuster can designate another state to act as its home state for non-resident licensing. This state is called the designated home state. 

Why Do Designated Home States Matter?

DHS allows adjusters based in states that do not license adjusters to obtain non-resident licenses in other jurisdictions. This is particularly important for independent adjusters who often handle claims across multiple states, especially after catastrophes and other large-scale events.  

What are the Key Concepts Related to the Designated Home State? 

DHS is related to non-resident licensing for adjusters. Other key relevant concepts include:

• Reciprocity: DHS facilitates reciprocity for adjusters without home states that license adjusters. 
• Non-Resident License: Non-resident licenses can be issued based on a specific state’s reciprocity standards for DHS licenses. 
• Resident License: The DHS license functions similarly as a resident license for adjusters whose home state does not license adjusters. 
• Independent Adjuster: This is the adjuster class most typically associated with DHS licensing, since they often handle claims across multiple states.