Getting ready to deploy? Congratulations!
Before you set out on this grand adventure, you are most likely researching what to bring. Buying the wrong adjusting gear can bury you in debt before you ever see your first paycheck. Don’t waste your money before you earn it.
AdjusterPro is a long-standing provider of online licensing and training for insurance adjusters in the U.S. Over the past decade, our team has supported tens of thousands of adjusters in getting licensed and preparing for the job.
The following checklist is built on real adjuster experience (with 2025 market price estimates), to separate the expensive “fluff” from the absolute necessities. We will cover the essentials you need to bring when you deploy, the practical materials that make the job livable, and the resources that will help you advance. Enter your deployment with confidence, efficiently prepared.
What Do I Need When Starting as an Independent Insurance Adjuster?
The essentials you will use in the field to complete your claims assignments.
Licensing & Compliance
| Item | Average Price Range | Notes/Details |
| State License | $150 – $950 | To find work as an adjuster, you almost always need a license for your home state (or a designated home state like TX or FL, if your state doesn’t license adjusters). The costs stated here vary widely because course costs and state fees for exams, applications, and fingerprinting also vary widely. The average listed includes pre-licensing courses, which range from $130-$1,600, depending on the course and package you opt for (e.g., online vs in-person) |
Adjusting Tech Essentials for the Field
| Item | Average Price Range | Notes/Details |
| Laptop (Windows OS) | $500 – $900 | The standard property insurance adjuster software, Xactimate, does not officially support Mac M-series chips. According to Verisk, “Xactimate and other Verisk estimating products are not supported on Mac OS. The products work with the Windows operating systems… We do support machines with an Intel chipset using a dual-boot configuration as long as only one operating system is running at a given time, and as long as that operating system is supported. Machines using Apple silicon are not supported.” Make sure you check Xactimate’s system requirements before you deploy. |
| Xactimate Training | $200 – $500 | We recommend a training course, rather than learning on the job. (Do not purchase an Xactimate subscription until you know you need it, as some IA Firms provide this, but be prepared to subscribe and use the software as needed.) |
| Smartphone Data Plan with a Mobile Hotspot or an Alternative Data Option | $60 – $100/mo | A modern phone with a reliable, unlimited data plan is very helpful, but be aware that reception may be spotty on deployment. |
| Physical Cables | $20 | Ethernet and USB offer more reliable connections than Bluetooth. In areas with many people and devices, wired connections eliminate signal interference and pairing issues caused by competing Bluetooth signals. |
What Sort of Vehicle Do You Need in the Field?
| Item | Average Price Range | Notes/Details |
| Reliable Transportation | Existing Vehicle | A standard sedan is acceptable; a truck is not required for your first deployment. |
| Maintenance Check | $100 – $300 | Fresh oil change, tire tread check, and functioning A/C (crucial for hot climates). |
What Equipment Should You Bring?
| Item | Average Price Range | Notes/Details |
| Ladder | $100 – $500 | At the very least, you will need a simple one-story ladder. Alternatively, you could purchase a telescoping ladder to save space. Safety Alert: We recommend that you buy a ladder rated for 300 lb or more. Remember, you will be carrying tools and equipment, so err on the side of caution. |
| Measuring Tools | ~$25 | A high-quality 25ft–35ft tape measure. |
| Pitch Gauge | $10 – $20 | Use a simple manual (analog) gauge. Phone apps overheat on roofs, and digital tools run out of batteries. Analog always works. |
| Shingle Gauge | $20 – $40 | Used to measure shingle thickness so that you can estimate warranty eligibility. |
| Clipboard | $10 – $35 | We highly recommend a clipboard with internal storage for forms and wind protection. |
| Digital Camera Source | $0 – $500 | Your smartphone is usually sufficient, but ensure you know how to upload photos quickly. |
| Writing Supplies | $10 | Pens, graph paper, and a notebook (for manual notes and data if tech fails). |
| Tool Belt or Fishing Vest | $30 – $80 | Critical for hands-free climbing. We recommend one with a clipboard slot to prevent dropping a clipboard or phone from a roof during an inspection. |
| Emergency Fund | $2,500 – $7,000+ | Access to funds to cover gas, lodging, and food for 2–4 weeks while waiting for the first paycheck. |
What Personal Items Does An Adjuster Need to Bring on Deployment?
These items ensure safety, professionalism, and hygiene while “roughing it” in the field.
Attire and Personal Care
| Item | Average Price Range | Notes/Details |
| Rubber-Soled Shoes | $80 – $220 | Black or brown business-casual look. Avoid leather soles (slippery on roofs). Note: Specialized roofing boots (like Cougar Paws) are the gold standard (~$220). |
| Collared Shirts | $20 – $50 each | Polos are the industry standard (bring extras). |
| Pants | $30 – $60 each | Khakis or durable work pants (e.g., Dickies, 5.11). Avoid jeans unless explicitly allowed by the firm. |
| Grooming Kit | ~$30 | Deodorant, wet wipes (showers may be scarce initially), bug spray, and a sun hat. |
What to Ask Your Employer Before Buying Adjuster Gear
BEFORE YOU BUY anything: Check with your IA Firm or Employer to see what is required versus what is provided. Some firms will ship you a complete “deployment in a box” (laptop, monitors, headset), while others expect you to have a fully equipped home office. Verify before you spend.
Additional Investments: Nice to Have, but Not Necessary
As you generate revenue, consider these upgrades. We recommend holding off on these investments until you know you need them.
| Item | Average Price Range | Notes/Details |
| Rope & Harness | $300 – $600+ | Essential later for steep roofs, but requires training first. |
| Car Power Inverter or External Battery for Appliances | $25 – $120 | We recommend bringing a backup power supply in case of an outage; you may need to charge your equipment while working between sites. |
| Moisture Meter | $30 – $60 | You cannot properly investigate water damage without one. |
| Starlink Satellite | $70+ | Starlink Roam satellite internet can be a huge advantage when the internet is down for everyone else. |
| Laser Distance Meter | $15 – $250+ | Many adjusters use a Laser Distance Meter, which is faster and easier than traditional tape measures. We recommend using a Laser Distance Meter as a supplement to your traditional tape measure, not a replacement. |
| Cooler | $30 – $100 | Keep water and food fresh during long days on the road. |
| New Car or Truck | $15,000 – $60,000+ | If you have a reliable vehicle, you do not need to upgrade to succeed in your job. |
How Do I Start My Career as a Field Adjuster? Next Steps and Resources
Becoming an insurance adjuster can be highly lucrative over time if you are strategic. Your first strategy? Don’t overspend. Starting with debt adds pressure and can knock you out of the game before you’ve had a chance to prove yourself.
Your goal is simple: be profitable, professional, and prepared.
Start small. Stay safe. Spend wisely. Always verify with your IA firm before investing in gear.
Want a more detailed breakdown of real startup costs?
Read: The Real, Hidden Costs of Starting as an Independent Insurance Adjuster
Prefer a downloadable version of this checklist?
Get the printable PDF here
Need training before you deploy?
Our Total Adjuster Package bundles your pre-licensing course with job-ready training, including construction basics, Xactimate, soft skills, and more. It’s designed to help you land your first roster spot with confidence.
Still have questions? Contact us here. We’re here to help you get licensed, get hired, and get paid.
Adjusting Tech Essentials for the Field
| Item | Average Price Range | Notes/Details |
| Laptop (Windows OS) | $500 – $900 | The standard property insurance adjuster software, Xactimate, does not officially support Mac M-series chips. According to Verisk, “Xactimate and other Verisk estimating products are not supported on Mac OS. The products work with the Windows operating systems…We do support machines with an Intel chipset using a dual-boot configuration as long as only one operating system is running at a given time, and as long as that operating system is supported. Machines using Apple silicon are not supported.” Make sure you check Xactimate’s system requirements before you deploy. |
| Xactimate Training | $200 – $500 | We recommend a training course, rather than learning on the job. (Do not purchase an Xactimate subscription until you know you need it, as some IA Firms provide this, but be prepared to subscribe and use the software as needed.) |
| Smartphone Data Plan with a Mobile Hotspot or an Alternative Data Option | $60 – $100/mo | A modern phone with a reliable, unlimited data plan is very helpful, but be aware that reception may be spotty on deployment. |
| Physical Cables | $20 | Ethernet and USB offer more reliable connections than Bluetooth. In areas with many people and devices, wired connections eliminate signal interference and pairing issues caused by competing Bluetooth signals. |
