Local Students Earn Opportunity to Become Certified Insurance Professionals

Florida House of Representatives Minority Leader Bobby DuBose (D-Ft. Lauderdale) recently announced the signing of HB 467, which adds an exemption to the all-lines adjuster licensing examination requirement to individuals who possess an Accredited Insurance Claims Specialist (AICS) designation from Encore Claim Services (ECS).

Based out of the Jacksonville area, Encore Claim Services will also be the first approved provider that is operated and owned by a Black woman. Encore Claim Services received Florida legislative approval in 2019 and will be the first to have a strategic partnership with the National African-American Insurance Association and 14 high schools in Florida through Communities in School (CIS) and Teen Leaders of America to offer the training necessary to gain licensure. ECS CEO Monica Denise Richardson holds a Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition and a Masters Degree in Human Resources, and following a 10-year career in hospitality, Monica shifted gears when family became her first priority. Insurance provided the source of income and the flexible hours that led to more family time and global experiences. “I was bit by the insurance bug. Transforming lives gives me energy. It’s what excites and ignites me,” said Richardson. From her start at State Farm to the head of her own company today, the past 22 years in various roles have immersed her into every aspect of the insurance industry and expertise with the passion of transforming lives to masterminding Encore’s mission and curriculum. To commemorate the company’s core mission statement to create a pipeline of career opportunities for all program participants regardless of socioeconomic status and work experience,

ECS recently held a recognition awards brunch at Season 52 Restaurant on the Southside for students graduating from the online instructional courses. Hours are flexible with work schedules; includes over 40 hours of instructional material and once participants complete the program, additional career readiness opportunities are available, including policy training, Xactimate training, and job placement assistance. Encore Claim Services joins the list of seven providers that currently offer courses and training in order to earn one of the approved professional designations, not including postsecondary institutions.