GA Claims Adjuster key terms

A person licensed by the Georgia Department of Insurance to investigate, evaluate, and settle claims on behalf of an insurer, including investigating the cause of loss and estimating damages.

An adjuster employed directly by an insurer as a salaried staff member. The company adjuster represents only the insurer's interest and handles claims assigned by that carrier.

A licensed adjuster who contracts with insurers, often several at once, to handle claims for a fee. The independent adjuster works for the insurer, not for the policyholder.

An adjuster, frequently an independent, deployed temporarily to a declared disaster area to handle a surge of claims. Georgia requires a license and often a catastrophe registration before deployment.

A temporary authorization the Commissioner may issue after a declared emergency so unlicensed or out-of-state persons can adjust catastrophe claims under supervision for a limited period.

A statutory carve-out from adjuster licensing. Georgia exempts certain persons such as attorneys, insurance producers handling claims under their authority, and salaried employees who only collect claim facts without negotiating settlement.

The filing a candidate submits to the Department, including fingerprints, a background check, prelicensing education, and a passing exam score, before a resident adjuster license is issued.

Coursework an applicant must complete before sitting for the adjuster exam. It covers insurance principles, policy provisions, claims practice, and Georgia law, and must come from an approved provider.

Ongoing approved instruction a licensed adjuster must complete each renewal cycle to keep the license active. It includes ethics hours and general insurance topics, with records reported to the Department.

The periodic process of keeping an adjuster license in force by paying fees, completing continuing education, and reporting any changes. Missing the deadline can produce a lapsed license and a new application requirement.

The loss of authority that occurs when a license is not renewed on time. Working after a lapse is unlicensed adjusting and can lead to fines, denial of reinstatement, and referral for enforcement.

A licensing arrangement in which Georgia accepts a resident license from another state as satisfying some requirements, allowing the holder to obtain a nonresident Georgia adjuster license without retaking the exam.

A license issued to an adjuster whose home state is elsewhere. The holder must maintain a resident license in good standing and comply with Georgia claims and reporting rules.

The formal notice an insurer files with the Department authorizing a licensed adjuster to act for it. An adjuster generally may not handle that insurer's claims until the appointment is in effect.

The notice an insurer must file with the Department when it ends an adjuster's authority to represent it. The filing must state the reason and is typically due within a short statutory window.

A disciplinary measure the Commissioner imposes, such as a fine, suspension, revocation, or probation, after finding a licensing law violation. The adjuster receives notice and an opportunity for a hearing.

A directive from the Commissioner ordering a person to stop unlicensed or unlawful adjusting activity. Violating the order can lead to civil penalties and referral for criminal prosecution.

Prohibited claim-handling conduct such as misrepresenting policy provisions, unreasonable delay, failing to investigate promptly, or offering far less than the claim is worth without explanation.

The obligation of an insurer and its adjuster to handle a claim honestly, investigate fairly, and pay what is owed without unreasonable delay. Breach can expose the insurer to extra-contractual damages.

A licensed person who represents the policyholder, not the insurer, for compensation when preparing, presenting, or negotiating a first-party property claim. The public adjuster owes loyalty to the insured.

The written agreement between a public adjuster and an insured. Georgia requires specific disclosures, a clear fee or percentage, a right to cancel within a set period, and a copy given to the insured.

The compensation a public adjuster charges, often a percentage of the settled claim. The fee must be disclosed in writing and cannot be collected on amounts the insurer paid before the contract began.

The insured's statutory right to cancel a public adjuster contract within a short window after signing, without penalty. The contract must state this right and the deadline clearly.

A surety bond a public adjuster must maintain as a condition of licensure, protecting insureds from mishandling of funds. The bond must stay in force while the license is active.

The legal obligation to act solely in the insured's interest and to handle claim funds or documents responsibly. A public adjuster who misuses client money breaches this duty and faces discipline.

Limits on how and when a public adjuster may approach potential clients. Georgia restricts door-to-door contact during a declared emergency and bars misleading or high-pressure tactics.

The credential required before a person may charge for helping insureds with first-party claims. It requires an exam, a bond, a background check, and compliance with contract and fee rules.

A licensed intermediary who advises insureds on insurance matters and may negotiate or procure coverage for a fee, without being employed by an insurer. The counselor role is distinct from a producer or adjuster.

The credential a person must hold to act as an insurance counselor. It requires passing an exam, meeting education or experience standards, and renewing with continuing education.

A licensed broker who places coverage with an unauthorized insurer when no admitted carrier will write the risk. The broker must first show the risk was declined by admitted markets.

The documented search a surplus lines broker must make among admitted insurers before placing a risk with a nonadmitted carrier. Records of the declined quotes must be kept for examination.

A nonadmitted insurer that meets state standards for financial strength and is approved to write surplus lines business. Placing coverage with an ineligible insurer violates the surplus lines law.

A tax the broker collects on surplus lines premiums and remits to the state, often with a separate stamping fee. The broker is personally responsible for timely payment and reporting.

A written notice given to the insured explaining that the nonadmitted insurer is not protected by the state guaranty fund and that the policy is not subject to the same state oversight as admitted carriers.

A surety bond a surplus lines broker must maintain to guarantee payment of premium taxes and compliance with the surplus lines law. The bond must remain in force during the license term.

The licensed broker designated by an insured to handle a particular policy or account. For surplus lines, the broker of record files the placement and remits the associated tax.

Performing acts that require a license, such as adjusting claims or negotiating surplus lines coverage, without holding the proper credential. It can result in fines, cease and desist orders, and criminal referral.