Indiana Insurance Law and Public Adjuster Licensing
The Indiana public adjuster exam tests the statutory and regulatory framework that separates a licensed public adjuster from insurer-side adjusters and unlicensed claim consultants. The focus is licensing, contracts, solicitation, recordkeeping, and commissioner oversight.
Licensing baseline
Indiana requires a public adjuster license from the Indiana Department of Insurance before a person may, for compensation, advise or assist an insured in negotiating or settling a first-party property claim. Applicants must meet age, application, examination, background, and continuing-education requirements and must maintain good standing. A public adjuster represents the insured; a staff or independent adjuster represents the insurer. A contractor who handles the claim for a fee is generally acting as an unlicensed public adjuster.
Contract and conduct rules
The engagement must be in a written contract signed by the insured, state the compensation and scope, and include the statutory cancellation or rescission notice. The adjuster may not misrepresent policy coverage, settle without authority, or use unlicensed solicitors. Records of the claim and client funds must be retained and accounted for.
Worked example
A licensed adjuster meets a homeowner the day after a fire and presents a one-page contract that names a 15% fee but omits the cancellation notice. The defect is not cured by the homeowner's signature: the contract fails the statutory disclosure requirement, exposes the adjuster to discipline, and may affect collectability. If the same person had no license, the conduct would also be unlicensed adjusting.
Traps
Do not confuse public adjusters with independent adjusters, who are hired by insurers. Do not assume a contractor's free claim help is lawful. Do not treat a signed contract as proof of compliance if mandatory notices are missing.