North Carolina Adjuster Statutes, Rules, and Regulations
Licensing structure
North Carolina licenses adjusters through the Commissioner of Insurance and the Department of Insurance under Chapter 58 and Title 11 of the Administrative Code. The exam separates company or staff adjusters, independent adjusters, and public adjusters. Company and independent adjusters act for insurers; a public adjuster contracts with and represents the insured for compensation. A public adjuster license is not an insurer appointment, and an insurer cannot use a public adjuster to stand in for its own adjuster.
License qualifications include being at least 18, passing the required examination, paying fees, and meeting character and continuing-education requirements. North Carolina adjusters generally complete 24 hours of CE every two years, including ethics hours; always verify the current reporting cycle. The Commissioner may investigate, fine, suspend, or revoke a license and may require restitution.
Conduct rules
The Unfair Claim Settlement Practices Act, N.C.G.S. 58-63-15(11), lists conduct such as misrepresenting policy provisions, failing to investigate promptly, unreasonable delay, and offering less than a reasonable person would expect. Public adjusters are also governed by Article 33A, which prohibits unlicensed activity, false advertising, and conflicts of interest. Rebating and sharing fees with unlicensed persons are prohibited.
Worked example
An unlicensed consultant negotiates a $60,000 fire claim and collects a 10% fee. The conduct is unlicensed public adjusting even if the person never signs the insurer's forms. The contract is exposed to challenge, and the person faces administrative penalties.
Traps
Do not confuse independent adjusters with public adjusters. Do not assume a public adjuster can represent an insurer. Do not memorize CE hours without checking the current rule.