Before hiring a public adjuster to represent you in an insurance claim, you need to confirm they're actually licensed to do so. A single phone call or online search to the wrong agency could waste weeks, and an unlicensed adjuster could invalidate your entire claim. Here's exactly how to verify credentials and protect yourself.
Check Your State's Department of Insurance
Start with your state's Department of Insurance website—this is where public adjusters are licensed and regulated. Every state requires public adjusters to hold an active license before they can legally represent you in a claim.
Search the licensing database by the adjuster's name or license number. Most state sites let you search for free and will show:
- License status (active, expired, suspended, or revoked)
- License type and issue/expiration dates
- Any disciplinary history or complaints filed against them
If the adjuster isn't in the database or their license is expired, don't hire them. An expired license means they cannot legally charge you a fee for their services in most states.
Verify Professional Certifications
A state license is mandatory, but professional certifications separate experienced adjusters from newcomers. Look for these credentials:
- Certified Public Adjuster (CPA): Many states recognize this. It typically requires 30+ hours of continuing education and passing an exam.
- American Society of Public Adjusters (ASPA) membership: ASPA members meet ethics standards and stay current on industry changes. You can verify membership directly on their website.
- National Association of Public Adjusters (NAAPA) credentials: Similar to ASPA, this signals professional commitment.
These certifications aren't required by law, but they show the adjuster invests in staying current. Ask the adjuster directly which credentials they hold and request proof.
Request References from Recent Claims
Ask the public adjuster for at least three client references from claims they've settled in the last 12–18 months. Call these references and ask specific questions:
- How long did the claim process take from start to finish?
- Did the adjuster communicate regularly about progress?
- Was the final settlement close to what the adjuster estimated?
- Would they hire this adjuster again?
A reputable adjuster will have happy clients willing to discuss their case. If they refuse to provide references or the references seem reluctant to recommend them, that's a red flag.
Review Their Track Record and Fee Structure
Ask how many claims of your type (water damage, fire, wind, etc.) the adjuster has handled. Someone with 200+ residential water damage claims will likely handle yours more efficiently than someone with five.
Confirm their fee structure in writing:
- Most public adjusters charge 10–20% of the additional settlement they recover
- Some charge flat fees ($500–$2,000) instead of contingency
- A few charge hourly rates ($150–$300/hour), though this is less common
Get a written fee agreement before they start. Many states legally require this, and it protects both of you.
Check for Complaints and Disciplinary Actions
Beyond the state licensing database, search for complaints on:
- Your state's insurance commissioner's office (they track complaints against all insurance professionals)
- The Better Business Bureau (search for the adjuster's name and your city)
- Online reviews on Google, Yelp, or industry-specific sites
One or two complaints in a long career is normal, but a pattern of unresolved disputes, ethical violations, or licensing suspensions is concerning. Read complaint summaries carefully—some may be from unhappy claimants with unrealistic expectations, while others indicate genuine problems.
Confirm Insurance and Bonding
Most states require public adjusters to carry errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. This protects you if the adjuster makes a mistake that costs you money. Ask for proof of current E&O coverage and verify the policy is active by calling the insurer.
Some states also require adjusters to be bonded. Check your state's requirements and confirm your adjuster meets them.
Use a Comparison Platform
If you're still shopping around, platforms like Mercoly let you compare vetted public adjusters side-by-side in your area, check their licenses and reviews, and see fee structures all in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I verify a public adjuster's license online, or do I need to call my state? Most state insurance departments now have free online databases you can search instantly; calling is unnecessary unless the online search isn't clear.
Q: What's the difference between a public adjuster and a claims adjuster? A public adjuster works for you (the policyholder) and is hired to maximize your settlement, while a claims adjuster works for the insurance company to minimize payouts.
Q: How long does a public adjuster license typically take to get? Licensing timelines vary by state, but usually require 30–40 hours of pre-licensing education, passing an exam, and a background check—typically 4–8 weeks total.
Ready to file a claim? Verify your adjuster's credentials today before signing any agreements.