Public Adjusters in North Dakota

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents the policyholder’s interests in preparing, presenting, and negotiating first-party property insurance claims. Public adjusters help evaluate damage, prepare documentation, and negotiate with your insurer on your behalf.

Yes. North Dakota requires individuals and business entities acting as public adjusters to be licensed by the North Dakota Insurance Department under state law before adjusting or negotiating insurance claims for compensation.

• Be at least 18 years old with an application on file.
• Submit a completed application and pay the $100 state licensing fee for individuals.
• Provide proof of a $20,000 surety bond as required by state law.
• Undergo a criminal background check with fingerprints.
• In many cases, pass the public adjuster examination unless eligible for an exemption (e.g., recent previous licensing in another state).

Yes. Non-residents who already hold a valid public adjuster license in their home state and are in good standing may apply for a North Dakota public adjuster license and must submit the appropriate $100 fee and $20,000 surety bond to qualify.

• Interpreting insurance policies and identifying covered damage.
• Inspecting and documenting property damage in detail.
• Preparing detailed claim documentation and estimates.
• Negotiating with the insurer to pursue the best possible settlement for you.

Public adjusters often work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they collect a percentage of the insurance settlement only if you recover funds. Industry sources such as FAPIA explain that this aligns the adjuster’s interests with the policyholder’s recovery.

• The scope of services to be provided.
• The fee structure and compensation terms.
• The duties and responsibilities of both parties.
• The adjuster’s license and contact information.

• Public Adjuster: Works for you, the policyholder, aiming to document, prepare, and negotiate your claim.
• Insurance Company Adjuster: Works for the insurer to evaluate claims from the company’s perspective and assess payment according to their interests.

• Your claim involves significant or complex damage.
• The insurer’s initial settlement offer seems too low or incomplete.
• You want professional documentation and negotiation support throughout the claims process.