Public Adjusters in New York

A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who represents the policyholder when preparing, presenting, and negotiating a property insurance claim. They help interpret your policy, document losses, prepare estimates, and communicate with your insurer to pursue a fair settlement. Public adjusters do not work for insurance companies.

Yes. Under New York Insurance Law § 2108, adjusters must be licensed — as either independent (for insurer representation) or public (for policyholder representation) adjusters — by the New York Department of Financial Services (DFS) to practice legally.

• Complete an approved pre-licensing education course (often ~40 hours).
• Pass the New York public adjuster licensing exam.
• Submit fingerprints (resident via IdentoGO; non-resident via mailed card).
• Purchase and file a $1,000 surety bond with your application.
• Provide five certificates of character verifying your honesty and competence.
• Pay required DFS application fees (often $50–$100 depending on term).

Licensed public adjusters in New York must complete approved continuing education (CE) during each two-year licensing period, typically totaling 15 credit hours to maintain their license.

• Interpret your policy to identify covered losses.
• Document and estimate property damage.
• Prepare and submit your claim to the insurer.
• Negotiate with your insurance company for fair compensation.

Public adjusters are typically paid by the policyholder through a signed compensation agreement before work begins. The fee is usually expressed as a percentage of the recovery amount and is negotiable. However, by law the fee cannot exceed 12.5% of the recovered amount and must be clearly stated in writing.

• The adjuster’s services and scope of work.
• The compensation/fee structure.
• Terms of cancellation (you may cancel by midnight of the third business day after signing).
• The adjuster’s DFS license info and contact details.

No. New York law prohibits a public adjuster from having any financial interest in the outcome of the claim or in a business providing repairs or restoration related to that claim, to avoid conflicts of interest.

• Your property has significant or complex damage.
• The insurer’s initial offer seems too low.
• You want expert help ensuring all damage is properly documented and negotiated.

Yes. Non-residents with valid adjuster licenses may apply for a New York non-resident public adjuster license via the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR), subject to DFS requirements.