Public Adjusters in Rhode Island

Yes. Rhode Island law prohibits anyone from acting as a public adjuster unless they are licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) – Insurance Division. This applies to anyone representing a policyholder in first-party property claims — including negotiating for settlements, preparing estimates, or documenting damages.

• Reviews your insurance policy and coverage limits
• Inspects and documents property damage
• Prepares claim documentation and damage estimates
• Negotiates with your insurer for a full and fair settlement

• Be at least 18 years old and of good character.
• Pass the Rhode Island adjuster licensing exam administered through Pearson Vue.
• Submit a criminal background check (B.C.I.) that’s less than 30 days old.
• Apply through the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR) with appropriate fees and documentation.

Rhode Island requires adjusters — including public adjusters — to complete continuing education (CE) and renew their licenses every two years. Effective in the 2020s, RI requires at least 24 hours of CE, including ethics coursework, before license renewal.

• Adjuster’s full legal name and license number
• Adjuster’s address and contact info
• Description of the loss and services to be provided
• The fees, commissions, or compensation to be paid
• Signatures of both the adjuster and the insured
• Date of signing by both parties
• Any percentage of settlement if compensation is percentage-based

Yes. During a catastrophic disaster, Rhode Island law caps a public adjuster’s compensation at no more than 10% of the settlement or proceeds. Public adjusters may not demand or accept fees before a claim settlement, and fees must be clearly stated in the contract.

• Serve with objectivity and complete loyalty to the insured’s interests
• Maintain detailed records of all transactions for at least 5 years
• Avoid misrepresenting that they represent an insurer or acting outside their licensed authority
• Not solicit insureds during the progress of a loss-producing event
• Obtain written disclosure for any indirect financial interests with repair or appraisal firms
• Not share commissions or fees improperly

Yes. Non-resident public adjuster applicants can seek a Rhode Island license, but they must have an active resident license in another state and meet Rhode Island’s requirements — including passing exams unless reciprocity provisions apply. However, public adjusters cannot select Rhode Island as a designated home state for licensing purposes.