Public Adjusters in Texas

A public adjuster is a licensed professional who represents the policyholder during the insurance claims process. Public adjusters review your insurance policy, inspect and document property damage, prepare claim paperwork, and negotiate with your insurer to help secure the best possible settlement.

Yes. In Texas, you must hold a public insurance adjuster license issued by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) to act on behalf of a policyholder for compensation. Attempting to adjust claims without a license is not permitted.

• Pass the Texas public insurance adjuster exam before applying.
• Submit an online application with TDI via Sircon and pay the applicable fee (about $50).
• Complete fingerprint background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety system.
• Provide proof of a $10,000 surety bond listing you as the sole principal.
• Upload your public adjuster contract or choose to use TDI’s standard Form FIN535.

• Review and interpret your insurance policy (coverage and exclusions)
• Inspect and document all damage
• Prepare detailed claim documentation and estimates
• Negotiate with your insurer on your behalf

• If a claim is settled within 72 hours of loss notification, a public adjuster is entitled only to reasonable compensation for time and expenses.
• In other cases, the fee may not exceed 10% of the claim settlement and must be disclosed in the written contract.

• The scope of services provided
• How the adjuster will be compensated (including fee caps)
• Duration of the contract
• Any applicable disclosures required by law

Yes. If you hold a valid public insurance adjuster license from another state, you can apply for a non-resident public adjuster license in Texas by meeting TDI’s reciprocity and application requirements, including fingerprinting and proof of bond.

You can verify a Texas public adjuster’s license through the Texas Department of Insurance license lookup tool or via the Sircon / NIPR database, confirming active status, expiration, and compliance.

• Public Adjuster: Works for you, the policyholder, to document damage and negotiate your claim.
• Insurance Company Adjuster: Works for the insurance company evaluating claims for the insurer’s interests.