Does a roof insurance claim adjuster need a license in Georgia?
Short answer. Independent adjusters hired by insurers and public adjusters hired by homeowners must be licensed in Georgia, while a salaried employee adjusting claims under the insurer's own policies is generally outside the individual licensing requirement. After big storms, out-of-state adjusters often work under Georgia nonresident licenses, so it is reasonable to ask any adjuster who employs them and for a license number.
Who needs a license
- Independent adjusters: licensed by the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner. Many catastrophe adjusters who arrive after big storms hold Georgia nonresident licenses based on a home state license.
- Public adjusters: licensed, and required to use a contract form approved by the Commissioner.
- Staff adjusters: Georgia's licensing law generally excludes a salaried employee adjusting losses under the employer insurer's own policies, so a company adjuster may not hold an individual license. The insurer itself is licensed and regulated.
Why the license matters to you
A license means the adjuster met exam or reciprocity requirements, answers to the Commissioner, and can lose the license for misconduct. It does not mean the adjuster works for you. Independent and staff adjusters represent the insurer whether or not they hold a license.
How to check
- Ask for the adjuster's full name, firm and license number, and write it in your claim log.
- Use the license search on the Commissioner's website to confirm the license is active.
- For a staff adjuster, confirm employment by calling the insurer's claims line with your claim number.
Red flags
- Someone calling himself an adjuster who actually works for a roofing company and wants to negotiate your claim. A roofer cannot act as your public adjuster in Georgia; see public adjuster vs roofer.
- An adjuster who asks you to sign a contract or an assignment of your insurance proceeds on the spot; see assignment of benefits in Georgia.
If a licensed adjuster behaves unprofessionally, you can file a complaint with the Commissioner, the office that licenses and disciplines adjusters.