Public & Independent Adjuster Bonds

License & Permit

Two kinds of adjusters, one bond requirement

Insurance claim adjusters operate on opposite sides of the negotiating table. A public adjuster acts on behalf of the insured in settling claims under a policy; an independent adjuster acts on behalf of the insurer. In states that require it, any individual or business who aids in negotiating claim settlements — or who advertises or solicits business as an adjuster — must be licensed and post a surety bond to comply with state statute.

What the bond guarantees

The adjuster bond is a license-and-permit surety bond guaranteeing that you comply with state law and conduct business according to all rules and regulations. It protects the policyholder you serve from fraud, dishonesty, misstatement, misrepresentation, deceit, and unlawful acts as you investigate the claim and issue settlement recommendations. If you violate state regulations, a claim can be filed on your bond. Terms run one or two years depending on the state, and the required bond amount varies by state.

New York specifics

New York requires adjuster bonds for both classifications, filed with licensure through the New York Department of Financial Services. The DFS is exacting about the specific license type being noted on the bond form — if it isn’t clearly noted, the bond may be rejected. We issue New York adjuster bonds with no credit check required, and we bond in every state where adjuster bonding is required.

States requiring adjuster bonds

California (insurance adjuster; public adjuster), Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana (resident and nonresident), Iowa (insurance and public), Kentucky (independent and public), Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri (public adjuster; adjuster solicitor), Montana, Nevada (debt adjuster), New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York (independent and public), North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania (public adjuster; adjuster solicitor), Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington DC.

Apply at bfbond.net/license/ or call 800.921.1008.