Which party is NOT considered a licensed adjuster?

In the context of insurance adjusting, a licensed adjuster is someone who is formally recognized by state authorities to evaluate and negotiate claims. Public adjusters, independent adjusters, and those employed by insurers must adhere to licensing requirements that vary by state.

A public adjuster is indeed a licensed professional who represents policyholders in negotiating their claims with insurance companies. They have to meet specific state regulations, including posting a surety bond, to operate legally.

Independent adjusters are also licensed and typically contracted by insurance companies to assess claims. They do so objectively and without allegiance to the insurer, making them an essential part of the claims process.

A salaried adjuster, however, is an individual who is employed directly by an insurance company. In many jurisdictions, these salaried professionals are not classified under a separate licensing requirement distinct from the insurance companies they work for. Instead, they operate under the insurance company’s license, differentiating them from independent or public adjusters. Therefore, while they perform similar functions in processing claims, they are not considered licensed adjusters in the same way.

A lawyer acting as an adjuster may engage in some activities related to claims, but unless they also meet the licensing requirements applicable to adjusters, they do not hold the designation