Washington Information
A public adjuster is a licensed insurance claims professional who represents the insured, not the insurance company. For Washington commercial property owners, a public adjuster can help document losses, interpret commercial policy language, calculate business-interruption damages, and negotiate a settlement that reflects the full scope of damage from fire, wind, water intrusion, storms, or other covered events.
Continental Adjusters LLC
info@coadj.com
214-373-6600
Washington-Specific Rules & Consumer Protections
1. Licensing Requirement
- Washington requires public adjusters to be licensed under Title 48 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and regulated by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC).
→ Washington OIC – Adjuster Licensing
2. Application & Qualification Standards
- Applicants must meet statutory qualifications, submit an application, pass required examinations, and comply with renewal requirements administered by the OIC.
→ Washington Insurance Licensing Information
3. Written Contract Requirements
- Public adjuster contracts in Washington must be in writing and include required disclosures, fee terms, scope of services, and cancellation rights as required under state law.
→ Revised Code of Washington (Title 48 – Insurance)
4. Standards of Conduct
- Washington law requires public adjusters to act in the insured’s best interest, provide transparent disclosures regarding compensation, and avoid conflicts of interest related to claim handling or repairs.
→ Washington Insurance Statutes – Title 48 RCW
5. Recordkeeping Requirements
- Public adjusters must maintain records of contracts, estimates, claim documentation, and communications for the period required under Washington insurance regulations.
→ Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner – Regulatory Oversight
6. License Verification
- Commercial property owners can verify a public adjuster’s license status and authority through Washington’s official license lookup system.
→ Washington License Lookup
When to Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster
A public adjuster may be helpful if:
- Your commercial property has suffered significant physical damage from fire, windstorms, water intrusion, or severe weather.
- Your claim includes business interruption, loss of rental income, or extra operating expenses.
- The insurer’s estimate appears incomplete or undervalues documented losses.
- Your property involves multi-tenant buildings, specialized equipment, industrial operations, or large inventories requiring detailed documentation and valuation.
Resources for Washington Commercial Property Owners
1. Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC)
- Regulates public adjuster licensing, contracts, and professional conduct.
2. Washington OIC License Lookup
- Verify license status and authority of any public adjuster.
3. Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Title 48
- Legal framework governing public adjuster licensing, contract requirements, and conduct.
Quick Checklist for Washington Commercial Property Owners
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Document all property damage and business-interruption losses with photos, invoices, and financial records. |
| 2 | Delay permanent repairs until insurer inspection; document all temporary mitigation work. |
| 3 | Maintain a detailed log of communications with insurers and adjusting professionals. |
| 4 | Verify the adjuster’s license through Washington’s OIC license lookup system. |
| 5 | Review the written contract for required Washington disclosures, fee terms, and cancellation rights. |
| 6 | Choose an adjuster experienced in commercial, industrial, and business-interruption claims. |
| 7 | Request itemized estimates, valuation support, and documentation explaining the scope of loss. |
Why Partner with Continental Adjusters?
Continental Adjusters supports Washington commercial property owners by:
- Verifying adjuster licensing and statutory compliance under Washington law.
- Connecting owners with adjusters experienced in large-loss commercial and business-interruption claims.
- Assisting with documentation, valuation review, and policy interpretation.
- Ensuring claims are organized, compliant, and positioned for a fair settlement.
If your property has been damaged and your claim is complex, large, or contested by your insurance company, partnering with a public adjusters can help level the playing field. In Washington, you have a legal right to fair claim handling; Continental Adjusters LLC employs reputable, licensed professionals dedicated to providing support through navigation of deadlines, thorough documentation of assets and damages, and ensuring your loss is valued fairly.
Need Help Finding a Public Adjuster in Washington?
Contact Continental Adjusters LLC today — we specialize in commercial claims and help maximize your settlement.
