California Information
A public adjuster is a licensed claims professional who represents the insured, not the insurance company. For California commercial property owners, a public adjuster can assist with documenting complex damages, navigating wildfire- and storm-related claims, calculating business interruption losses, and negotiating a settlement that reflects the full extent of your property and operational impacts.
Continental Adjusters LLC
info@coadj.com
214-373-6600
California-Specific Rules & Consumer Protections
1. Licensing Requirement
- California requires all public adjusters to be licensed under the California Insurance Code and regulated by the Department of Insurance (CDI).
→ Public adjuster licensing is overseen by the California Department of Insurance. CA Department of Insurance
2. Application & Qualification Standards
- Applicants must complete pre-licensing education, pass a state exam, undergo fingerprinting, and meet financial responsibility requirements.
→ Application and qualification standards appear on the CDI producer licensing page. CA Department of Insurance
3. Written Contract Requirements
- California law requires public adjuster contracts to be in writing and include mandatory disclosures, fee terms, cancellation rights, and explanations of services as outlined in Insurance Code §§15027–15030.
→ Contract requirements governed by California Insurance Code. California Legislative Information
4. Standards of Conduct
- Public adjusters must act in the insured’s best interest, provide transparent explanations of compensation, and avoid conflicts involving repair services or referral payments.
→ Conduct standards appear under California Insurance Code §15000 et seq. California Legislative Information
5. Fee Limits & Compensation Rules
- California law requires that all compensation for public adjusters be fully disclosed and agreed to in writing. In declared wildfire disasters, additional consumer protections apply to ensure fairness in post-disaster adjusting.
→ Fee and compensation provisions appear in the California Insurance Code. California Legislative Information
6. License Verification
- Commercial property owners can verify a public adjuster’s active license using the California Department of Insurance license lookup tool.
→ CDI License Lookup. CA Department of Insurance
When to Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster
You may consider hiring a public adjuster when:
- Your commercial property has suffered major physical damage from wildfire, flooding, storms, earthquakes, or vandalism.
- Your claim includes business interruption, tenant displacement, extra expenses, or loss of use.
- The insurer’s preliminary estimate appears incomplete or undervalues your documented losses.
- Your property includes specialized equipment, large inventory, multi-tenant spaces, or technical operations requiring detailed assessment.
Resources for California Commercial Property Owners
1. California Department of Insurance (CDI)
- Licensing, regulations, and adjuster oversight for commercial claims.
2. CDI License Lookup
- Verify licensing and authority of any public adjuster.
3. California Insurance Code §§15000–15030
- Statutory rules governing public adjuster licensing, conduct, and contract requirements.
Quick Checklist for California Commercial Property Owners
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Document property damage and business interruption losses (photos, invoices, financial statements). |
| 2 | Avoid permanent repairs until insurer inspection is complete; document temporary mitigation actions. |
| 3 | Maintain a detailed written log of communications with your insurer and adjuster. |
| 4 | Verify the public adjuster’s license through the California Department of Insurance. |
| 5 |
Review the written contract for required California disclosures, fee terms, and cancellation rights. |
| 6 | Choose an adjuster with experience in wildfire, earthquake, and commercial/industrial claims. |
| 7 | Request itemized loss estimates, damage valuations, and repair methodology documentation. |
Why Partner with Continental Adjusters?
Continental Adjusters supports California commercial property owners by:
- Confirming adjuster licensing and compliance with California’s exacting regulatory requirements.
- Connecting owners with adjusters experienced in wildfire, earthquake, and high-value commercial losses.
- Assisting with documentation, valuation analysis, and claim preparation.
- Ensuring your claim is presented clearly, comprehensively, and in alignment with California law.
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 California, 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 California?
Contact Continental Adjusters LLC today — and take the next step toward a fair resolution.
