South Carolina Information
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works for you, not the insurance company. For commercial property owners, a public adjuster brings specialized knowledge in assessing complex losses, interpreting policy terms, documenting business interruption, and negotiating fair settlement outcomes.
Continental Adjusters LLC
info@coadj.com
214-373-6600
South Carolina-Specific Rules & Consumer Protections
1. Licensing Is Mandatory
- Anyone acting as a public adjuster in South Carolina must be licensed under SC Code Title 38, Chapter 48.
→ SC Code § 38-48-20 requires that all individuals commonly called “public adjusters” be licensed. https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-38/chapter-48/section-38-48-20/
2. Application, Fee & Renewal Structure
- The license application is processed via NIPR, and the biennial license fee is $80 (subject to retaliatory adjustments in nonresident cases). Licenses renew every two years in October of even-numbered years.
→ South Carolina Department of Insurance outlines public adjuster application, fee, and renewal schedule. Public Adjuster | Department of Insurance, SC – Official Website
3. Written Contract & Disclosure Requirements
- Public adjuster contracts in South Carolina must be in writing, include bold disclosure language, state fees, provide an opportunity for rescission, and clearly outline the adjuster’s services.
→ SC Code Chapter 48 describes required content and elements of public adjuster contracts. https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-38/chapter-48/
4. Standards, Duties & Ethical Conduct
- Public adjusters in South Carolina must act as agents of the insured, maintain honesty and fairness, avoid conflicts of interest (e.g. no financial interest in repairs beyond fees), and must not act as insurers or independent adjusters inappropriately.
→ SC Code § 38-48-70 outlines standards and duties for public adjusters.
https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-38/chapter-48/
5. Record Retention & Disclosure Periods
- Adjusters must retain records of all claims, contracts, loss documents, and correspondence for three years following settlement or claim closure.
→ SC Code Chapter 48 includes a section on record retention for public adjusters. https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-38/chapter-48/
When to Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster
You may want to engage a public adjuster if:
- Your commercial property has suffered significant structural damage (fire, wind, water, storm).
- You are filing a business interruption / lost revenue component of your claim.
- The insurance company’s initial offer seems to undervalue your documented losses.
- Your property includes inventory, specialized equipment, multi-unit operations, or other complex exposures.
Resources for South Carolina Commercial Property Owners
1. South Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI) – Public Adjuster Division
- The licensing body that regulates public adjusters, provides official application instructions, and maintains regulatory oversight. Public Adjuster | Department of Insurance, SC – Official Website
2. SC DOI Public Adjuster Page
- Contains public adjuster license application details,
exam requirements, and renewal schedules. Public Adjuster | Department of Insurance, SC – Official Website
3. South Carolina Code Title 38, Chapter 48 (Public Insurance Adjusters)
- The statutory framework governing licensing, contract obligations, duties, and ethical obligations. https://law.justia.com/codes/south-carolina/title-38/chapter-48/
Quick Checklist for South Carolina Commercial Property Owners
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Document all property and business interruption losses—photos, receipts, financial records. |
| 2 |
Defer permanent repairs until insurer inspection; document any necessary temporary fixes. |
| 3 | Keep a detailed log of all communications with insurer or adjuster (dates, names, content). |
| 4 | Verify the public adjuster’s license via SC DOI’s public adjuster licensing information. |
| 5 | Make sure the contract is in writing, contains required disclosures, and states fee terms. |
| 6 | Confirm the adjuster has experience handling commercial property and business interruption claims. |
| 7 | Request itemized estimates, documentation of methods used, and clear disclosure of your rights (including rescission). |
Why Partner with Continental Adjusters?
Continental Adjusters supports commercial property owners in South Carolina by:
-
- Validating adjuster credentials, licensing status, and contract compliance under SC law.
- Connecting you with public adjusters who specialize in commercial property and business interruption claims.
- Helping you interpret contract terms, disclosure obligations, and adjuster practices under SC statutes.
- Ensuring your insurance recovery process is handled transparently, professionally, and with your best interests prioritized.
In South Carolina, acting as a public adjuster without a license is unlawful, and the state imposes strict rules on contracts, disclosure, and recordkeeping. For commercial property losses—including lost revenue and structural damage— Continental Adjusters are properly licensed public adjusters who provide expertise, organization, and advocacy that strengthens your position in the claims process.
Need Help Finding a Public Adjuster in South Carolina?
Contact Continental Adjusters LLC today — we are here to help you get the settlement you deserve.
