North Carolina Resource Links

1. Disclosure of Financial Interests: A public adjuster is not permitted to have any direct or indirect financial interest in a claim other than what’s listed in the contract with the insured, unless it is disclosed in writing to the insured. Use the Disclosure of Financial Interests form to disclose any interest in a restoration company or referral fee. 

• Fee cap of 10% on catastrophic losses: With that comes a 14 day right of rescission on those claims that can’t be waived 

• Execution of Contract in Duplicate: must have insured sign two, with an original kept by the public adjuster and an original contract kept by the insured. 

2. Initial Expenses To Be Specified and be Initialed by Insured: Expenses must be listed by type, with dollar estimates. A form is included on the contract. 

3. Disclosure of Claims Process: The Disclosure of Claims Process document needs to be executed before the insured signs the Public Adjuster Contract. 

4. Commission limitations for policy limit offers within 72 hours: No percentage fee on this, only fee for time spent 

5. Ban on Solicitation No solicitation during Occurrence of Loss and during the hours of 9:00 P.M. to 9:00 A.M. 

6. Proof of loss—insured has 60 days from loss, unless extended by carrier, but forms are required to be furnished by the carrier. “When any company under any insurance policy requires a written proof of loss after notice of such loss has been given by the insured or beneficiary, the company or its representative shall furnish a blank to be used for that purpose. If such forms are not so furnished within 15 days after the receipt of such notice, the claimant shall be deemed to have complied with the requirements of this policy as to proof of loss, upon submitting within the time fixed in the policy for filing proofs of loss, written proof covering the occurrence, character, and extent of the loss for which claim is made. Bottom line you must submit a report on the occurrence, character, and extent of the loss within the 60 days.  

Key statutes governing Public Adjusters in North Carolina:

N.C. Gen. Stat. §58-33A-1 – Definitions and scope

N.C. Gen. Stat. §58-33A-5 – License requirements

N.C. Gen. Stat. §58-33A-10 – Bonding and financial responsibility

N.C. Gen. Stat. §58-33A-15 – Standards of conduct

N.C. Gen. Stat. §58-63-15 – Unfair claims settlement practices

N.C. Gen. Stat. §58-2-69 – Recordkeeping and examinations

N.C. Gen. Stat. §58-2-70 – Civil penalties

You can review the complete code here:
🔗 https://www.ncleg.gov/Laws/GeneralStatutes

Overview

In North Carolina, every client must sign the state-compliant Public Adjuster Contract and a Letter of Representation (LOR) before you contact the carrier. Once both are signed, you send the NC Notice Letter (with the LOR attached) to formally place the carrier on notice and request claim records.

What you need to do

Generate the NC Contract from the HavenHub template. Verify intake fields (names, address, policy info, DOL). Every insured must sign and initial each page. You must sign with your NC license number.

• Send the LOR separately from the contract. This authorizes communication with the carrier and triggers our ability to act.

• Prepare the NC Notice Letter. The system auto-populates policy data and includes a request for the full policy, claim file, estimates, prior payments, and the assignment of a desk adjuster. Attach the signed LOR and W-9.

• Email the Notice Letter + LOR to the carrier, upload both into HavenHub, and record the date sent.

How to explain to clients

• The contract sets our fee (20% standard in NC) and scope of representation.

• The LOR authorizes us to act on their behalf and communicate with the carrier.

• The Notice Letter tells the carrier we are on file, ensures all communication flows through us, and requests their records.

• NC law includes a 3-business-day cancellation right with no penalty if exercised.

Compliance reminders

• No carrier contact until both the LOR + Notice Letter are complete.

• Always give the client a copy of the signed contract the same day.

• Every page of the contract must be initialed by all named insureds.

• Get written approval before incurring any 3rd-party expenses.

Downloads

NC Client Contract

NC Notice Letter

The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) oversees all adjuster licensing, firm registration, and consumer protection matters.

Visit: www.NCDOI.gov

There is no universal statutory deadline in North Carolina. Most policies require submission within 60 days of the loss or within the timeframe specified in the policy.

If the insurer fails to provide a POL form within 15 days, a written statement of loss, damage, and extent is sufficient to meet compliance.

Download

Blank Proof of Loss (POL)

11 NCAC 04.0120 & N.C. Gen. Stat. §58-63-15(11) require timely communication between all parties in a claim.

15 calendar days: Carrier must acknowledge any written claim notice or inquiry.
→ TrueHaven Standard: Submit contract and Notice Letter within 2 business days of execution.

30 calendar days: Carrier must begin investigating the claim.
→ TrueHaven Standard: Submit Proof of Loss and estimate within 5–7 days of inspection.

10 business days: Carrier must respond to all PA inquiries once investigation begins.
→ TrueHaven Standard: Follow up every 2 business days until confirmation is received.

45 days: Carrier must provide written updates if the claim remains unresolved.
→ TrueHaven Standard: Calendar follow-ups at 30 and 45 days in HavenHub.

The North Carolina Building Code establishes standards for roof systems, structural repairs, and wind-load compliance.
Reference these codes when justifying line items, validating contractor scopes, or disputing carrier denials.

📎 North Carolina Building Code (2024)

In North Carolina, a Public Adjuster is any individual who, for compensation, acts on behalf of an insured in negotiating the settlement of a first-party property insurance claim. Public Adjusters are regulated under Chapter 58, Article 33A of the North Carolina General Statutes.

Licensing Requirements:

• Must apply for and hold an individual Public Adjuster license through the North Carolina Department of Insurance.

• Must provide proof of a $20,000 surety bond payable to the Commissioner.

• Must pass a background check and comply with fingerprinting requirements.

• The applicant must be financially responsible and competent to act as a public adjuster.

• A non-resident PA must be licensed in good standing in their home state and may apply by reciprocity.

Firm Licensing:

• A separate Public Adjuster Firm License is required to operate as a business entity.

• The licensed individual must be designated as the responsible party for the firm.

Conduct Standards:

• Public Adjusters must act solely in the interest of the insured.

• Contracts must be in writing and meet content and disclosure requirements.

• Adjusters may not directly or indirectly participate in the repair or restoration of damaged property.

• All advertising must be truthful and not misleading or deceptive.

• Public Adjusters may not solicit business during emergencies in violation of state laws.

You can reference North Carolina statutes at:
🔗 https://www.ncleg.gov/Laws/GeneralStatutes

Licensed Public Adjusters in North Carolina must complete 24 hours of Continuing Education every two years, which must include:

• 3 hours in Ethics

• 3 hours in Flood Insurance

• 18 hours of approved electives

Failure to complete CE requirements by the compliance date will cause the license to expire.

Licensees then have a 4-month reinstatement window to complete their CE hours and pay a $75 reinstatement fee through Prometric.

If CE requirements are not met by the end of that period, the license becomes inactive, and the adjuster must complete pre-licensing and re-pass the state exam for reinstatement.

Nonresident Adjusters

Nonresident adjusters licensed and in good standing in their home state meet North Carolina’s CE requirements automatically through reciprocal recognition.
• The North Carolina Department of Insurance verifies active status through the National Producer Database (PDB).
• If the home state license lapses or falls out of good standing, the North Carolina nonresident license will be cancelled.

Nonresident adjusters who qualified by passing the North Carolina exam (rather than reciprocity) must complete the same 24-hour biennial CE requirements as resident adjusters, including ethics and flood training.

Recommended online providers:
AdjusterPro.com

AmericanInsuranceCollege.com

Joining a professional association strengthens your knowledge, advocacy, and ethical accountability within the industry.

Carolina Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (CAPIA)

Carolina Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (CAPIA)

National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA)
National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA)

TrueHaven encourages active membership — both for ongoing education and to stay ahead of legislative changes affecting Public Adjusters.