South Carolina Resource Links

1. No entity license needed. 

2. Insured May Waive Right of Cancellation of P.A. Contract for Commercial Claim: If the insured property that is the subject of the claim is not the primary residence of the insured or used by the insured primarily for personal, family, or household purposes, the insured may waive the right to rescind the agreement. 

3. Notice—notice of the claim is to be provided after signing of contract and after passage of cancellation period.

4. Financial Interest—no interest in claim other than commission and expenses—no referrals to any company in which you have a direct or indirect interest.

5. Prohibition Against P.A. Performing Repair Work Related to Claim: A public adjuster is not permitted to solicit or enter into any agreement for the repair or replacement of damaged property on which the public adjuster has been engaged to adjust or settle claims. 

6. Prohibition Against P.A. Providing Opinion Regarding Coverage: It is specifically prohibited to “offer or provide advice as to whether the insured’s claim is covered by the insured’s contract with the insurer”. 

7. Advertising: All advertisements must state the full name of the public adjuster and the public adjuster's firm and the complete business address and phone numbers. Advertisements shall not create an unjust expectation about results the public adjuster can achieve. Advertisements must also comply with requirements of Unfair Trade Practices Act. 

8. Solicitation: Need license.

There is pending legislation that may change the above in terms of fee cap, licensing requirements, contract requirements and duty to send contract to carrier.—it would also prohibit the use of an AOB for a contractor. Some of the public adjuster associations are lobbying for a few changes in this Bill, which would, if passed , take effect upon the Governor’s approval. 

Key statutes governing Public Adjusters in South Carolina include:

§ 38-48-10 – Licensing Requirements for Public Insurance Adjusters

§ 38-48-20 – Application and Bond Requirements

§ 38-48-30 – Grounds for Refusal, Suspension, or Revocation of License

§ 38-48-40 – Contract and Disclosure Requirements

§ 38-59-20 – Unfair Claim Settlement Practices

§ 38-59-30 – Insurer Response Deadlines and Notice Requirements

In South Carolina, the requirement to submit a Proof of Loss (POL) is generally dictated by the language in the insurance policy itself. While state statute does not mandate a fixed deadline for submission, many policies require that a POL be submitted within 60 days of the date of loss or upon the insurer’s request. South Carolina Code § 38-59-10 through § 38-59-30 governs insurer conduct but defers POL requirements to contract terms. Always review the policy closely to identify specific deadlines, as failure to meet those conditions may impact coverage eligibility.

The South Carolina Department of Insurance provides comprehensive information for Public Adjusters, including licensing requirements, regulations, and consumer resources.

• DOI.SC.GOV

No continuing Education Required. License must be renewed every 2 years.

Title 38, Chapter 48 of the South Carolina Code of Laws details the definitions and mandates for public insurance adjusters who practice business in South Carolina.

Public adjuster licenses are renewed in October of even-numbered years. The fee is $80 unless you are a resident of a state that charges a fee in excess of $80 (e.g., the fee for North Carolina residents is $230 and the fee for Georgia residents is $115).  Public adjuster fees are retaliatory under SC Law so the amount charged by South Carolina will be the amount charged by your home state, subject to an $80 minimum.

Resident Public Adjusters

Apply online through NIPR.

Pay the license fee of $80. The fee is not pro-rated and is non-refundable and non-transferable. Provide the original South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) report.  You may submit this using NIPR's Attachment Warehouse or by emailing the Licensing Division.

Applicants must pass a state examination prior to applying for a license through NIPR.  Exam certificates expire 12 months after issuance. Contact Pearson Vue directly at 877-759-5226 or schedule online to register for the state licensing exam and/or view exam content outlines.   

Non-Resident Public Adjusters

Apply online through NIPR.

Pay the license fee of $80. The fee is not pro-rated and is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are a resident of a state that charges a fee in excess of $80, that rate will be assessed as fees are retaliatory under South Carolina Law. For example, the fee for Georgia residents is $115. The fee for North Carolina residents is $175.  

If the applicant's home state does not require an adjuster examination, then a certificate can be used from another state where the applicant is licensed and has taken and passed an adjuster examination. 

If the above cannot be provided, then the applicant will be required to pass South Carolina's adjuster examination. Contact Pearson Vue directly at 877-759-5226 or schedule online to register for the state licensing exam and/or view exam content outlines.   

Renewal Application

View the Latest Building Codes

• Carolina Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (CAPIA)

• National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA)