What are the licensing requirements for public adjusters in Virginia?

Public adjusters in Virginia must pass a licensing exam, obtain a $50,000 surety bond, and complete 24 hours per 2-year renewal cycle for resident and nonresident public adjusters, including 3 hours of insurance ethics (Va. Code § 38.2-1866)..

Virginia Public Adjuster Regulations

Complete guide to public adjuster licensing, fees, and regulations in Virginia. Regulated by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance.

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Fee Structure

No statutory fee cap

Emergency/catastrophe cap: 10%

Virginia does not impose a general statutory percentage cap. During a catastrophic disaster declared by the Governor, fees are capped at 10% of the insurance settlement proceeds, including all expenses (Va. Code § 38.2-1845.14(C)).

Licensing Requirements

Licensing exam required

Surety bond required ($50,000)

E&O insurance required

Continuing Education

24 hours per 2-year renewal cycle for resident and nonresident public adjusters, including 3 hours of insurance ethics (Va. Code § 38.2-1866).

Contract Requirements

Written contract titled "Public Adjuster Contract" required (Va. Code § 38.2-1845.13), containing the adjuster's full name, license number, and business address; insured's name, address, and policy details; loss description and location; services to be provided; full fee/commission amount; and an attestation of bonding compliance. A separate disclosure must inform the insured they are not required to hire an adjuster and may communicate directly with the insurer.

Cancellation period: 3 business days from contract signing (5 business days during a catastrophic disaster). Written rescission must be mailed to the adjuster's contract address; the adjuster must return all insured property within 15 business days.

Solicitation Rules

No solicitation during an active loss event. No solicitation between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. (Va. Code § 38.2-1845.12).

Governing Statutes

Virginia Code Title 38.2, Chapter 18, Article 4.1 (Licensing of Public Adjusters, §§ 38.2-1845.1 through 38.2-1845.14); contracts at § 38.2-1845.13; catastrophic-disaster fee cap at § 38.2-1845.14

Frequently Asked Questions

How much can a public adjuster charge in Virginia?: Virginia does not impose a general statutory percentage cap. During a catastrophic disaster declared by the Governor, fees are capped at 10% of the insurance settlement proceeds, including all expenses (Va. Code § 38.2-1845.14(C)).
How do I verify a public adjuster's license in Virginia?: You can verify a public adjuster's license through the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Bureau of Insurance at https://sbs.naic.org/solar-external-lookup/lookup?jurisdiction=VA
What are the licensing requirements for public adjusters in Virginia?: Public adjusters in Virginia must pass a licensing exam, obtain a $50,000 surety bond, and complete 24 hours per 2-year renewal cycle for resident and nonresident public adjusters, including 3 hours of insurance ethics (Va. Code § 38.2-1866)..

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