South Carolina Allows Out-of-State Adjusters After Massive Hail Storm

In the wake of last week’s widespread hail storm that damaged homes and automobiles, the South Carolina director of insurance said that emergency rules allow out-of-state adjusters and appraisers to work claims, as long as they are licensed in other states.

The April 20 storm brought record-tying, softball-sized hail across the northern part of South Carolina and the southern stretches of North Carolina, AccuWeather reported. The event knocked out power and caused extensive damage to cars and buildings in the area, resulting in thousands of insurance claims, the South Carolina Department of Insurance noted.

To help speed claims processing after such events, state regulations allow non-resident adjusters and motor vehicle damage appraisers to enter the state, “provided that the adjuster or … appraiser exhibits evidence of an adjuster’s or appraiser’s license in his home state.” The adjusters and appraisers should remain in the state only as long as necessary to assist in adjusting claims, the regulation notes, according to a bulletin issued last week by Michael Wise, South Carolina insurance director.

The number of claims is so large that temporary licensing of non-resident adjusters and appraisers may also be necessary, Wise said. Forms and procedures for licensing and emergency permits are available on the department’s website.

The bulletin noted that the rule will be in effect for 120 days unless extended by the department.

AccuWeather reported that hail as large as that seen last week had not been recorded since 2011. High winds also were reported. Vinyl siding was destroyed on homes, fences were torn down, and car windshields were broken in and around Rock Hill, south of Charlotte, according to local news reports.