Insurance Dept.: Public Adjusters Are Not Permitted in Arkansas

Arkansas Insurance Commissioner Jay Bradford issued a reminder in the wake of recent violent weather that public adjusters are not permitted in the state. Only adjusters whose salary is paid by the insurance company he or she represents are allowed.

The department said it has received reports that public adjusters have approached citizens in Mena following last week’s storm. Adjusters requesting payment from the insured for their services are not permitted in Arkansas.

In the aftermath of a catastrophic event such as a tornado, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to process one’s claim.

“I advise everyone to request the identification of anyone approaching them claiming to be an adjuster,” Bradford said. He also advises consumers to call their insurance agent with questions “as he or she is the first link between you and your insurance company.”

Reports of adjusters operating without a license or trying to seek compensation from an insured for their services should be reported to the Arkansas Insurance Department at 501-371- 2820.

Source: Arkansas Insurance Department, www.insurance.arkansas.gov