Ohio Miscellaneous Regulatory Material DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE BULLETINS Bulletin 88-1 Requirement of certificate of authority for public insurance adjusters	Effective Date January 21, 1988

Public insurance adjuster includes:

1. Any person or entity that aids an insurer, insured or another in negotiating the settlement of a claim for loss under any insurance policy concerning real or personal property.

2. Any person or entity that holds itself out to the public as an adjuster of insurance claims.

3. Any person who assists an insurer or insured with a claim for loss, on behalf of a certified public insurance adjuster. O.R.C. Section 3951.01(A).

There are individuals and entities which fall under the above definition but are exempted from O.R.C. Section 3951.01(D). Those exempted include attorneys and certain insurance company employees, officers and agents.

No person or entity shall act as a public insurance adjuster, or receive, directly or indirectly, compensation for the adjustment of any claim unless such person or entity holds a certificate of authority issued by the Ohio Department of Insurance. O.R.C. Section 3951.02.

The certificate of authority issued to a public insurance adjusting entity authorizes only the members, officers and directors of such entity, as specified in the certificate of authority to act as public insurance adjusters. O.R.C. Section 3951.04. A certificate of authority does not authorize public insurance adjusters to delegate to any uncertified persons any duties concerning the adjustment of insurance claims.

The Department cautions certified public insurance adjusters who delegate to any uncertified persons their duties as public insurance adjusters that such activity is in violation of Ohio law. Certified public insurance adjusters involved in this activity are subject to revocation or suspension of their certificate of authority. O.R.C. Section 3951.07., O.A.C. 3901-1-24(B)(5).

George Fabe
Director of Insurance

CROSS REFERENCE 3951.01; 3951.02; 3951.07; RULE 3901-1-24

DATE NEW 1988

SUBJECT CATEGORY 400 - Insurance representatives

DEFINITIONS Public insurance adjuster

INDEX
Public adjusters and Licenses
Unlicensed adjusters and Public adjusters and Delegated powers
License revocation and Violations and Public adjusters