Public adjusters in California: fees, contracts and deadlines
On this page
You can hire a public adjuster in California, and the adjuster must hold a state license from the Department of Insurance.
California does not cap the percentage a public adjuster can charge. The fee must be written in the contract, you must initial it, and the adjuster cannot collect more than the contract says.
3 business days
to cancel a public adjuster contract
15 calendar days
for the insurer to acknowledge your claim
40 calendar days
for the insurer to accept or deny
30 calendar days
for the insurer to pay
Each number is explained, with its source, in the sections below.
Can I hire a public adjuster in California?
You can hire a public adjuster in California, and the adjuster must hold a state license from the Department of Insurance.
Anyone who is paid to help you negotiate or settle a property insurance claim must hold a California public insurance adjuster license. If you sign with an unlicensed person, you can void the contract and owe nothing for their work.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15006(a) (show the source wording)
The source says
“No person shall engage in a business regulated by this chapter, or act or assume to act as, or represent himself or herself to be, a licensee unless he or she is licensed under this chapter.”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened
Cal. Ins. Code § 15006(b) (show the source wording)
The source says
“may be voided at the option of the insured, and the insured shall not be liable for the payment of any past services rendered, or future services to be rendered, by that person under that contract or otherwise”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened
Cal. Ins. Code § 15007 (show the source wording)
The source says
“a person who, for compensation, acts on behalf of or aids in any manner, an insured in negotiating for or effecting the settlement of a claim or claims for loss or damage under any policy of insurance covering real or personal property”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened
- Regulator
- California Department of Insurance
- Check a licence
- Official licence lookup
- File a complaint
- Consumer complaint form
- Consumer line
- 1-800-927-4357
What can a public adjuster charge in California?
California does not cap the percentage a public adjuster can charge. The fee must be written in the contract, you must initial it, and the adjuster cannot collect more than the contract says.
The Public Insurance Adjusters Act sets no percentage cap, including after a declared disaster. A 2025 bill (AB 597) that would have limited what adjusters can charge on disaster claims was held in a Senate committee and is not in the code.
- The fee cannot leave you with less than what your insurer had already paid you before you signed the contract.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(7) (show the source wording)
The source says“shall not cause the insured to receive less than any amount paid to the insured by the insurer prior to the date of the written contract between the insured and the public adjuster”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The contract must state the fee, including the percentage and what amount the percentage is taken from.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(12) (show the source wording)
The source says“A statement of the compensation to the licensee, including the percentage and base to which the percentage applies.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The contract must disclose the percentage or other fee, and the adjuster must get your initials next to it.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(f)(3) (show the source wording)
The source says“A provision disclosing the percentage of the insured’s claim, or other fee, that the licensee will charge for his or her services. The licensee shall obtain the initials of the insured next to this provision.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The adjuster cannot take the whole fee out of the first insurance payment. The fee comes out as a share of each payment, and no fee is owed on money the insurer has not paid yet.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(c)(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“allows a licensee to collect the entire fee from the first payment issued by an insurer, rather than as a percentage of each payment issued by an insurer”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The contract cannot charge you late fees or collection costs.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(c)(3) (show the source wording)
The source says“Imposes late fees or collection costs on the insured.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The adjuster cannot take more than the amount or percentage in the contract, from you or from anyone else.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027.5 (show the source wording)
The source says“may not receive any fees or other consideration, monetary or otherwise, from either the insured or any other source, in excess of the amount or percentage provided in the contract”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The adjuster must tell you about any money they receive from a contractor, insurer or vendor tied to your claim. If they don't, you can cancel the contract.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027.5 (show the source wording)
The source says“Any compensation received by the public adjuster from any party or any other source connected to the claim adjustment, including any contractor, insurer, or vendor, shall be disclosed by the public adjuster to the insured.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - If you cancel in time, the adjuster cannot charge for work already done. They can only ask to be repaid for out-of-pocket emergency expenses they paid for you.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(n) (show the source wording)
The source says“The licensee is not entitled to compensation for services performed prior to cancellation, other than for reimbursement of moneys paid by the licensee for out-of-pocket emergency expenses”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened
What must the contract say?
The contract must be in writing on a form approved by the Insurance Commissioner, with a cancellation notice attached. You can cancel within three business days of signing and receiving your copy, or five calendar days after a declared catastrophic disaster.
Your right to cancel: 3 business days. After a declared catastrophic disaster you get five calendar days instead of three business days. Cancel in writing by certified mail or another mailing method that gives proof of mailing. If the adjuster misled you or hid a material fact before you signed, there is no time limit.
- The contract must be in writing on a form the Insurance Commissioner has approved, signed in duplicate, and you keep one original.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“without having first entered into a contract, in writing, on a form approved by the insurance commissioner and executed in duplicate by the public adjuster and the insured or a duly authorized representative”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The contract must tell you that you can cancel within three business days of signing it and receiving the signed copy.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(13) (show the source wording)
The source says“A statement that the insured has the right to cancel the contract within three business days of signing it and being provided the signed contract.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - If your loss is in an area covered by a declared catastrophic disaster, you have five calendar days to cancel.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(y) (show the source wording)
The source says“the insured shall have the right to cancel a contract with a public adjuster within five calendar days of signing it and being provided a copy of the signed contract”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - A completed Notice of Cancellation form must be attached at the end of every copy of the contract.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(f)(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“Each copy of the contract shall contain a completed form, captioned “Notice of Cancellation,” that shall be placed at the end of the contract and be separated from the remainder of the contract by a printed line.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The contract must state everything the adjuster will be paid.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(6) (show the source wording)
The source says“The full salary, fee, commission, or other consideration the licensee is to receive for services under the contract.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The contract must show the adjuster's name, business name, license number, phone number and address.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“The name, business name, license number, telephone number, and address of the licensee.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The contract must say the adjuster has posted a $20,000 surety bond and give the Department of Insurance licensing hotline.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(11) (show the source wording)
The source says“I am required by the California Insurance Code to post a surety bond in the sum of $20,000 to cover certain kinds of claims made by you, the insured.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The contract must prominently say that the adjuster represents only you.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(f)(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“The statement “WE REPRESENT THE INSURED ONLY” prominently displayed in at least 10-point type.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - Before you sign, the adjuster must hand you a separate printed disclosure that explains the three kinds of adjusters and your rights.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(v) (show the source wording)
The source says“Prior to the signing of the contract, the licensee shall provide the insured with a separate printed disclosure document in the following form that bears the name and license number of the licensee”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The contract and the cancellation notice must be in the language mainly used when the deal was negotiated.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(l) (show the source wording)
The source says“shall be written in the same language, e.g., Spanish, as principally used in the negotiation of the contract”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The contract cannot make you tell the insurer to pay the adjuster alone.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(c)(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“Requires the insured to authorize an insurer to issue a payment only in the name of the licensee.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - If you cancel, the adjuster must return anything you paid within five business days.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(m) (show the source wording)
The source says“Within five business days after a contract has been canceled, the licensee shall tender to the client any payments made by the client and any note or other evidence of indebtedness”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - If the adjuster lied about or hid an important fact before you signed, you can cancel at any time.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(x) (show the source wording)
The source says“If the licensee misrepresents or conceals a material fact from the insured prior to execution of the contract, the insured is entitled to rescind the contract without time limit.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - Your right to cancel stays open until the adjuster has met all the contract rules in this section.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(r) (show the source wording)
The source says“Until the licensee has complied with this section, the client may cancel the contract.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened
How can a public adjuster approach me?
- A public adjuster cannot solicit you while the loss is still happening, for example while the fire is burning, emergency crews are on site, or an evacuation order is in effect.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(d) (show the source wording)
The source says“A licensee shall not solicit or attempt to solicit a client for employment during a loss-producing occurrence.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - No one selling public adjuster services can contact you between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. unless you asked them to.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(e) (show the source wording)
The source says“shall not solicit a policyholder for employment or initiate any contact with a policyholder between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., unless requested by the policyholder”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - After a declared catastrophic disaster, adjusters must wait seven calendar days after the loss event ends before soliciting owners of residential property in the disaster area.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027.1(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“that are included in an area subject to a catastrophic disaster until seven calendar days have elapsed from the conclusion of a loss-producing occurrence”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The seven-day wait does not apply if you contact the adjuster yourself.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027.1(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“Subdivision (a) shall not apply if the licensee is contacted directly by the insured or the insured’s representative.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - An adjuster cannot use false statements to get you to sign.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15028(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“Use any misrepresentation to solicit a contract or agreement to adjust a claim.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - An adjuster cannot hand you money up front to win your business.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15028(c) (show the source wording)
The source says“Advance moneys to any potential client or insured in order to obtain business.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - Every public adjuster ad must show the adjuster's name, address or license number as on file with the state.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15032 (show the source wording)
The source says“Every advertisement by a licensee soliciting or advertising business shall contain his or her name, address, or license number as they appear in the records of the commissioner.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - A public adjuster cannot use a badge.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(h) (show the source wording)
The source says“A licensee shall not use a badge in connection with the official activities of the licensee’s business.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened
How long does my insurer have in California?
-
You report the claim
The first clock starts here.
-
Insurer's first response
15 calendar days
counted from the day you report the claim
-
Insurer accepts or denies
40 calendar days
counted from proof of loss, or the last documents the insurer asked for
-
Insurer pays
30 calendar days
counted from the insurer accepting the claim or an agreed amount
Claims handled under California's Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.1 and following). The 40-day clock starts when the insurer receives proof of claim. The 30-day clock starts when the insurer accepts the claim and, where one is needed, receives a signed release.
- To acknowledge your claim. The insurer must acknowledge your claim, send the forms and instructions you need, and start investigating within 15 calendar days of getting notice.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.5(e) (show the source wording)
The source says“every insurer shall immediately, but in no event more than fifteen (15) calendar days later, do the following unless the notice of claim received is a notice of legal action”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - To accept or deny. The insurer must accept or deny your claim, in whole or in part, within 40 calendar days after it receives proof of claim.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.7(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“shall immediately, but in no event more than forty (40) calendar days later, accept or deny the claim, in whole or in part”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - To pay. Once the insurer accepts the claim in whole or in part, it must pay the accepted amount within 30 calendar days.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.7(h) (show the source wording)
The source says“shall immediately, but in no event more than thirty (30) calendar days later, tender payment or otherwise take action to perform its claim obligation”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
If the insurer needs more than 40 days to decide, it must tell you in writing within the 40 days and then send a written update every 30 calendar days (§ 2695.7(c)(1)). Insurers must also answer claim-related messages that call for a reply within 15 calendar days (§ 2695.5(b)). The § 2695.5 text was read on the Cornell LII mirror because the official site refused the request.
What deadlines apply to me?
Your policy sets its own deadlines too, and they can be shorter. These are the ones written into California law.
- California's standard fire policy wording gives you 60 days after the loss to send a signed, sworn proof of loss, unless the insurer extends the time in writing.
Cal. Ins. Code § 2071 (show the source wording)
The source says“within 60 days after the loss, unless the time is extended in writing by this company, the insured shall render to this company a proof of loss, signed and sworn to by the insured”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - For a loss tied to a declared state of emergency, the insurer cannot demand proof of loss sooner than 100 days after the loss. Policy forms issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2026 must follow this rule.
Cal. Ins. Code § 2051.5(b)(3)(A) (show the source wording)
The source says“an insurer shall not require the insured to provide proof of loss less than 100 days after the loss”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The standard fire policy wording gives you 12 months from the start of the loss to sue the insurer.
Cal. Ins. Code § 2071 (show the source wording)
The source says“unless commenced within 12 months next after inception of the loss”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - If the loss is tied to a declared state of emergency, the time to sue is 24 months from the start of the loss.
Cal. Ins. Code § 2071 (show the source wording)
The source says“the time limit to bring suit is extended to 24 months after inception of the loss”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - On a replacement cost policy, the insurer must give you at least 12 months from its first actual cash value payment to collect the full replacement cost.
Cal. Ins. Code § 2051.5(b)(1)(A) (show the source wording)
The source says“A time limit of less than 12 months from the date that the first payment toward the actual cash value is made shall not be placed upon an insured in order to collect the full replacement cost of the loss”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - For a state of emergency loss, that window is at least 36 months, with six-month extensions for delays outside your control.
Cal. Ins. Code § 2051.5(b)(1)(B) (show the source wording)
The source says“a time limit of less than 36 months from the date that the first payment toward the actual cash value is made shall not be placed upon the insured in order to collect the full replacement cost of the loss”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened
What can I do if I disagree with the insurer?
- Complaint to the California Department of Insurance. You can file a complaint against an insurer or an adjuster online or by calling the consumer hotline at 1-800-927-4357.
California Department of Insurance, Getting Help (show the source wording)
The source says“We recommend using the electronic complaint forms above. Use of non-electronic complaint forms may delay the process.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Department of Insurance mediation program. The Department runs a mediation program for homeowner claims from a fire with a Governor-declared state of emergency, and for earthquake claims with a declared emergency. You start by filing a written complaint with the Department.
Cal. Ins. Code § 10089.70(a)(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“A claim that arises under a homeowners’ insurance policy and that involves loss due to a fire for which the Governor has declared a state of emergency pursuant to Section 8558 of the Government Code.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - Mediation size limits. A claim can go to mediation only if you are claiming more than $7,500 and more than $2,000 is in dispute.
Cal. Ins. Code § 10089.72(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“unless the amount claimed by the insured exceeds seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) and the amount in dispute exceeds two thousand dollars ($2,000)”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - Mediation is optional for you. You cannot be forced into the state mediation program or to accept an offer made there. If you settle in mediation without a lawyer signing, you have three business days to back out.
Cal. Ins. Code § 10089.82(c) (show the source wording)
The source says“If the parties agree to a settlement agreement, the insured will have three business days to rescind the agreement.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - Appraisal. Under the standard fire policy wording, if you and the insurer disagree on the amount of loss, either side can ask in writing for appraisal. Each side then picks an appraiser within 20 days, and the two appraisers pick an umpire.
Cal. Ins. Code § 2071 (show the source wording)
The source says“on the written request of either, each shall select a competent and disinterested appraiser and notify the other of the appraiser selected within 20 days of the request”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened
Also worth knowing
- California has no cap on public adjuster percentages. A 2025 bill, AB 597, would have limited fees on disaster claims, but the Assembly Insurance Committee's 2025 summary lists it as held in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Assembly Committee on Insurance, 2025 Legislative Bill Summary, AB 597 (show the source wording)
The source says“Status: Held in the Senate Appropriations Committee”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Every licensed public adjuster must post a $20,000 surety bond.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15033 (show the source wording)
The source says“a surety bond executed by a surety company authorized to do business in the state in the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) conditioned for the faithful and honest conduct of business by the applicant”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - A public adjuster cannot take money from, or own a stake in, a repair or salvage company that gets work from your claim.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15028(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“Solicit or accept remuneration from, or have a financial interest in, any salvage, repair or other firm which obtains business in connection with any claim he or she has a contract or agreement to adjust.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - Claim money a public adjuster receives for you is held in trust. Taking it for personal use is theft.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15028.6 (show the source wording)
The source says“All funds received as claim proceeds by any person acting as a public insurance adjuster are received and held by that person in his or her fiduciary capacity.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - Lawyers admitted in California do not need a public adjuster license when acting as your attorney.
Cal. Ins. Code § 15008(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“An attorney at law admitted to practice in this state, when performing his or her duties as an attorney at law.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The insurer must warn you in writing at least 60 days before any deadline it could use to deny your claim, such as the time limit to sue.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.7(f) (show the source wording)
The source says“every insurer shall provide written notice of any statute of limitation or other time period requirement upon which the insurer may rely to deny a claim”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - An insurer cannot try to settle with an unreasonably low offer.
Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.7(g) (show the source wording)
The source says“No insurer shall attempt to settle a claim by making a settlement offer that is unreasonably low.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - After a declared state of emergency, additional living expense coverage must run at least 24 months from the loss, with extensions up to 36 months for delays outside your control.
Cal. Ins. Code § 2060(b)(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“coverage for additional living expenses shall be for a period of no less than 24 months from the inception of the loss, but shall be subject to other policy provisions”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - After a total loss in a declared state of emergency, you can ask the insurer for an advance of at least four months of living expenses.
Cal. Ins. Code § 2061(a)(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“an insurer shall, upon request by an insured, render an advance payment of no less than four months of living expenses”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - On a state of emergency claim, if the insurer puts a third adjuster in charge within six months, it must send you a written status report and give you one main contact.
Cal. Ins. Code § 14047(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“shall provide the insured with a written status report, establish a primary point of contact for the insured, and provide the insured with one or more direct means of communication with the primary point of contact”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) · statute mirror; the official site could not be opened - The Department's license lookup shows an adjuster's license status and discipline history by name or license number.
California Department of Insurance, Check a License (show the source wording)
The source says“use either a license number or name to retrieve the license status and discipline history of an agent, broker, adjuster, bail agent, business entity or another licensee”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Recent federal disaster declarations in California
- Chemical Release · Emergency declared May 25, 2026 · 1 area: Orange
Federal declarations from FEMA as of November 12, 2026. A state fee limit or deadline may depend on a state declaration instead; check the cited rule. All recent declarations.
California by the numbers
From 2016 to 2025 the National Weather Service logged 22,551 storm event reports in California, with property damage estimates totalling $22 billion, the 4th highest of the 50 states and D.C. Wildfire accounted for the most reported damage.
$22B
reported storm damage, 2016 to 2025
53
major disaster declarations since 2000
$2.9B
home damage verified by FEMA since 2002
Common questions about California
Can I hire a public adjuster in California?
You can hire a public adjuster in California, and the adjuster must hold a state license from the Department of Insurance. Anyone who is paid to help you negotiate or settle a property insurance claim must hold a California public insurance adjuster license. If you sign with an unlicensed person, you can void the contract and owe nothing for their work.
How much can a public adjuster charge in California?
California does not cap the percentage a public adjuster can charge. The fee must be written in the contract, you must initial it, and the adjuster cannot collect more than the contract says.
Can I cancel a public adjuster contract in California?
Yes. California law gives 3 business days to cancel. After a declared catastrophic disaster you get five calendar days instead of three business days. Cancel in writing by certified mail or another mailing method that gives proof of mailing. If the adjuster misled you or hid a material fact before you signed, there is no time limit.
How long does an insurance company have to handle a claim in California?
The insurer must acknowledge your claim, send the forms and instructions you need, and start investigating within 15 calendar days of getting notice. The insurer must accept or deny your claim, in whole or in part, within 40 calendar days after it receives proof of claim. Once the insurer accepts the claim in whole or in part, it must pay the accepted amount within 30 calendar days.
Where do I complain about an insurer or a public adjuster in California?
Complaints go to the California Department of Insurance. Consumer line: 1-800-927-4357.
Sources
Every rule above was matched to the exact words below on November 10, 2026.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15006(a) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
No person shall engage in a business regulated by this chapter, or act or assume to act as, or represent himself or herself to be, a licensee unless he or she is licensed under this chapter.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15006(b) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
may be voided at the option of the insured, and the insured shall not be liable for the payment of any past services rendered, or future services to be rendered, by that person under that contract or otherwise
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15007 (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
a person who, for compensation, acts on behalf of or aids in any manner, an insured in negotiating for or effecting the settlement of a claim or claims for loss or damage under any policy of insurance covering real or personal property
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(7) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
shall not cause the insured to receive less than any amount paid to the insured by the insurer prior to the date of the written contract between the insured and the public adjuster
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(12) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
A statement of the compensation to the licensee, including the percentage and base to which the percentage applies.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(f)(3) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
A provision disclosing the percentage of the insured’s claim, or other fee, that the licensee will charge for his or her services. The licensee shall obtain the initials of the insured next to this provision.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(c)(1) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
allows a licensee to collect the entire fee from the first payment issued by an insurer, rather than as a percentage of each payment issued by an insurer
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(c)(3) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Imposes late fees or collection costs on the insured.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027.5 (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
may not receive any fees or other consideration, monetary or otherwise, from either the insured or any other source, in excess of the amount or percentage provided in the contract
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(n) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
The licensee is not entitled to compensation for services performed prior to cancellation, other than for reimbursement of moneys paid by the licensee for out-of-pocket emergency expenses
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(a) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
without having first entered into a contract, in writing, on a form approved by the insurance commissioner and executed in duplicate by the public adjuster and the insured or a duly authorized representative
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(13) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
A statement that the insured has the right to cancel the contract within three business days of signing it and being provided the signed contract.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(y) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
the insured shall have the right to cancel a contract with a public adjuster within five calendar days of signing it and being provided a copy of the signed contract
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(f)(1) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Each copy of the contract shall contain a completed form, captioned “Notice of Cancellation,” that shall be placed at the end of the contract and be separated from the remainder of the contract by a printed line.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(6) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
The full salary, fee, commission, or other consideration the licensee is to receive for services under the contract.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(2) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
The name, business name, license number, telephone number, and address of the licensee.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(b)(11) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
I am required by the California Insurance Code to post a surety bond in the sum of $20,000 to cover certain kinds of claims made by you, the insured.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(f)(2) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
The statement “WE REPRESENT THE INSURED ONLY” prominently displayed in at least 10-point type.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(v) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Prior to the signing of the contract, the licensee shall provide the insured with a separate printed disclosure document in the following form that bears the name and license number of the licensee
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(l) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
shall be written in the same language, e.g., Spanish, as principally used in the negotiation of the contract
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(c)(2) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Requires the insured to authorize an insurer to issue a payment only in the name of the licensee.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(m) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Within five business days after a contract has been canceled, the licensee shall tender to the client any payments made by the client and any note or other evidence of indebtedness
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(x) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
If the licensee misrepresents or conceals a material fact from the insured prior to execution of the contract, the insured is entitled to rescind the contract without time limit.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(r) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Until the licensee has complied with this section, the client may cancel the contract.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(d) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
A licensee shall not solicit or attempt to solicit a client for employment during a loss-producing occurrence.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(e) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
shall not solicit a policyholder for employment or initiate any contact with a policyholder between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., unless requested by the policyholder
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027.1(a) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
that are included in an area subject to a catastrophic disaster until seven calendar days have elapsed from the conclusion of a loss-producing occurrence
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027.1(b) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Subdivision (a) shall not apply if the licensee is contacted directly by the insured or the insured’s representative.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15028(a) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Use any misrepresentation to solicit a contract or agreement to adjust a claim.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15028(c) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Advance moneys to any potential client or insured in order to obtain business.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15032 (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Every advertisement by a licensee soliciting or advertising business shall contain his or her name, address, or license number as they appear in the records of the commissioner.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15027(h) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
A licensee shall not use a badge in connection with the official activities of the licensee’s business.
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.5(e) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
every insurer shall immediately, but in no event more than fifteen (15) calendar days later, do the following unless the notice of claim received is a notice of legal action
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.7(b)
shall immediately, but in no event more than forty (40) calendar days later, accept or deny the claim, in whole or in part
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.7(h)
shall immediately, but in no event more than thirty (30) calendar days later, tender payment or otherwise take action to perform its claim obligation
- Cal. Ins. Code § 2071 (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
within 60 days after the loss, unless the time is extended in writing by this company, the insured shall render to this company a proof of loss, signed and sworn to by the insured
- Cal. Ins. Code § 2051.5(b)(3)(A) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
an insurer shall not require the insured to provide proof of loss less than 100 days after the loss
- Cal. Ins. Code § 2051.5(b)(1)(A) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
A time limit of less than 12 months from the date that the first payment toward the actual cash value is made shall not be placed upon an insured in order to collect the full replacement cost of the loss
- Cal. Ins. Code § 2051.5(b)(1)(B) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
a time limit of less than 36 months from the date that the first payment toward the actual cash value is made shall not be placed upon the insured in order to collect the full replacement cost of the loss
- California Department of Insurance, Getting Help
We recommend using the electronic complaint forms above. Use of non-electronic complaint forms may delay the process.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 10089.70(a)(1) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
A claim that arises under a homeowners’ insurance policy and that involves loss due to a fire for which the Governor has declared a state of emergency pursuant to Section 8558 of the Government Code.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 10089.72(b) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
unless the amount claimed by the insured exceeds seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) and the amount in dispute exceeds two thousand dollars ($2,000)
- Cal. Ins. Code § 10089.82(c) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
If the parties agree to a settlement agreement, the insured will have three business days to rescind the agreement.
- Assembly Committee on Insurance, 2025 Legislative Bill Summary, AB 597
Status: Held in the Senate Appropriations Committee
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15033 (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
a surety bond executed by a surety company authorized to do business in the state in the sum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) conditioned for the faithful and honest conduct of business by the applicant
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15028(b) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
Solicit or accept remuneration from, or have a financial interest in, any salvage, repair or other firm which obtains business in connection with any claim he or she has a contract or agreement to adjust.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15028.6 (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
All funds received as claim proceeds by any person acting as a public insurance adjuster are received and held by that person in his or her fiduciary capacity.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 15008(a) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
An attorney at law admitted to practice in this state, when performing his or her duties as an attorney at law.
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.7(f)
every insurer shall provide written notice of any statute of limitation or other time period requirement upon which the insurer may rely to deny a claim
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 10, § 2695.7(g)
No insurer shall attempt to settle a claim by making a settlement offer that is unreasonably low.
- Cal. Ins. Code § 2060(b)(1) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
coverage for additional living expenses shall be for a period of no less than 24 months from the inception of the loss, but shall be subject to other policy provisions
- Cal. Ins. Code § 2061(a)(1) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
an insurer shall, upon request by an insured, render an advance payment of no less than four months of living expenses
- Cal. Ins. Code § 14047(a) (statute mirror; the official site could not be opened)
shall provide the insured with a written status report, establish a primary point of contact for the insured, and provide the insured with one or more direct means of communication with the primary point of contact
- California Department of Insurance, Check a License
use either a license number or name to retrieve the license status and discipline history of an agent, broker, adjuster, bail agent, business entity or another licensee
What we looked for and could not confirm
We leave a rule off the page when we cannot match it to a primary source. These are still open:
- The official statute site (leginfo.legislature.ca.gov) refused automated requests with HTTP 403, so every Insurance Code quote was copied from the california.public.law mirror and is marked official: false. That mirror's source line for each section says it was read from leginfo on Nov. 9, 2026 (Nov. 2, 2026 for § 15007).
- The official regulations site (govt.westlaw.com) served § 2695.7 but refused § 2695.5, so the 15-day acknowledgment quote comes from the Cornell LII mirror. I did not confirm how recently LII updated that section.
- AB 597 (2025-26): the only official status I could open is the Assembly Insurance Committee's 2025 bill summary, which says it was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee. I could not open the leginfo bill history to confirm its final outcome in 2026. The current code text shows no fee cap, and § 15027 is listed as last updated Jan. 1, 2017. A law signed in 2026 that starts Jan. 1, 2027 would not show in the code yet.
- I looked for a fee cap that applies after a declared emergency and found none in Insurance Code §§ 15000-15062. The only fee protections found are the pre-contract payment rule in § 15027(b)(7) and the disclosure and payment-timing rules.
- I did not find or open a Department of Insurance web page for the mediation program, so its URL is null.
- I did not read § 2695.1 or § 2695.2 to confirm exactly which insurers and policy types the Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations cover, or how 'proof of claim' is defined.
- I did not check for Department of Insurance bulletins, notices or emergency rules that change claim deadlines after a specific disaster, or for 2026 legislation affecting insurer claim-handling rules.
- Insurance Code § 2071 is the standard form fire policy. I did not verify how its proof-of-loss, appraisal and suit deadlines apply to policies that use different wording.
- The Department's contract form approval process and any regulations defining 'advertisement' under § 15032 were not reviewed.