Public adjusters in Iowa: fees, contracts and deadlines
On this page
You can hire a public adjuster in Iowa, and the adjuster must hold a license from the Iowa Insurance Division.
A public adjuster's fee is capped at 15 percent of the claim payments the insurer approves, and at 10 percent for catastrophic disaster claims. If the insurer pays or commits to pay the policy limit within five calendar days of the loss being reported, the adjuster can only charge for time and expenses.
15%
most a public adjuster can charge on a standard claim
10%
fee limit after a declared disaster
3 business days
to cancel a public adjuster contract
15 days
for the insurer to acknowledge your claim
30 days
for the insurer to accept or deny
30 days
for the insurer to pay
Each number is explained, with its source, in the sections below.
Can I hire a public adjuster in Iowa?
You can hire a public adjuster in Iowa, and the adjuster must hold a license from the Iowa Insurance Division.
Iowa requires a license to work as a public adjuster. Public adjusters may only help policyholders with their own property claims, and the Iowa Insurance Division posts a list of everyone currently licensed.
Iowa Code § 522C.4(1) (show the source wording)
The source says
“A person shall not act as, or represent that the person is, a public adjuster or an independent adjuster in this state unless the person is licensed under this chapter.”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Iowa Code § 522C.2(18)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says
“Acts for or aids an insured in negotiating or affecting the settlement of a first-party claim for loss or damage to real or personal property of an insured.”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Iowa Insurance Division, Adjusters page (show the source wording)
The source says
“Currently licensed public adjusters in the State of Iowa”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
- Regulator
- Iowa Insurance Division
- Check a licence
- Official licence lookup
- File a complaint
- Consumer complaint form
- Consumer line
- 877-955-1212 (toll free within Iowa) or 515-654-6600
What can a public adjuster charge in Iowa?
A public adjuster's fee is capped at 15 percent of the claim payments the insurer approves, and at 10 percent for catastrophic disaster claims. If the insurer pays or commits to pay the policy limit within five calendar days of the loss being reported, the adjuster can only charge for time and expenses.
The 10 percent cap applies to catastrophic disaster claims, which include a presidential major disaster declaration or a governor's disaster emergency proclamation.
- The fee must be reasonable and cannot be more than 15 percent of the claim payments the insurer approves on an ordinary (non-catastrophe) claim.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(8)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“Fifteen percent of all claim payments approved by the insurer for any noncatastrophic disaster insurance claim settlement.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - On a catastrophic disaster claim the fee cannot be more than 10 percent of the claim payments the insurer approves.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(8)(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“Ten percent of all claim payments approved by the insurer for any catastrophic disaster insurance claim settlement.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A catastrophic disaster includes an event with a major disaster declaration by the President or a disaster emergency proclamation by the Governor.
Iowa Code § 522C.2(4)(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“includes a major disaster declaration by the president of the United States or a state of disaster emergency proclamation by the governor”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A special rule applies when the insurer pays, or promises in writing to pay, your full policy limit within five calendar days after the loss is reported.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“no later than five calendar days after the date on which the insured’s loss is reported to the insurer, either pays or commits in writing to pay to the insured the policy limit”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - In that fast policy-limit situation the adjuster can only charge reasonable pay for the time spent and expenses incurred, up to the date the insurer paid or committed to pay.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(2)(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“Only be entitled to reasonable compensation from the insured for services provided on behalf of the insured based on the time spent on the claim, and the expenses incurred by the public adjuster”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract cannot let the adjuster collect a percentage fee on money the insurer still owes, or take the whole fee out of one payment. The fee comes out of each insurer payment as it arrives.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“to collect the entire percentage of a settlement from any single payment issued by an insurer rather than as a percentage of each payment issued by the insurer”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract cannot raise the adjuster's fee because the claim ends up in a lawsuit.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(d) (show the source wording)
The source says“compensation to be increased based on the fact that a claim is litigated”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract cannot charge you collection costs or late fees before the insurer has paid the claim.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(c) (show the source wording)
The source says“Imposes collection costs or late fees prior to an insurance claim payment by an insurer to an insured.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Fees on a reopened or supplemental claim cannot go above the limits written in the contract.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(9) (show the source wording)
The source says“That compensation for any reopened or supplemental claim may not exceed the limitations set forth in the contract.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Expenses the adjuster wants repaid from your claim money must be listed by type with estimates in the contract, and you must approve any extra expense before it is repaid.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(11) (show the source wording)
The source says“shall be specified by expense type, with reimbursement estimates set forth in the contract”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The adjuster must give you a detailed invoice for finished work before asking you to pay.
Iowa Code § 522C.11(25) (show the source wording)
The source says“A public adjuster shall provide a detailed invoice for completed services to an insured prior to requesting payment for services pursuant to a contract under section 522C.10.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
What must the contract say?
The contract must be in writing on a form the Iowa Insurance Division has approved, and a contract on an unapproved form cannot be enforced. You can cancel within three business days and must get back anything of value within 15 business days.
Your right to cancel: 3 business days. The public adjuster law gives you the cancellation rights in Iowa's door-to-door sales law, which allows cancelling until midnight of the third business day after signing. The contract itself must state the date by which you can cancel.
- The adjuster cannot start work until you have both signed a written contract on a form filed with and approved by the insurance commissioner.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“A public adjuster shall not provide services to an insured until a written contract with the insured has been executed on a form filed with and approved by the commissioner”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A filed contract form counts as approved if the commissioner does not reject it or ask for more information within 30 calendar days.
Iowa Code § 522C.5A(9) (show the source wording)
The source says“A contract that has been filed is deemed to be approved unless disapproved or additional information is requested by the commissioner within thirty calendar days of receipt of the filing”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must be headed as a public adjuster contract.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“The contract must have a heading that indicates the contract is a public adjuster contract”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must explain how much the adjuster will be paid and how that amount is worked out. If the fee is a percentage, the exact percentage must be stated.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(7) (show the source wording)
The source says“If a percentage of settlement, the contract must state the exact percentage applied to the settlement on the claim.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must say that you decide whether to accept or reject a settlement, even if the adjuster disagrees.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(10) (show the source wording)
The source says“That the insured has the right to agree to or reject a loss settlement even if the public adjuster objects to the insured’s decision.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must explain how to cancel it and give the date by which cancellation must happen.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(14) (show the source wording)
The source says“The process for rescinding the contract, including the date by which rescission of the contract by the public adjuster or the insured must occur.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The adjuster must give you notice of your cancellation rights under Iowa's door-to-door sales law, and you can cancel as that law provides.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(14) (show the source wording)
The source says“rights under chapter 555A, and the insured may rescind the contract as provided in chapter 555A”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Under the door-to-door sales law the buyer can cancel any time before midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction.
Iowa Code § 555A.2 (show the source wording)
The source says“You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A business day is any day except Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday.
Iowa Code § 555A.1(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“means any calendar day except Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, including holidays observed on Mondays”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - If you cancel, the adjuster must return anything of value you gave within 15 business days of getting your cancellation notice.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(14) (show the source wording)
The source says“anything of value given by the insured shall be returned to the insured within fifteen business days following receipt of the cancellation notice by the public adjuster”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Before you sign, the adjuster must go over the contract with you and hand you a separate disclosure sheet about the claim process.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(4) (show the source wording)
The source says“the public adjuster shall review the terms of the contract with the insured and provide the insured with a separate disclosure document regarding the claim process”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract cannot make the insurer's check payable only to the public adjuster.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“Requires or permits the insured to authorize an insurer to issue a check only in the name of the public adjuster.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract cannot stop you from talking directly with your insurer, its adjuster, your attorney or anyone else about settling your claim.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(f) (show the source wording)
The source says“right to initiate or maintain direct communication with the insured’s attorney or insurer, with the insurer’s adjuster or attorney, or any other person regarding settlement”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract cannot require you to use a particular contractor or company for repairs.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(h) (show the source wording)
The source says“Requires the insured to use a particular business entity or individual for the reconstruction, repair, or restoration of the insured’s damaged property.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - You must receive an original copy of the completed contract.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(5) (show the source wording)
The source says“An original copy of a completed contract shall be provided to the public adjuster and to the insured.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
How can a public adjuster approach me?
- For at least 72 hours after a catastrophic disaster, a public adjuster cannot offer you a contract in person or by phone unless you made the first contact. The commissioner can extend this by another 72 hours after a public hearing.
Iowa Code § 522C.11(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“a public adjuster shall not, in person or by telephone, directly offer to contract, attempt to offer to contract, or enter into an adjuster contract with an insured unless”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Public adjusters cannot solicit between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Iowa Code § 522C.11(3) (show the source wording)
The source says“A public adjuster shall not solicit between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot offer to pay your deductible, or say it will be waived, to get you to sign.
Iowa Code § 522C.11(23) (show the source wording)
The source says“deductible will be waived, as an inducement to use the services of the public adjuster”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - An adjuster cannot tell you your property is damaged without having inspected the damaged areas.
Iowa Code § 522C.11(21) (show the source wording)
The source says“An adjuster shall not represent, directly or indirectly, that damage has occurred at a property unless the adjuster has inspected the damaged areas of the property.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
How long does my insurer have in Iowa?
-
You report the claim
The first clock starts here.
-
Insurer's first response
15 days
counted from the day you report the claim
-
Insurer accepts or denies
30 days
counted from proof of loss, or the last documents the insurer asked for
-
Insurer pays
30 days
counted from the insurer accepting the claim or an agreed amount
First-party claims handled by property and casualty insurers in Iowa. The 30-day decision deadline is written for first-party property claims.
- To acknowledge your claim. The insurer must acknowledge your claim within 15 days of being notified, unless it pays within that time. The rule says 'days' and does not say calendar or business days.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 191—15.42(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“Upon receiving notification of a claim, an insurer shall, within 15 days, acknowledge the receipt of such notice unless payment is made within that period of time.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - To accept or deny. The insurer must tell you whether it accepts or denies a property claim within 30 days after it receives your properly completed proof of loss. The rule says 'days' and does not say calendar or business days.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 191—15.41(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“Within 30 days after receipt by the insurer of properly executed proofs of loss, the first-party property claimant shall be advised of the acceptance or denial of the claim by the insurer.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - To pay. Once the insurer accepts that it owes the claim and the amount is settled and not in dispute, it must pay within 30 days. The rule says 'days' and does not say calendar or business days.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 191—15.41(6) (show the source wording)
The source says“shall tender payment within 30 days of affirmation of liability, if the amount of the claim is determined and not in dispute”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
If the insurer needs more time to decide, it must tell you why within 30 days of the proof of loss and then send an update letter 45 days later and every 45 days after that (r. 191—15.41(3)). It must also reply within 15 days to messages from you that call for an answer (r. 191—15.42(3)). These deadlines do not apply the same way when the insurer has a documented reason to suspect fraud. Iowa Code § 522C.11(12) separately gives insurers 15 business days to send claim forms and instructions. Iowa Code § 507B.4 lists unfair claim practices but sets no day counts for property claims.
What deadlines apply to me?
Your policy sets its own deadlines too, and they can be shorter. These are the ones written into Iowa law.
- Iowa's standard fire policy form requires you to send the insurer a signed, sworn proof of loss within 60 days after the loss unless the insurer extends the time in writing. Your own policy may set different terms for other kinds of damage, so check it.
Iowa Code § 515.109(6) (standard fire policy) (show the source wording)
The source says“WITHIN SIXTY DAYS AFTER THE LOSS, UNLESS SUCH TIME IS EXTENDED IN WRITING BY THIS COMPANY, THE INSURED SHALL RENDER TO THIS COMPANY A PROOF OF LOSS”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Iowa's standard fire policy form says a lawsuit on the policy must be started within 12 months after the loss began. Your own policy may set a different period for other kinds of damage, so check it.
Iowa Code § 515.109(6) (standard fire policy) (show the source wording)
The source says“unless commenced within twelve months next after inception of the loss”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The standard fire policy form also requires you to give the insurer immediate written notice of a loss and protect the property from more damage.
Iowa Code § 515.109(6) (standard fire policy) (show the source wording)
The source says“immediate written notice to this company of any loss, protect the property from further damage”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
What can I do if I disagree with the insurer?
- Complaint to the Iowa Insurance Division. You can file a complaint online about an insurer or an adjuster if your policy was issued in Iowa. The Division sends it to the company, reviews the response and explains the result to you, which it says typically takes 30 to 45 days.
Iowa Insurance Division, How Do I File a Complaint? (show the source wording)
The source says“The Division will send a copy of your complaint to the insurance company and ask them to review and respond to us regarding your concerns.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Appraisal. If you and the insurer disagree on the value or amount of a loss, either side can demand appraisal in writing. Each side then has 20 calendar days to pick a licensed appraiser from the state's list, and the two appraisers pick a licensed umpire.
Iowa Code § 522F.14(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“written demand for an appraisal, the claimant and the insurer shall each select an appraiser from the appraiser list”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Appraisal award payment. Unless both sides agree otherwise in writing, an appraisal award is binding and the insurer must pay it within 60 calendar days after the written itemized award is submitted to it.
Iowa Code § 522F.16(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“an appraisal award shall be binding and paid by the insurer within sixty calendar days of the written itemized award being submitted to the insurer”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Also worth knowing
- A contract with someone who is not a licensed Iowa public adjuster is void, and you do not owe that person for past or future work.
Iowa Code § 522C.14(3) (show the source wording)
The source says“Any contract regulated by this chapter that is entered into by an insured with a person who is not a licensed public adjuster in this state shall be void.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster contract that is not on a form approved by the commissioner cannot be enforced in Iowa.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(7) (show the source wording)
- An adjuster cannot have a money interest in the company that repairs your property, and cannot take payment for referring you to a contractor, appraiser, umpire, salvage company or attorney.
Iowa Code § 522C.11(19)(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“A direct or indirect financial interest with a person responsible for the reconstruction, repair, or restoration of damaged property that is the subject of a claim”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot accept or reject a settlement without your knowledge and written consent.
Iowa Code § 522C.11(18) (show the source wording)
The source says“A public adjuster shall not agree to, or reject, any loss settlement without the insured’s express knowledge and written consent.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Public adjusters must carry proof of financial responsibility. The current rule accepts a surety bond of at least $50,000, professional liability coverage, or an irrevocable letter of credit.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 191—55.10(1)(a)(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“The bond must be individually written in an amount of no less than $50,000 and issued in favor of the state of Iowa.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A 2026 law (House File 2582, approved April 9, 2026) changed the financial responsibility section so it is no longer limited to a surety bond, and took effect immediately. The Iowa Code 2026 text of section 522C.7 posted online does not yet show this change.
2026 Iowa Acts ch. 1027 (H.F. 2582), § 5 (show the source wording)
The source says“This Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Within 72 hours of signing with you, the public adjuster must send your insurer a letter you signed that authorizes the adjuster to represent you.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(6) (show the source wording)
The source says“Within seventy-two hours of executing a contract with an insured under this section, the public adjuster shall provide the insured’s insurer a notification letter”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - If the insurer asks to inspect and your public adjuster is not available after a reasonable request, you must let the insurer in to inspect without the adjuster.
Iowa Code § 522C.11(10)(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“the insured shall allow the insurer to have access to the property without the participation or presence of the public adjuster”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Money a public adjuster holds for you must go into a separate trust account within five business days of receipt.
Iowa Code § 522C.11(26)(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“no later than the close of the fifth business day from the date the public adjuster received the funds”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Appraisers and umpires must be licensed in Iowa, and property policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2026 must include an appraisal clause that follows the state's process.
Iowa Code § 522F.15 (show the source wording)
The source says“on or after January 1, 2026, shall contain an appraisal clause that complies with this chapter”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - An adjuster cannot act as both the adjuster and the appraiser, or the adjuster and the umpire, on the same claim.
Iowa Code § 522C.11(13) (show the source wording)
The source says“An adjuster shall not act as an appraiser and as an adjuster on the same claim.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A roofing or repair contractor who takes an assignment of your insurance benefits cannot act as a public adjuster without a public adjuster license.
Iowa Code § 515.137A(3)(c) (show the source wording)
The source says“Acting as a public adjuster without being licensed under chapter 522C.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot work on bodily injury, death or pain-and-suffering claims, and the contract must say so.
Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(13) (show the source wording)
The source says“negotiation or settlement of a claim related to bodily injury, death, or noneconomic damages”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Recent federal disaster declarations in Iowa
After a declared disaster, the fee limit in Iowa is 10%. The 10 percent cap applies to catastrophic disaster claims, which include a presidential major disaster declaration or a governor's disaster emergency proclamation.
- Severe Storms And Flooding · Major disaster declared September 1, 2026 · 4 areas: Jasper, Polk, Story, Warren
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.
Iowa by the numbers
From 2016 to 2025 the National Weather Service logged 19,781 storm event reports in Iowa, with property damage estimates totalling $879 million, the 21st highest of the 50 states and D.C. Tornado accounted for the most reported damage.
$879M
reported storm damage, 2016 to 2025
42
major disaster declarations since 2000
$333M
home damage verified by FEMA since 2002
Licensed public adjusters in Iowa
302 individuals and firms hold a Iowa public adjuster licence in the state's own records, and 25 of them are based in Iowa.
Source: Iowa Insurance Division, retrieved November 10, 2026.
Browse the Iowa directoryCommon questions about Iowa
Can I hire a public adjuster in Iowa?
You can hire a public adjuster in Iowa, and the adjuster must hold a license from the Iowa Insurance Division. Iowa requires a license to work as a public adjuster. Public adjusters may only help policyholders with their own property claims, and the Iowa Insurance Division posts a list of everyone currently licensed.
How much can a public adjuster charge in Iowa?
A public adjuster's fee is capped at 15 percent of the claim payments the insurer approves, and at 10 percent for catastrophic disaster claims. If the insurer pays or commits to pay the policy limit within five calendar days of the loss being reported, the adjuster can only charge for time and expenses.
Can I cancel a public adjuster contract in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa law gives 3 business days to cancel. The public adjuster law gives you the cancellation rights in Iowa's door-to-door sales law, which allows cancelling until midnight of the third business day after signing. The contract itself must state the date by which you can cancel.
How long does an insurance company have to handle a claim in Iowa?
The insurer must acknowledge your claim within 15 days of being notified, unless it pays within that time. The rule says 'days' and does not say calendar or business days. The insurer must tell you whether it accepts or denies a property claim within 30 days after it receives your properly completed proof of loss. The rule says 'days' and does not say calendar or business days. Once the insurer accepts that it owes the claim and the amount is settled and not in dispute, it must pay within 30 days. The rule says 'days' and does not say calendar or business days.
Where do I complain about an insurer or a public adjuster in Iowa?
Complaints go to the Iowa Insurance Division. Consumer line: 877-955-1212 (toll free within Iowa) or 515-654-6600.
Sources
Every rule above was matched to the exact words below on November 10, 2026.
- Iowa Code § 522C.4(1)
A person shall not act as, or represent that the person is, a public adjuster or an independent adjuster in this state unless the person is licensed under this chapter.
- Iowa Code § 522C.2(18)(a)
Acts for or aids an insured in negotiating or affecting the settlement of a first-party claim for loss or damage to real or personal property of an insured.
- Iowa Insurance Division, Adjusters page
Currently licensed public adjusters in the State of Iowa
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(8)(a)
Fifteen percent of all claim payments approved by the insurer for any noncatastrophic disaster insurance claim settlement.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(8)(b)
Ten percent of all claim payments approved by the insurer for any catastrophic disaster insurance claim settlement.
- Iowa Code § 522C.2(4)(b)
includes a major disaster declaration by the president of the United States or a state of disaster emergency proclamation by the governor
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(2)
no later than five calendar days after the date on which the insured’s loss is reported to the insurer, either pays or commits in writing to pay to the insured the policy limit
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(2)(b)
Only be entitled to reasonable compensation from the insured for services provided on behalf of the insured based on the time spent on the claim, and the expenses incurred by the public adjuster
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(a)
to collect the entire percentage of a settlement from any single payment issued by an insurer rather than as a percentage of each payment issued by the insurer
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(d)
compensation to be increased based on the fact that a claim is litigated
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(c)
Imposes collection costs or late fees prior to an insurance claim payment by an insurer to an insured.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(9)
That compensation for any reopened or supplemental claim may not exceed the limitations set forth in the contract.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(11)
shall be specified by expense type, with reimbursement estimates set forth in the contract
- Iowa Code § 522C.11(25)
A public adjuster shall provide a detailed invoice for completed services to an insured prior to requesting payment for services pursuant to a contract under section 522C.10.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)
A public adjuster shall not provide services to an insured until a written contract with the insured has been executed on a form filed with and approved by the commissioner
- Iowa Code § 522C.5A(9)
A contract that has been filed is deemed to be approved unless disapproved or additional information is requested by the commissioner within thirty calendar days of receipt of the filing
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(7)
If a percentage of settlement, the contract must state the exact percentage applied to the settlement on the claim.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(10)
That the insured has the right to agree to or reject a loss settlement even if the public adjuster objects to the insured’s decision.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(14)
The process for rescinding the contract, including the date by which rescission of the contract by the public adjuster or the insured must occur.
- Iowa Code § 555A.2
You, the buyer, may cancel this transaction at any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of this transaction.
- Iowa Code § 555A.1(1)
means any calendar day except Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, including holidays observed on Mondays
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(4)
the public adjuster shall review the terms of the contract with the insured and provide the insured with a separate disclosure document regarding the claim process
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(b)
Requires or permits the insured to authorize an insurer to issue a check only in the name of the public adjuster.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(f)
right to initiate or maintain direct communication with the insured’s attorney or insurer, with the insurer’s adjuster or attorney, or any other person regarding settlement
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(3)(h)
Requires the insured to use a particular business entity or individual for the reconstruction, repair, or restoration of the insured’s damaged property.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(5)
An original copy of a completed contract shall be provided to the public adjuster and to the insured.
- Iowa Code § 522C.11(2)
a public adjuster shall not, in person or by telephone, directly offer to contract, attempt to offer to contract, or enter into an adjuster contract with an insured unless
- Iowa Code § 522C.11(3)
A public adjuster shall not solicit between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
- Iowa Code § 522C.11(23)
deductible will be waived, as an inducement to use the services of the public adjuster
- Iowa Code § 522C.11(21)
An adjuster shall not represent, directly or indirectly, that damage has occurred at a property unless the adjuster has inspected the damaged areas of the property.
- Iowa Admin. Code r. 191—15.42(1)
Upon receiving notification of a claim, an insurer shall, within 15 days, acknowledge the receipt of such notice unless payment is made within that period of time.
- Iowa Admin. Code r. 191—15.41(2)
Within 30 days after receipt by the insurer of properly executed proofs of loss, the first-party property claimant shall be advised of the acceptance or denial of the claim by the insurer.
- Iowa Admin. Code r. 191—15.41(6)
shall tender payment within 30 days of affirmation of liability, if the amount of the claim is determined and not in dispute
- Iowa Code § 515.109(6) (standard fire policy)
WITHIN SIXTY DAYS AFTER THE LOSS, UNLESS SUCH TIME IS EXTENDED IN WRITING BY THIS COMPANY, THE INSURED SHALL RENDER TO THIS COMPANY A PROOF OF LOSS
- Iowa Insurance Division, How Do I File a Complaint?
The Division will send a copy of your complaint to the insurance company and ask them to review and respond to us regarding your concerns.
- Iowa Code § 522F.14(2)
written demand for an appraisal, the claimant and the insurer shall each select an appraiser from the appraiser list
- Iowa Code § 522F.16(2)
an appraisal award shall be binding and paid by the insurer within sixty calendar days of the written itemized award being submitted to the insurer
- Iowa Code § 522C.14(3)
Any contract regulated by this chapter that is entered into by an insured with a person who is not a licensed public adjuster in this state shall be void.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(7)
shall not be enforceable in this state
- Iowa Code § 522C.11(19)(a)
A direct or indirect financial interest with a person responsible for the reconstruction, repair, or restoration of damaged property that is the subject of a claim
- Iowa Code § 522C.11(18)
A public adjuster shall not agree to, or reject, any loss settlement without the insured’s express knowledge and written consent.
- Iowa Admin. Code r. 191—55.10(1)(a)(1)
The bond must be individually written in an amount of no less than $50,000 and issued in favor of the state of Iowa.
- 2026 Iowa Acts ch. 1027 (H.F. 2582), § 5
This Act, being deemed of immediate importance, takes effect upon enactment.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(6)
Within seventy-two hours of executing a contract with an insured under this section, the public adjuster shall provide the insured’s insurer a notification letter
- Iowa Code § 522C.11(10)(b)
the insured shall allow the insurer to have access to the property without the participation or presence of the public adjuster
- Iowa Code § 522C.11(26)(b)
no later than the close of the fifth business day from the date the public adjuster received the funds
- Iowa Code § 522F.15
on or after January 1, 2026, shall contain an appraisal clause that complies with this chapter
- Iowa Code § 522C.11(13)
An adjuster shall not act as an appraiser and as an adjuster on the same claim.
- Iowa Code § 515.137A(3)(c)
Acting as a public adjuster without being licensed under chapter 522C.
- Iowa Code § 522C.10(1)(a)(13)
negotiation or settlement of a claim related to bodily injury, death, or noneconomic damages
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:
- Iowa Code chapter 522C was rewritten by 2025 Iowa Acts ch. 28. Everything quoted here is from the Iowa Code 2026 on legis.iowa.gov. The 2027 Code was not yet posted on 2026-11-10, so the only 2026 change I confirmed is House File 2582 (2026 Iowa Acts ch. 1027), which amended sections 507E.8, 522C.4(2) and 522C.7. I did not search every 2026 act for other changes to chapters 522C, 522F, 515 or 507B.
- House File 2582 rewrote section 522C.7 (financial responsibility). The posted act text does not show strike-through and underline in plain text, so I could not confirm exactly which surety bond wording was removed. The $50,000 bond figure in this file comes from rule 191—55.10 (effective May 5, 2026), not from the statute.
- Iowa Admin. Code chapter 191—55 still carries wording from before the 2025 statute: rule 55.18 has no 15 percent cap and bars catastrophe fees 'equal to or more than 10 percent', and rule 55.14(3) uses 72 hours for the policy-limit rule where the statute now says five calendar days. This file follows the statute. I did not find a Division statement on how it reads the two together.
- Iowa Admin. Code rules 191—15.41 and 15.42 say 'days' without saying calendar or business days, and the chapter 15 definitions rule (191—15.2) does not define the word. The unit is left null for all three insurer deadlines.
- The 12-month suit deadline and 60-day proof of loss deadline come from the standard fire policy form in Iowa Code § 515.109. Section 515.109(5) lets policies carry different terms for perils other than fire, so I could not confirm these deadlines apply to wind, hail or water claims under a given homeowners policy.
- I did not find a state-run mediation program for property insurance claims on the Iowa Insurance Division site. I looked at the complaint pages only, so this is not confirmed either way.
- The license lookup URL is the NAIC State Based Systems lookup that the Iowa Insurance Division's adjusters page links to. I confirmed the link loads but did not run a search on it. The Division's list of licensed public adjusters is at https://data.iowa.gov/catalog/dataset/670 (link confirmed to load, contents not reviewed).
- The applicability note printed under each section of chapter 522C says the 2025 changes apply 'beginning July 22, 2025' to independent and staff adjusters doing business as of January 1, 2025. I did not open 2025 Iowa Acts ch. 28 to confirm the general effective date for public adjusters.