Public adjusters in North Carolina: fees, contracts and deadlines
On this page
You can hire a public adjuster in North Carolina, and anyone acting as one must hold a public adjuster license from the Department of Insurance.
North Carolina does not set a fee cap for ordinary claims, but the fee cannot be more than 10% of the insurance money after a declared catastrophic incident. The contract must state the exact percentage, and a percentage fee is not allowed when the insurer pays or commits to pay the policy limit within 72 hours.
fee limit after a declared disaster
to cancel a public adjuster contract
for the insurer to acknowledge your claim
for the insurer to pay
Each number is explained, with its source, in the sections below.
Can I hire a public adjuster in North Carolina?
You can hire a public adjuster in North Carolina, and anyone acting as one must hold a public adjuster license from the Department of Insurance.
North Carolina licenses public adjusters under Chapter 58, Article 33A of the General Statutes. A license covers only helping policyholders with their own property claims, and working without one is a crime.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-10(a) (show the source wording)
“A person shall not act or hold himself or herself out as a public adjuster in this State unless the person is licensed as a public adjuster in accordance with this Article.”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-1 (show the source wording)
“It specifies the duties of and restrictions on public adjusters, which include limiting their licensure to assisting insureds in first-party claims.”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-93 (show the source wording)
“any person who willfully and knowingly conducts business as a public adjuster in violation of this Article is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor”Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
- Check a licence
- Official licence lookup
- File a complaint
- Consumer complaint form
- Consumer line
- 855-408-1212
What can a public adjuster charge in North Carolina?
North Carolina does not set a fee cap for ordinary claims, but the fee cannot be more than 10% of the insurance money after a declared catastrophic incident. The contract must state the exact percentage, and a percentage fee is not allowed when the insurer pays or commits to pay the policy limit within 72 hours.
The 10% limit applies when a catastrophic incident has been declared by the President or the Governor. The statute does not set a percentage cap for other claims.
- After a catastrophic incident, a public adjuster cannot charge more than 10% of the insurance settlement or proceeds.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-60(d) (show the source wording)
The source says“No public adjuster shall charge, agree to, or accept as compensation or reimbursement any payment, commission, fee, or other thing of value equal to more than ten percent (10%) of any insurance settlement or proceeds.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The 10% limit is introduced as a limit on fees in the event of a catastrophic incident.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-60(d) (show the source wording)
The source says“In the event of a catastrophic incident, there shall be limits on catastrophic fees.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A catastrophic incident is one declared by the President or by the Governor of the state where the disaster happened.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-5(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“A catastrophic incident shall be declared by the President of the United States or the Governor of the state or district in which the disaster occurred.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot ask for or take any fee, retainer or deposit before the claim is settled. This sentence sits in the catastrophic incident subsection of the statute.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-60(d) (show the source wording)
The source says“No public adjuster shall require, demand, or accept any fee, retainer, compensation, deposit, or other thing of value before settlement of a claim.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - If the insurer pays or commits in writing to pay the policy limit within 72 hours after the loss is reported, the public adjuster cannot take a percentage fee.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(c) (show the source wording)
The source says“If the insurer, not later than 72 hours after the date on which the loss is reported to the insurer, either pays or commits in writing to pay to the insured the policy limit of the insurance policy”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - In that policy-limit case the adjuster can only charge reasonable pay for time spent and expenses.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(c)(3) (show the source wording)
The source says“Be entitled only to reasonable compensation from the insured for services provided by the public adjuster on behalf of the insured, based on the time spent on a claim and expenses incurred by the public adjuster”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - If the fee is a share of the settlement, the contract must state the exact percentage.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(b)(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“If the compensation is based on a share of the insurance settlement, the exact percentage shall be specified.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract cannot let the adjuster take the whole fee out of the first insurance check or collect a percentage of money the insurer has not paid yet.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(e)(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“allows a public adjuster to collect the entire fee from the first check issued by an insurance company rather than as a percentage of each check issued by an insurance company”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract cannot charge collection costs or late fees.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(e)(3) (show the source wording)
- A public adjuster who accepts an appointment from the insurer on a claim cannot charge the policyholder a fee on that claim.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-10(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“A licensed public adjuster is prohibited from charging that specific claimant a fee when appointed by the insurer and the appointment is accepted by the public adjuster.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
What must the contract say?
The contract must be in writing, titled "Public Adjuster Contract", and list the adjuster's license number, the services and the full fee. You get a separate disclosure before signing and three business days to cancel after signing. The statute does not say the Department must approve the contract form.
Your right to cancel: 3 business days. You must cancel in writing, mailed or delivered to the adjuster at the address in the contract within the three business days. The adjuster then has 15 business days to return anything of value you gave.
- You can cancel the contract within three business days after it was signed.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(i) (show the source wording)
The source says“The insured has the right to rescind the contract within three business days after the date the contract was signed.”
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 notice.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(j) (show the source wording)
The source says“anything of value given by the insured under the contract will be returned to the insured within 15 business days after the receipt by the public adjuster of the cancellation notice”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Every contract must be in writing and contain a list of terms set by statute, including the adjuster's name, business address, phone and license number.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“Public adjusters shall ensure that all contracts for their services are in writing and contain all of the following terms:”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must state everything the adjuster will be paid.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(a)(11) (show the source wording)
The source says“Full salary, fee, commission, compensation, or other considerations the public adjuster is to receive for services.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract must say the adjuster is fully bonded.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(a)(10) (show the source wording)
The source says“Attestation language stating that the public adjuster is fully bonded pursuant to State law.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Expenses the adjuster wants paid back from the claim money must be listed by type with dollar estimates, and you must approve any extra expenses first.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(b)(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“shall be specified by type, with dollar estimates set forth in the contract and with any additional expenses first approved by the insured”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Before you sign, the adjuster must give you a separate disclosure that explains the claim process and the three kinds of adjusters.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(f) (show the source wording)
The source says“Before the signing of the contract, the public adjuster shall provide the insured with a separate disclosure document regarding the claim process”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - That disclosure must tell you that hiring a public adjuster is optional.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(f)(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“The insured is not required to hire a public adjuster to help the insured meet his or her obligations under the policy but has the right to do so.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The adjuster must tell you in writing about any financial interest in other parties involved in your claim, such as a construction or salvage firm.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(d) (show the source wording)
The source says“A public adjuster shall provide the insured a written disclosure concerning any direct or indirect financial interest that the public adjuster has with any other party who is involved in any aspect of the claim”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The contract cannot make you authorize the insurer to issue a check only in the adjuster's name.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(e)(2) (show the source wording)
The source says“Requires the insured to authorize an insurance company to issue a check only in the name of the public adjuster.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - You get your own signed original of the contract.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(g) (show the source wording)
The source says“The contracts shall be executed in duplicate to provide an original contract to the public adjuster and an original contract to the insured.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
How can a public adjuster approach me?
- A public adjuster cannot solicit you while the event causing the loss is still happening.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-80(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“A public adjuster shall not solicit, or attempt to solicit, an insured during the progress of a loss-producing occurrence, as defined in the insured's insurance contract.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot solicit clients between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-80(k) (show the source wording)
The source says“Public adjusters shall not solicit a client for employment between the hours of 9:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot pretend to be an adjuster working for the insurance company.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-10(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“A person licensed as a public adjuster shall not misrepresent to a claimant that he or she is an adjuster representing an insurer in any capacity”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
How long does my insurer have in North Carolina?
-
You report the claim
The first clock starts here.
-
Insurer's first response
30 days
counted from the day you report the claim
-
Insurer accepts or denies
No fixed number of days in the law
-
Insurer pays
60 days
the starting point depends on the claim; see the rule below
The 30-day acknowledgment rule applies to insurers generally. The 60-day payment term is part of the standard fire insurance policy that property policies in North Carolina must follow in substance.
- To acknowledge your claim. An insurer can be fined if it does not acknowledge a claim within 30 days of getting written or electronic notice with enough detail to identify the coverage. The statute says "30 days" without saying business or calendar.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-3-100(c) (show the source wording)
The source says“fails to acknowledge a claim within 30 days after receiving written or electronic notice of the claim, but only if the notice contains sufficient information for the insurer to identify the specific coverage involved”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - To pay. Under the standard fire policy terms that North Carolina requires, the loss is payable 60 days after the insurer receives your proof of loss and the amount is settled by written agreement or an appraisal award.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-16(f)(17) (show the source wording)
The source says“The amount of loss for which this insurer may be liable shall be payable 60 days after proof of loss, as provided in this policy, is received by this insurer and ascertainment of the loss is made”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
North Carolina does not set a fixed number of days to accept or deny a property claim. The unfair claim practices statute only requires a decision within a reasonable time after proof of loss. The 10-business-day payment rule in 11 NCAC 04 .0421 covers motor vehicle claims, not home claims.
What deadlines apply to me?
Your policy sets its own deadlines too, and they can be shorter. These are the ones written into North Carolina law.
- The standard fire policy terms require you to give the insurer immediate written notice of a loss.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-16(f)(13) (show the source wording)
The source says“The insured shall give immediate written notice to this insurer of any loss”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The standard fire policy terms require a signed, sworn proof of loss within 60 days after the loss unless the insurer extends the time in writing.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-16(f)(13) (show the source wording)
The source says“Within 60 days after the loss, unless that time is extended in writing by this insurer, the insured shall render to this insurer a proof of loss, signed and sworn to by the insured”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Under the standard fire policy terms, a lawsuit on the policy must be started within three years after the loss began.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-16(f)(18) (show the source wording)
The source says“unless all the requirements of this policy have been complied with and unless commenced within three years after inception of the loss”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - To use the state disaster mediation program you must ask for mediation within 60 days after the claim is denied. Missing that date only costs you the right to demand mediation.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-85(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“An insured must request mediation within 60 days after the denial of the claim; failure to request mediation within this time period shall only bar the right to demand mediation”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
What can I do if I disagree with the insurer?
- NCDOI Disaster Mediation Program. After a declared disaster, the Commissioner of Insurance can turn on a mediation program for disputed home insurance claims of $1,500 or more. A neutral mediator helps you and the insurer try to agree, and the result is not binding unless both sides agree in writing.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-70(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“The procedure authorized by this Part is available to all first-party claimants who have insurance claims resulting from damage to residential property occurring in this State.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Disaster mediation cost. Mediation under the program costs the homeowner nothing. The insurer pays the mediator and the program administrator.
NCDOI, Disaster Mediation FAQs (show the source wording)
The source says“There is no cost to consumers. Insurance companies will bear the cost of the program.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Appraisal. If you and the insurer disagree on the amount of the loss, either side can demand appraisal in writing. Each side picks an appraiser, the two pick an umpire, and each side pays its own appraiser and half of the other costs.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-16(f)(14) (show the source wording)
The source says“on the written demand of either, each shall select a competent and disinterested appraiser and notify the other of the appraiser selected within 20 days after the demand”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - NCDOI consumer complaint. The Department of Insurance takes complaints about insurers and helps consumers try to resolve them. It cannot act as your lawyer.
NCDOI, Assistance or File a Complaint (show the source wording)
The source says“If you have questions about insurance, need to file a complaint or want to report suspected insurance fraud, we can help.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Also worth knowing
- A public adjuster must carry a bond or letter of credit of at least $20,000 for the whole time they are licensed.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-50(a)(1)a (show the source wording)
The source says“It shall be in the minimum amount of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000).”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot take a contract or power of attorney that lets them choose who does your repairs.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-80(i)(5) (show the source wording)
The source says“A public adjuster shall not enter into a contract or accept a power of attorney that vests in the public adjuster the effective authority to choose the persons who shall perform repair work.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot agree to a settlement without your knowledge and consent.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-80(j) (show the source wording)
The source says“A public adjuster may not agree to any loss settlement without the insured's knowledge and consent.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A public adjuster cannot send you to a repair or service company they have a financial interest in, or get paid for the referral, unless they tell you.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-80(f) (show the source wording)
The source says“The public adjuster shall abstain from referring or directing the insured to get needed repairs or services in connection with a loss from any person described by any of the following criteria, unless disclosed to the insured:”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - Claim money a public adjuster holds for you must go into an escrow or trust account at a federally insured bank.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-70 (show the source wording)
The source says“shall deposit the funds in a noninterest-bearing escrow or trust account in a financial institution that is insured by an agency of the federal government”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - North Carolina has no fixed deadline for an insurer to accept or deny a property claim. The law calls it an unfair practice to not decide within a reasonable time after proof of loss.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15(11)e (show the source wording)
The source says“Failing to affirm or deny coverage of claims within a reasonable time after proof-of-loss statements have been completed;”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The unfair claim practices list is enforced by the Commissioner. A violation does not by itself give a policyholder the right to sue under that subsection.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15(11) (show the source wording)
The source says“no violation of this subsection shall of itself create any cause of action in favor of any person other than the Commissioner”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - When an insurer denies a claim, the denial must be in writing and name the policy provision or legal reason.
11 NCAC 04 .0117(a) (show the source wording)
The source says“the denial shall be in writing and cite the policy provision or other legal basis used to deny the claim”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - The rule that claim payments go out within 10 business days after settlement is written for motor vehicle claims, not home claims.
11 NCAC 04 .0421(b) (show the source wording)
The source says“When a motor vehicle is damaged and the claim is covered by an insurer, the insurer shall adhere to the following procedures concerning loss and claim payments.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - If you miss the proof of loss deadline, state law lets you answer in court that you had good cause and the delay did not substantially harm the insurer.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-50 (show the source wording)
The source says“that such failure was for good cause and that the failure to render timely proof of loss has not substantially harmed the party against whom liability is sought in his ability to defend”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - After a disaster mediation settlement, the insurer must pay within three business days, and you have three business days after getting the money to back out if you have not cashed or deposited it.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-105(c) (show the source wording)
The source says“Within three business days after the conclusion of the conference, the insurer shall disburse the settlement funds in accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab) - A North Carolina attorney acting as an attorney does not need a public adjuster license.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-10(d)(1) (show the source wording)
The source says“An attorney-at-law admitted to practice in this State, when acting in his or her professional capacity as an attorney.”
Read it at the source (opens in a new tab)
Recent federal disaster declarations in North Carolina
After a declared disaster, the fee limit in North Carolina is 10%. The 10% limit applies when a catastrophic incident has been declared by the President or the Governor. The statute does not set a percentage cap for other claims.
- Severe Winter Storm · Emergency declared January 24, 2026 · 102 areas: Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Avery, Beaufort, Bertie and more
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.
North Carolina by the numbers
From 2016 to 2025 the National Weather Service logged 14,983 storm event reports in North Carolina, with property damage estimates totalling $5.9 billion, the 5th highest of the 50 states and D.C. Flood accounted for the most reported damage.
reported storm damage, 2016 to 2025
major disaster declarations since 2000
home damage verified by FEMA since 2002
Common questions about North Carolina
Can I hire a public adjuster in North Carolina?
How much can a public adjuster charge in North Carolina?
Can I cancel a public adjuster contract in North Carolina?
How long does an insurance company have to handle a claim in North Carolina?
Where do I complain about an insurer or a public adjuster in North Carolina?
Sources
Every rule above was matched to the exact words below on November 10, 2026.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-10(a)
A person shall not act or hold himself or herself out as a public adjuster in this State unless the person is licensed as a public adjuster in accordance with this Article.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-1
It specifies the duties of and restrictions on public adjusters, which include limiting their licensure to assisting insureds in first-party claims.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-93
any person who willfully and knowingly conducts business as a public adjuster in violation of this Article is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-60(d)
No public adjuster shall charge, agree to, or accept as compensation or reimbursement any payment, commission, fee, or other thing of value equal to more than ten percent (10%) of any insurance settlement or proceeds.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-5(2)
A catastrophic incident shall be declared by the President of the United States or the Governor of the state or district in which the disaster occurred.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(c)
If the insurer, not later than 72 hours after the date on which the loss is reported to the insurer, either pays or commits in writing to pay to the insured the policy limit of the insurance policy
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(c)(3)
Be entitled only to reasonable compensation from the insured for services provided by the public adjuster on behalf of the insured, based on the time spent on a claim and expenses incurred by the public adjuster
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(b)(1)
If the compensation is based on a share of the insurance settlement, the exact percentage shall be specified.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(e)(1)
allows a public adjuster to collect the entire fee from the first check issued by an insurance company rather than as a percentage of each check issued by an insurance company
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(e)(3)
Imposes collection costs or late fees.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-10(b)
A licensed public adjuster is prohibited from charging that specific claimant a fee when appointed by the insurer and the appointment is accepted by the public adjuster.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(i)
The insured has the right to rescind the contract within three business days after the date the contract was signed.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(j)
anything of value given by the insured under the contract will be returned to the insured within 15 business days after the receipt by the public adjuster of the cancellation notice
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(a)
Public adjusters shall ensure that all contracts for their services are in writing and contain all of the following terms:
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(a)(11)
Full salary, fee, commission, compensation, or other considerations the public adjuster is to receive for services.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(a)(10)
Attestation language stating that the public adjuster is fully bonded pursuant to State law.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(b)(2)
shall be specified by type, with dollar estimates set forth in the contract and with any additional expenses first approved by the insured
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(f)
Before the signing of the contract, the public adjuster shall provide the insured with a separate disclosure document regarding the claim process
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(f)(2)
The insured is not required to hire a public adjuster to help the insured meet his or her obligations under the policy but has the right to do so.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(d)
A public adjuster shall provide the insured a written disclosure concerning any direct or indirect financial interest that the public adjuster has with any other party who is involved in any aspect of the claim
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(e)(2)
Requires the insured to authorize an insurance company to issue a check only in the name of the public adjuster.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-65(g)
The contracts shall be executed in duplicate to provide an original contract to the public adjuster and an original contract to the insured.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-80(b)
A public adjuster shall not solicit, or attempt to solicit, an insured during the progress of a loss-producing occurrence, as defined in the insured's insurance contract.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-80(k)
Public adjusters shall not solicit a client for employment between the hours of 9:00 P.M. and 9:00 A.M.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-3-100(c)
fails to acknowledge a claim within 30 days after receiving written or electronic notice of the claim, but only if the notice contains sufficient information for the insurer to identify the specific coverage involved
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-16(f)(17)
The amount of loss for which this insurer may be liable shall be payable 60 days after proof of loss, as provided in this policy, is received by this insurer and ascertainment of the loss is made
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-16(f)(13)
The insured shall give immediate written notice to this insurer of any loss
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-16(f)(18)
unless all the requirements of this policy have been complied with and unless commenced within three years after inception of the loss
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-85(a)
An insured must request mediation within 60 days after the denial of the claim; failure to request mediation within this time period shall only bar the right to demand mediation
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-70(b)
The procedure authorized by this Part is available to all first-party claimants who have insurance claims resulting from damage to residential property occurring in this State.
- NCDOI, Disaster Mediation FAQs
There is no cost to consumers. Insurance companies will bear the cost of the program.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-16(f)(14)
on the written demand of either, each shall select a competent and disinterested appraiser and notify the other of the appraiser selected within 20 days after the demand
- NCDOI, Assistance or File a Complaint
If you have questions about insurance, need to file a complaint or want to report suspected insurance fraud, we can help.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-50(a)(1)a
It shall be in the minimum amount of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000).
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-80(i)(5)
A public adjuster shall not enter into a contract or accept a power of attorney that vests in the public adjuster the effective authority to choose the persons who shall perform repair work.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-80(j)
A public adjuster may not agree to any loss settlement without the insured's knowledge and consent.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-80(f)
The public adjuster shall abstain from referring or directing the insured to get needed repairs or services in connection with a loss from any person described by any of the following criteria, unless disclosed to the insured:
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-70
shall deposit the funds in a noninterest-bearing escrow or trust account in a financial institution that is insured by an agency of the federal government
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15(11)e
Failing to affirm or deny coverage of claims within a reasonable time after proof-of-loss statements have been completed;
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15(11)
no violation of this subsection shall of itself create any cause of action in favor of any person other than the Commissioner
- 11 NCAC 04 .0117(a)
the denial shall be in writing and cite the policy provision or other legal basis used to deny the claim
- 11 NCAC 04 .0421(b)
When a motor vehicle is damaged and the claim is covered by an insurer, the insurer shall adhere to the following procedures concerning loss and claim payments.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-50
that such failure was for good cause and that the failure to render timely proof of loss has not substantially harmed the party against whom liability is sought in his ability to defend
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-44-105(c)
Within three business days after the conclusion of the conference, the insurer shall disburse the settlement funds in accordance with the terms of the settlement agreement.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-10(d)(1)
An attorney-at-law admitted to practice in this State, when acting in his or her professional capacity as an attorney.
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:
- No fixed number of days for an insurer to accept or deny a first-party property claim was found in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-63-15(11), § 58-3-100 or 11 NCAC Chapter 04, so decide is null.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 58-33A-60(d) puts the ban on fees before settlement in the same subsection as the catastrophic incident cap. Whether that ban applies to every claim or only to catastrophic incident claims was not confirmed with NCDOI.
- The statute does not say whether the 10% catastrophic cap applies to all claims in a declared area or only to claims caused by the declared event. Not confirmed with NCDOI.
- The 30-day acknowledgment period in § 58-3-100(c) and the 60-day periods in § 58-44-16(f) say days without saying calendar or business. They are recorded as calendar days.
- The license lookup URL is the NAIC State Based Systems lookup. NCDOI's licensing page links to external-lookup-web.prod.naic.org, which loaded the same solar-external-lookup tool with North Carolina in its jurisdiction list on 2026-11-10; the sbs.naic.org address is linked from NCDOI's disaster page.
- Whether the Disaster Mediation Program is currently activated for any specific disaster was not checked. It only runs when the Commissioner issues an order.
- One web search for 2025-2026 session laws found no amendment to Article 33A. The ncleg.gov Article 33A page shows the latest change as S.L. 2023-133 (criminal penalty) and no later history notes.
- The standard fire policy terms in § 58-44-16 apply to fire insurance policies and policies must conform in substance. An individual homeowners policy may have different or more generous terms, which were not reviewed.