The South Carolina Insurance Adjusters Act was signed into law on May 19, 2026. As a result, all public adjusters now have to file a $20,000 surety bond or letter of credit. Keep reading to learn more about this new financial security requirement.
Why Was the Adjuster Bond Requirement Introduced?
The South Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI) aims to increase consumer protection through tighter regulations. Surety bonds hold public insurance adjusters financially responsible for following the law. If they violate state standards and cause financial harm, affected clients can file a claim to recover any losses.
This is especially important in the event of a natural disaster. Major events often trigger new adjusters getting licensed and an influx of claims. Having stricter requirements for adjusters helps keep the industry safe and honest.
What Are the New Licensing Requirements?
This act established stricter professional and financial standards for SC public adjusters. To get your license, you’ll now need to complete the following steps:
- Pass the state public adjuster exam (non-residents who passed a home state exam are exempt)
- File a $20,000 surety bond or letter of credit
- Apply online through NIPR and pay the $100 fee
- Submit fingerprints and undergo SLED and FBI criminal background checks
Your client contracts must comply with the new guidelines under Section 38-92-130. Email your contracts as soon as possible to p&[email protected] for review.
Your license will expire on October 31 of even-numbered years. You’ll need to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, including 3 hours of ethics. CE must be completed before your 2028 renewal.
Do I Need a Surety Bond?
All public claims adjusters working in South Carolina need to file a $20,000 surety bond or letter of credit. If you already hold a license, you must email the bond to [email protected] by August 31, 2026. Otherwise, your license will be terminated.
How Do I Get a Public Adjuster Bond?
The DOI requires public insurance adjusters to use its specific bond form. You can buy your public adjuster bond online for just $200 from a licensed provider like SuretyBonds.com.
These bonds expire annually on the issue date. Renew your bond on time to maintain your public adjuster license, even if your license doesn’t expire that year.
Next Steps
Existing public adjuster licensees must submit a surety bond or letter of credit by August 31. For any questions, refer to the DOI website or call 1 (800) 308-4358 to speak with one of our surety experts.