A medical office employee files a health claim form for a patient. How does § 10-402 treat that employee?Answer: The subtitle does not apply to the employee. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-402(6)
A person does nothing but hand out advertising flyers for a licensed public adjuster. What does § 10-403 require of that person?Answer: No license. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-403(b)
A person is paid to appraise damage claims under motor vehicle insurance policies. Is that person a public adjuster under § 10-401?Answer: No; the definition leaves out motor vehicle policy claims. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-401(g)
A public adjuster hires an engineer only to give technical help on a loss. Does the engineer need a public adjuster license?Answer: No; a person employed only for facts or technical assistance is exempt. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-402(5)
How does § 10-403 class the offense of acting as a public adjuster without a license?Answer: A misdemeanor. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-403(c)
On whose behalf does a public adjuster negotiate or settle a claim under § 10-401?Answer: The insured. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-401(g)
Show all 132 questions (126 more)
Who needs a license, continued
Under § 10-401, a Maryland public adjuster acts solely in relation to which kind of claim?Answer: First-party claims under a policy on the insured's real or personal property. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-401(g)
What does "marketing" mean in the public adjuster subtitle?Answer: Distributing advertising materials about a public adjuster's services. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-401(f)
What is a public adjuster's "home state" under § 10-401(c), apart from a state the adjuster designates?Answer: The state of the adjuster's principal residence or principal place of business. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-401(c)
What is the largest fine § 10-403 sets for each violation of acting as a public adjuster without a license?Answer: $500. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-403(c)
When may an insurance producer adjust a loss for an insured without a public adjuster license?Answer: When unpaid for it and the insured is the producer's own client. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-402(2)
When must a person obtain a license under § 10-403(a)?Answer: Before the person acts as a public adjuster in the State. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-403(a)
Which activity does § 10-402 place outside the public adjuster subtitle?Answer: Settling subrogation claims between insurers. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-402(7)
Which attorney at law is outside the public adjuster subtitle under § 10-402(3)?Answer: One who does not regularly act as a public adjuster or hold out as one. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-402(3)
Which of these four people is outside the public adjuster subtitle under § 10-402?Answer: An insurer's employee adjusting losses under that insurer's policies. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-402(1)
Which of these people is an "immediate family member" of a public adjuster under § 10-401(d)?Answer: A sibling's spouse. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-401(d)
Application, examination and renewal 23
A business entity's application names one employed licensed public adjuster for a special role. What is the role?Answer: The entity's principal contact with the Administration. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-405(b)
A holder files for renewal before the license expires and the Commissioner refuses. How long after the written refusal is served does the license stay in effect?Answer: 5 days. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(h)
A nonresident's home state issues no public adjuster license. What must that person meet to be licensed in Maryland?Answer: The license requirements of §§ 10-404 and 10-405. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-409(c)
A renewal application is mailed. When is it considered timely under § 10-408(g)?Answer: If postmarked on or before the license expiration date. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(g)
By when must a public adjuster finish the continuing education for a renewal under § 10-408(e)(2)?Answer: 30 days before the license expires. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(e)
How long before a license expires must the Commissioner send the renewal notice under § 10-408(b)?Answer: At least 1 month. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(b)
How much continuing education does § 10-408(e) require for each 2-year license period, unless a regulation changes it?Answer: 24 credit hours. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(e)
How must a license application be signed under § 10-405(c)?Answer: Under oath. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-405(c)
How often does a public adjuster license expire under § 10-408(a) unless it is renewed?Answer: Every other year. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(a)
Neither the state where an adjuster lives nor the state of the adjuster's business has a public adjuster law like Maryland's. What may the adjuster do under § 10-409(a)(2)?Answer: Declare another state where the adjuster is licensed and acts as the home state. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-409(a)
Of the continuing education hours for a renewal period, how many must relate directly to ethics?Answer: 3 hours. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(e)
On what date does an individual's renewed license expire under § 10-408(d)?Answer: The last day of the month in which the holder was born. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(d)
To whom does the continuing education subsection not apply under § 10-408(e)(6)?Answer: A holder not licensed for 1 full year before the period ends. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(e)
What does § 10-404(b)(2) say the written examination is given to determine?Answer: The competency of the applicant to act as a public adjuster. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-404(b)
What does § 10-405(b)(2) require the application form to ask about other licenses?Answer: Whether any other insurance license or certificate has been issued to the applicant. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-405(b)
What must a business entity applicant do under § 10-404(c), besides being trustworthy and competent and paying the fee?Answer: Employ one or more individual licensed public adjusters. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-404(c)
What standing must a nonresident have in the home state to obtain a nonresident license under § 10-409(b)?Answer: Currently licensed as a resident public adjuster and in good standing. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-409(b)
When does § 10-409(a) have the Commissioner waive the license requirements for a nonresident applicant?Answer: When the home state licenses the applicant and reciprocates for Maryland residents. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-409(a)
When is a nonresident license holder deemed to have met Maryland's continuing education requirement?Answer: On meeting the home state's requirement, if that state reciprocates. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(f)
Which licensee has no continuing education requirement under § 10-408(e)(1)?Answer: A business entity. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-408(e)
Which two qualities must an individual applicant show under § 10-404(b)?Answer: Trustworthy and competent. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-404(b)
Who is excused from the written examination by § 10-404(b)(3)?Answer: An individual licensed as a Maryland public adjuster on June 30, 1985. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-404(b)
Who may sign the application of a business entity under § 10-405(c)(2)?Answer: An individual with direct control over its fiscal management. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-405(c)
The contract, fees and disclosures 29
A public adjuster blacks out the fee clause in the contract copy sent to the Commissioner. How does § 10-411(b)(3) treat the redaction?Answer: As an omission of material fact in violation of the subtitle. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(b)
A public adjuster owns part of a salvage firm that will work on the insured loss. What does § 10-411(d) require?Answer: A written disclosure signed by the adjuster and the insured. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(d)
According to the disclosure document, who pays an independent adjuster?Answer: The insured's insurance company. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(f)
The adjuster's pay is a share of the insurance settlement. What must the contract state under § 10-411(b)(2)?Answer: The exact percentage to be paid. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(b)
After hiring a public adjuster, may the insured still speak directly with the insurer about the claim?Answer: Yes; the disclosure states the right to direct communications. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(f)
After receiving a notice of rescission, how long does the public adjuster have to return anything of value the insured gave?Answer: 15 business days. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(h)
How is the public adjuster contract executed under § 10-411(g)(1)?Answer: In duplicate, with an original for each party. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(g)
How long after the contract is signed may the insured rescind or cancel it under § 10-411(h)?Answer: 10 business days. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(h)
How much notice must the Commissioner give before inspecting the adjuster's original contract?Answer: None; it is open to inspection at all times. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(g)
How must a percentage fee be collected when the insurer pays the claim in several checks?Answer: As a percentage of each check issued. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(e)
How must the insured give notice of rescission or cancellation under § 10-411(h)(2)?Answer: In writing, mailed or delivered to the adjuster's contract address. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(h)
The insurer pays or commits in writing to pay the policy limit soon after the loss is reported, and the percentage commission is barred. Within how long must the insurer act for § 10-411(c) to apply?Answer: 72 hours. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(c)
Is a contract with an electronic signature an original contract under § 10-411(g)?Answer: Yes. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(g)
May a public adjuster contract name the adjuster as a co-payee on the insurer's claim payment?Answer: Yes; the contract may specify it. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(b)
May the contract require the insured to have the insurer issue checks only in the public adjuster's name?Answer: No; § 10-411(e) bars that provision. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(e)
Under the notice the contract must give, which out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed to the public adjuster from the insurance proceeds?Answer: Those the adjuster incurred and the insured approved. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(a)
Under which act must the public adjuster give the insured written notice of the insured's rights?Answer: The Maryland Consumer Protection Act. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(i)
What does the disclosure document say about whether the insured must hire a public adjuster?Answer: The insured is not required to but has the right to. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(f)
What may a public adjuster contract not do about lawsuits under § 10-411(e)(4)?Answer: Preclude either party from pursuing any civil remedy. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(e)
What title must a contract for public adjuster services carry under § 10-411(a)?Answer: Public Adjuster Contract. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(a)
When must the public adjuster give the insured the separate disclosure document on the claim process?Answer: Before the contract is signed. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(f)
When the insurer commits to pay the policy limit within the § 10-411(c) window, what must the public adjuster tell the insured?Answer: That the loss recovery amount might not be increased by the insurer. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(c)
When § 10-411(c) bars a percentage commission, what may the public adjuster be entitled to?Answer: Reasonable pay based on time spent and expenses incurred. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(c)
Which fee term may a public adjuster contract not contain under § 10-411(e)(1)?Answer: Collecting the percentage fee on money due but not yet paid by the insurer. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(e)
Which of these must appear in the contract under § 10-411(a)(3)?Answer: The license number the Administration issued to the adjuster. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(a)
Which three types of adjuster does the disclosure document of § 10-411(f) define?Answer: Company, independent and public. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(f)
Whose financial interests in other parties to the claim must the written disclosure of § 10-411(d) cover?Answer: The adjuster's and any immediate family member's. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(d)
Whose obligation is the public adjuster's fee, according to the disclosure document?Answer: The insured's, not the insurer's. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(f)
Whose signatures must the contract contain under § 10-411(a)(3)?Answer: The public adjuster's and the insured's. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-411(a)
Conduct, escrow, records and reports 22
A claim involves coverage that is beyond a public adjuster's current expertise. What does § 10-415(a)(1) say?Answer: The adjuster may not undertake the adjustment. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-415(a)
A public adjuster holds settlement funds for an insured. In what kind of account must they be deposited under § 10-412?Answer: A noninterest-bearing escrow or trust account. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-412
A public adjuster signs a contract during the loss or shortly after it. How soon after the loss must the contract be signed for § 10-414(f) to require notice to the Commissioner?Answer: Within 72 hours. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-414(f)
A public adjuster submits records and identifies part of them in writing as proprietary. How must the Commissioner treat that part?Answer: As confidential. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-413(c)
A public adjuster wants a share of the salvage from property under the contract. When does § 10-414(d) allow it?Answer: With written permission from the insured. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-414(d)
After the rescission period ends, may the contract be read to stop the insured from pursuing a civil remedy?Answer: No; § 10-415(a)(4) forbids that reading. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-415(a)
Another state takes administrative action against a Maryland public adjuster. How soon after final disposition must it be reported to the Commissioner?Answer: Within 30 days. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-416(a)
During which hours may a public adjuster not solicit a client under § 10-414(e)?Answer: Between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-414(e)
From which event do the 30 days to report a criminal prosecution run under § 10-416(b)?Answer: The initial pretrial hearing date. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-416(b)
How long must a public adjuster keep the record of a transaction after it ends?Answer: At least 5 years. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-413(b)
How soon must a public adjuster disburse a settlement payment received on behalf of the insured?Answer: Within 15 business days after the insurer's payment date. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-414(a)
How soon must the Commissioner be told of a contract signed during or just after the loss?Answer: Within 1 business day after the contract is entered into. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-414(f)
May a public adjuster also act as the company adjuster on the same claim?Answer: No; § 10-415 bars acting as company or independent adjuster on it. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-415(a)
May an unlicensed employee of a public adjuster conduct business that needs a license?Answer: No; the adjuster may not allow it. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-414(b)
May the records required by § 10-413 be kept in an electronic format?Answer: Yes. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-413(b)
What does a public adjuster need before agreeing to a loss settlement?Answer: The insured's knowledge and consent. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-415(b)
What may a power of attorney given to a public adjuster not do under § 10-415(a)(5)?Answer: Give the adjuster effective authority to choose who does the repair work. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-415(a)
What must the report of another jurisdiction's administrative action include under § 10-416(a)(2)?Answer: A copy of any order and any consent to an order. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-416(a)
Where must the financial institution holding an insured's funds be, under § 10-412?Answer: In the adjuster's home state or where the loss occurred. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-412
Which compensation must the adjuster's record of a transaction itemize under § 10-413(a)?Answer: All compensation received from any source in connection with the loss. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-413(a)
Which of these belongs in the record of a transaction under § 10-413(a)?Answer: The name of the insurer's claims representative. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-413(a)
Whose interest must a public adjuster serve under § 10-414(a)(1)?Answer: The client's alone, with objectivity and complete loyalty. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-414(a)
Discipline, hearings and appeals 19
A demand for a hearing can stay an order of the Commissioner. If the order is already in effect, how soon after service must the demand be received?Answer: Within 10 days. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-212(a)
A license has lapsed. How long before the lapse may a violation have occurred for the Commissioner still to enforce the article against the person under § 2-201(e)?Answer: No more than 5 years. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-201(e)
A license is suspended under § 10-410. What may the Commissioner require before the suspension is lifted?Answer: Passing an examination and filing a new application. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-410(e)
A public adjuster appeals the revocation of the license. Besides the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, where may the appeal be taken under § 2-215(c)(2)?Answer: The circuit court of the county where the licensee resides. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-215(c)
A public adjuster employed by a licensed business entity is convicted of a felony. What may the Commissioner do to the entity's license?Answer: Suspend or revoke it after notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-410(b)
A public adjuster knowingly employs, in a fiduciary role, someone convicted of a felony. How far back does § 10-410(a)(12) look?Answer: 10 years. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-410(a)
After receiving a demand for a hearing, how long does the Commissioner have to grant and hold it or refuse it under § 2-210?Answer: 30 consecutive days. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-210(b)
Besides a penalty, what may the Commissioner require for a citizen who lost money because of a violation?Answer: Restitution. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-410(d)
The Commissioner believes a person has committed a local violation for which criminal prosecution is provided. To whom is it referred under § 2-201(c)?Answer: The State's Attorney for the county. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-201(c)
The Commissioner neither grants nor refuses a demanded hearing within the period § 2-210 allows. What follows?Answer: The hearing is deemed to have been refused. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-210(b)
Do the formal rules of evidence bind a hearing before the Commissioner under § 2-213(d)?Answer: No; formal rules of pleading or evidence need not be observed. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-213(d)
How does a person take an appeal from the Commissioner's order after a hearing?Answer: By a petition for judicial review in circuit court within 30 days. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-215(d)
In what capacity does the Commissioner sit when holding a hearing under § 2-214?Answer: Quasi-judicial. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-214(a)
What is the largest penalty the Commissioner may impose on a public adjuster for each violation under § 10-410(c)?Answer: $5,000. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-410(c)
What must a demand for a hearing state under § 2-210(b)(1)?Answer: The grounds for the relief to be demanded at the hearing. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-210(b)
What must come before the Commissioner suspends or revokes a license under § 10-410(a)?Answer: Notice and an opportunity for a hearing. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-410(a)
Which conviction is a ground to deny or revoke a license under § 10-410(a)(7)?Answer: Any criminal offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-410(a)
Which event in another state is a ground for Maryland discipline under § 10-410(a)(11)?Answer: A license denied, suspended or revoked there. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 10-410(a)
Which of these must an order of the Commissioner state under § 2-204(b)?Answer: Its effective date. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 2-204(b)
Claim practices, trade practices and fraud 23
A claimant gives the insurer a repair invoice knowing it contains false information material to the claim. What is this under § 27-403?Answer: A fraudulent insurance act. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-403(2)
An insurer asks for a preliminary claim report and later for formal proof of loss forms with substantially the same information. What does § 27-304(12) call this, as a general business practice?Answer: An unfair claim settlement practice that delays investigation or payment. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-304(12)
An insurer keeps offering far less than insureds later win in court, so that they must sue. Which § 27-304 practice is this?Answer: Compelling insureds to institute litigation to recover amounts due. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-304(7)
An insurer wants to refuse property insurance solely because of the area a home is in. How long before the refusal must it file a statement designating the area under § 19-107?Answer: At least 60 days. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 19-107(a)
At what value of the claim or act does insurance fraud become a felony under § 27-408?Answer: $300 or more. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-408(a)
For § 27-204 to forbid circulating a false statement about an insurer's financial condition, what must the statement also be?Answer: Calculated to injure a person in the insurance business. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-204
How does § 27-1001 define "good faith" in settling a first-party claim?Answer: An informed judgment based on honesty and diligence. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-1001(a)
How is a violation of a cease and desist order treated under § 27-103(d)?Answer: As a violation of the Insurance Article. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-103(d)
Restitution ordered for a failure to act in good faith may include attorney's fees. What is the cap in § 27-305(c)(4)?Answer: One-third of the actual damages recovered. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-305(c)
What is the largest penalty for each failure to act in good faith on a first-party property and casualty claim, under § 27-305(a)(2)?Answer: $125,000. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-305(a)
What is the largest penalty for each violation of § 27-303, other than a failure to act in good faith?Answer: $2,500. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-305(a)
What is the longest imprisonment § 27-408 sets for felony insurance fraud?Answer: 15 years. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-408(a)
What kind of remedy does the unfair claim settlement practices subtitle provide, according to § 27-301?Answer: Administrative remedies only. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-301(b)
What makes an advertisement about the business of insurance unlawful under § 27-203?Answer: It is untrue, deceptive, or misleading. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-203
What must an insurer include with each claim paid to an insured under § 27-303(4)?Answer: A statement of the coverage under which payment is being made. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-303(4)
What must the Commissioner do before issuing a cease and desist order under § 27-103?Answer: Hold a hearing. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-103(a)
What standard must an insurer's designation of a geographic area meet under § 19-107(a)(2)?Answer: An objective basis that is not arbitrary or unreasonable. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 19-107(a)
What turns the practices listed in § 27-304 into unfair claim settlement practices?Answer: Being committed with the frequency to indicate a general business practice. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-304
Which act by an insurer is an unfair claim settlement practice under § 27-303 even when done once?Answer: Refusing to pay a claim for an arbitrary or capricious reason. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-303(2)
Which act does § 27-202 forbid?Answer: Circulating a statement that misrepresents the terms of a policy. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-202(1)
Which insurance is outside the unfair claim settlement practices subtitle under § 27-302(b)?Answer: Workers' compensation insurance. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-302(b)
Which statement about a policy does § 27-213 forbid when made to induce a policyholder to let it lapse?Answer: One that makes incomplete comparisons of its terms or benefits. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-213
Within what time must an insurer affirm or deny coverage after proof of loss statements are completed, under § 27-304(5)?Answer: Within a reasonable time. Source: Md. Code, Insurance § 27-304(5)
How this list was compiled: Annotated Code of Maryland, Insurance Article: Title 10, Subtitle 4, Public Adjusters (§§ 10-401 to 10-416); §§ 2-201, 2-204, 2-210, 2-212, 2-213, 2-214 and 2-215 (enforcement, orders, hearings and appeals); §§ 27-103, 27-202, 27-203, 27-204 and 27-213 (unfair trade practices); §§ 27-301 to 27-305 and 27-1001 (unfair claim settlement practices); §§ 27-403 and 27-408 (insurance fraud); and § 19-107, read on October 13, 2026 on the Maryland General Assembly's website (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/Statutes). The topics follow section 1.0, Insurance Regulation, of the Public Adjuster content outline, Series 20-23, which the examination administrator for the Maryland Insurance Administration publishes at https://www.prometric.com/files/mia/2023_public_aduster_9.21.21.pdf. Each question names its section and links to it. Licence: Own work. Every question, wrong choice and explanation was written for this site from the text of the law. Nothing comes from a testing vendor, a prep course or an exam question pool.
How it works
This unofficial Maryland public adjuster test study guide is a practice test on the state-law part of the Public Adjuster exam: 132 of our own questions, each naming its section. Not affiliated with the Maryland Insurance Administration.
Read the full guide
Which part of the exam this is
Section 1.0 of the Public Adjuster outline, Series 20-23, is Insurance Regulation: licensing, the Administration's powers, hearings, written contracts, standards of conduct, record retention, escrow or trust accounts, and unfair claim and trade practices. Sections 2.0 to 8.0 (insurance basics, adjusting losses and the policy forms) are not asked here.
What Maryland's law adds
Title 10, Subtitle 4 of the Insurance Article governs the license. It asks for a contract titled Public Adjuster Contract, a separate claim-process disclosure signed before it, escrow of the insured's funds, and a report to the Commissioner within one business day when a contract is signed within 72 hours of the loss.
The insured may rescind the contract within 10 business days; the adjuster then returns anything of value within 15 business days (§ 10-411(h)).
No soliciting between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. (§ 10-414(e)).
Renewal takes 24 credit hours of continuing education, at least 3 on ethics, finished 30 days before the license expires (§ 10-408(e)).
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the Maryland public adjuster exam?
50 scored questions plus 10 unscored, with a 1.5-hour time limit, by the Series 20-23 content outline. Insurance Regulation, the part practiced here, is 30 percent, or 15 items. Neither the outline nor the licensing bulletin states a pass mark.
Who needs a public adjuster license in Maryland?
A person who, for compensation, acts for an insured on a first-party claim under a policy on real or personal property (§ 10-401). Motor vehicle claims are outside the definition, and the Maryland Insurance Administration says it does not license staff adjusters.
How long does a Maryland public adjuster license last?
It expires every other year, and an individual's renewed license runs to the last day of the holder's birth month. A mailed renewal application is on time if postmarked on or before the expiration date (§ 10-408).
Is this Maryland public adjuster study guide free?
Yes. All 132 questions are open, and your answers stay in your browser. The questions were written for this page from the Insurance Article; none comes from the exam, and the Maryland Insurance Administration did not write or review them.