A new resident of South Carolina holds an unexpired policy of an unlicensed company, bought before the move. May a licensed adjuster adjust a claim on it?Answer: Yes; Regulation 69-1 authorizes it. Source: S.C. Code Regs. 69-1
A South Carolina adjuster's license fee is not received when due. What happens to the license?Answer: It must be canceled. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-40
An insurer's claims employee, unlicensed, adjusts a small food spoilage claim and engages in improper claims practices. What may the South Carolina director do?Answer: Suspend or revoke the insurer's certificate of authority. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-55
Another state charges South Carolina adjusters more than South Carolina's fee. What does a nonresident adjuster from that state pay in South Carolina?Answer: What that state charges South Carolina adjusters. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-30
For what term does a South Carolina adjuster's license run, if the license fee is paid when due?Answer: An indefinite term. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-40
For which insured may a licensed South Carolina adjuster adjust a claim for an unlicensed company under Regulation 69-1?Answer: A transient nonresident who has an accident here. Source: S.C. Code Regs. 69-1
Show all 78 questions (72 more)
Adjuster licensing and permits, continued
How long may a nonresident adjuster admitted for a catastrophe remain in South Carolina under Regulation 69-1?Answer: Only as long as needed to assist in the adjustments. Source: S.C. Code Regs. 69-1
How often is the license fee for a South Carolina adjuster's license due?Answer: Every 2 years. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-40
How soon must a South Carolina adjuster notify the department of a change of address?Answer: 30 days. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-15
In a catastrophe, what must a nonresident adjuster show in order to adjust in South Carolina without a South Carolina license?Answer: Evidence of an adjuster's license in the home state. Source: S.C. Code Regs. 69-1
In South Carolina, aiding in the adjustment of a claim under an insurance contract not authorized by the laws of the State is what?Answer: A misdemeanor. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-60
Is the fee for a South Carolina adjuster's license refundable once it is paid?Answer: No; it is fully earned when received. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-30
Of which fact must the South Carolina director be satisfied before issuing an adjuster's license?Answer: The applicant is of good moral character. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-10(A)
South Carolina exempts from adjuster licensing certain individuals who enter claim data into an automated claims adjudication system. For which insurance?Answer: Portable electronics insurance. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-10(B)
To a nonresident adjuster who resides in which state may South Carolina issue no license?Answer: A state that refuses to license South Carolina adjusters. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-10(A)
Under Regulation 69-1, which losses can make an "unusual circumstance or catastrophe" in South Carolina?Answer: Losses from a specific, infrequent and sudden disaster. Source: S.C. Code Regs. 69-1
Under Regulation 69-1, who determines and announces when an emergency or catastrophe exists in South Carolina?Answer: The Department of Insurance. Source: S.C. Code Regs. 69-1
When may the South Carolina director keep a reciprocal agreement with another state on licensing nonresident adjusters?Answer: Only if the other state is just as liberal in licensing. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-20
Which addresses must an applicant for a South Carolina adjuster's license supply to the department?Answer: Business, email and residential addresses. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-15
Who licenses an individual who adjusts losses for an insurer licensed to do business in South Carolina?Answer: The director of insurance or his designee. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-10(A)
Who must certify that a South Carolina automated claims adjudication system complies with Section 38-47-10?Answer: A licensed independent adjuster who is an officer of the entity. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-10(C)
Director, hearings and penalties 14
A licensed insurer violates a South Carolina insurance law, not wilfully. What is the most the director may fine it for the violation?Answer: $15,000. Source: S.C. Code 38-2-10(A)
A licensed insurer wilfully violates a South Carolina insurance law. What is the most the director may fine it for the violation?Answer: $30,000. Source: S.C. Code 38-2-10(A)
A person performs an act without a license that Title 38 of the South Carolina Code requires. The fine on conviction is not more than what?Answer: $10,000. Source: S.C. Code 38-2-30
A South Carolina adjuster violates an insurance law, not wilfully. What is the most the director may fine the adjuster for the violation?Answer: $2,500. Source: S.C. Code 38-2-10(A)
A South Carolina adjuster wilfully violates an insurance law. What is the most the director may fine the adjuster for the violation?Answer: $5,000. Source: S.C. Code 38-2-10(A)
After a hearing, the South Carolina director finds that a person engaged in an unfair or deceptive act. Which orders does Section 38-57-200 call for?Answer: A cease and desist order and an order imposing penalties. Source: S.C. Code 38-57-200
After an investigation shows that an adjuster violated Title 38, how much notice must the South Carolina director give before imposing the penalties of Section 38-2-10?Answer: 10 days. Source: S.C. Code 38-47-70
Does an administrative penalty under Section 38-2-10 keep South Carolina from bringing criminal proceedings for the same violation?Answer: No; the penalties are in addition to criminal penalties. Source: S.C. Code 38-2-10(B)
If a South Carolina notice of hearing is mailed, how must it be sent?Answer: Registered, with return receipt requested, to the last known address. Source: S.C. Code 38-3-170
Unless otherwise provided, how far ahead must the South Carolina director give written notice of a hearing to the person cited to appear?Answer: 30 days. Source: S.C. Code 38-3-170
What must a notice of hearing from the South Carolina director state?Answer: The subject of the inquiry and specific charges, if any. Source: S.C. Code 38-3-170
Where no other penalty is provided, a person convicted of a misdemeanor defined in Title 38 of the South Carolina Code may be imprisoned for not more than how long?Answer: 2 years. Source: S.C. Code 38-2-20
Which is a duty of the South Carolina director of insurance under Section 38-3-110?Answer: Report insurance crimes to the Attorney General. Source: S.C. Code 38-3-110
Whose general policies and broad objectives must the South Carolina director of insurance follow?Answer: Those enacted by the General Assembly. Source: S.C. Code 38-3-60
Improper claim practices 15
A South Carolina court awards attorneys' fees because an insurer refused, without reasonable cause, to pay a claim. Who determines the amount?Answer: The trial judge. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-40
A South Carolina insurer requires a written proof of loss but does not furnish the forms in time. What follows?Answer: Timely written proof of the loss is enough. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-10
A South Carolina insurer settles benefits under a life policy in merchandise. What penalty does it pay, collected in a suit by the policyholder?Answer: Ten times the amount of the policy. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-50
After notice and a hearing, the South Carolina director determines that an insurer engaged in improper claim practices. What must he order?Answer: The insurer to cease and desist from the practice. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-30
An insurer does not comply with an order under Section 38-59-270 of the South Carolina Code. After how many days may the director impose a penalty?Answer: 30 days. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-270
As a general practice, a South Carolina insurer threatens to rescind policies, not in good faith, mainly to discourage claims. How does Section 38-59-20 treat that?Answer: As an improper claim practice. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-20
Attorneys' fees were allowed under Section 38-59-40 and the judgment is affirmed on the South Carolina insurer's appeal. What does the appellate court allow?Answer: An additional reasonable sum as attorneys' fees on the appeal. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-40
Besides the seven acts it names, what else does South Carolina's improper claim practices section cover?Answer: Any other unreasonable delay in paying or failure to pay claims. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-20
Does South Carolina's attorneys' fees section for refused claims apply to cases in federal court?Answer: Yes; cases filed in or removed to federal court. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-40
Does South Carolina's list of improper claim practices reach third-party claims under liability policies?Answer: Yes; it names third-party liability claims. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-20
For an act on the list in Section 38-59-20 to be an improper claim practice in South Carolina, how must it be committed?Answer: Without just cause, as a general business practice. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-20
The South Carolina director finds that an insurer failed its duties under the Health Care Financial Recovery and Protection Act. Besides a cease and desist order, what must he order under Section 38-59-270?Answer: Correction of errant business practices and any payments due, with interest. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-270
To which types of insurance does South Carolina's period for furnishing proof of loss forms apply?Answer: All types, unless a lesser period is provided by law. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-10
Which act, done as a general business practice without just cause, is an improper claim practice in South Carolina?Answer: Failing to adopt reasonable standards for prompt claim investigation. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-20
Which kind of insurance is not on the list of insurers that South Carolina's improper claim practices section names?Answer: Life insurance. Source: S.C. Code 38-59-20
Insurance fraud 11
A court finds a first violation of South Carolina's insurance fraud article. The civil penalty is a fine of not more than what?Answer: $5,000. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-550
A person reports suspected insurance fraud to an authorized South Carolina agency, without malice or in good faith. What protection does Section 38-55-580 give?Answer: Immunity from any liability arising out of the report. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-580
A person signs a consent agreement with the director of South Carolina's Insurance Fraud Division and pays the civil penalty. May the agreement be used in a later proceeding?Answer: No; not in a later civil or criminal proceeding. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-550
Before designated employees of South Carolina insurers may share information on persons suspected of fraudulent insurance acts, what must the department have been given?Answer: Written notice of their names and job titles. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-580
By what name may South Carolina's insurance fraud article be cited?Answer: The Omnibus Insurance Fraud and Reporting Immunity Act. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-510
For a third violation of South Carolina's insurance fraud article, the civil penalty is not less than $10,000 and not more than what?Answer: $15,000. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-550
In South Carolina's insurance fraud article, "immune" means no civil action or prosecution may arise from a report unless what is present?Answer: Actual malice, gross negligence or reckless disregard. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-530
In which office is the South Carolina Insurance Fraud Division established?Answer: The Office of the Attorney General. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-560
Which agency must investigate allegations of insurance fraud that the South Carolina Attorney General forwards?Answer: The State Law Enforcement Division. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-560
Which is named as a "false statement or misrepresentation" in South Carolina's insurance fraud article?Answer: An intentional miscount by an employer of its employees. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-530
Which of these does the South Carolina insurance fraud article's definition of "insurer" include?Answer: A self-insurer. Source: S.C. Code 38-55-530
Arbitration of property damage claims 17
The defendant in a South Carolina property damage arbitration files no response in time. To what is the plaintiff entitled?Answer: A default judgment. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-730
How long after service does the defendant have to file a response to a South Carolina property damage arbitration claim?Answer: 30 days. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-730
How long does a dissatisfied party have to appeal the decision in a South Carolina property damage arbitration?Answer: 20 days. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-770
How many signed estimates of damage to the motor vehicle are the parties to a South Carolina property damage arbitration advised to bring?Answer: 2. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-740
In a South Carolina property damage arbitration before three arbitrators, whose decision determines the issue?Answer: Two of the three. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-720
May the arbitrators of a South Carolina motor vehicle property damage claim award punitive damages?Answer: Yes; they may award actual and punitive damages. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-710
Once the arbitrators enter their decision on a South Carolina property damage claim and file it, what does the clerk of court do with it?Answer: Enter it as a judgment on the records of his office. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-760
Unless the parties agree otherwise, how many arbitrators hear a South Carolina property damage liability claim?Answer: 3. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-720
What fee does the claimant who seeks South Carolina property damage arbitration pay to the clerk of court?Answer: $10. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-720
What is the most each arbitrator may be paid for hearing a South Carolina property damage liability claim?Answer: $35. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-720
What kind of trial follows an appeal from a South Carolina property damage arbitration decision?Answer: A trial de novo. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-770
What must each arbitrator on a South Carolina property damage arbitration panel be?Answer: A member of the bar. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-720
What must every notice of appeal from a South Carolina property damage arbitration include?Answer: A statement under oath that the appeal is in good faith and not merely for delay. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-770
Where is a South Carolina property damage arbitration claim filed?Answer: With the clerk of court where the claim arose or a party resides. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-730
Which claims may South Carolina courts refer to attorney arbitrators under Section 38-77-710?Answer: Property damage liability claims from motor vehicle accidents. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-710
Which damages does Section 38-77-740 name for a South Carolina property damage arbitration award?Answer: Actual damages, loss of use and depreciation. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-740
Within how many days after filing are the arbitrators assigned to hear a South Carolina property damage claim, or as soon after as is feasible?Answer: 60 days. Source: S.C. Code 38-77-740
How this list was compiled: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 38 (Insurance), chapters 2, 3, 47 and 59, Section 38-57-200, Sections 38-55-510 to 38-55-590 and Sections 38-77-710 to 38-77-770, read on October 15, 2026 on the South Carolina Legislature's site (https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.php, one page per chapter), and South Carolina Code of Regulations 69-1, Adjustment of Claims Under Unusual Circumstances, read the same day in the Legislature's Chapter 69 file (https://www.scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/Chapter%2069.pdf). The topics and the sections asked follow part I, South Carolina Insurance Laws and Regulations Pertinent to All Adjusters, of the Property, Casualty, Surety, and Marine Insurance Adjuster content outline (100 scored and 5 pretest questions; effective September 15, 2026), which prints the Code references beside each topic; the South Carolina Department of Insurance links the outlines from its licensing page (https://doi.sc.gov/354/Licensing-CE; the outlines: https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/publications/125010.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 claims adjuster SC study guide drills the state-law part of the exam: 78 of our own questions from Title 38 of the South Carolina Code, each naming its section. Not affiliated with the South Carolina Department of Insurance.
Read the full guide
What the exam covers
The Property, Casualty, Surety, and Marine Insurance Adjuster outline, effective September 15, 2026, gives 12 questions to South Carolina laws and regulations, 11 to insurance terms, 8 to contract provisions, 61 to policy knowledge and 8 to adjuster duties.
What to study for the law part
Chapter 47 of Title 38 on adjuster licensing, Regulation 69-1 on catastrophe adjusting, the penalties of chapter 2, improper claim practices in chapter 59, the insurance fraud article, and arbitration of motor vehicle property damage claims. Cancellation, the guaranty association and wind and hail law are asked on the South Carolina property and casualty page.
An adjuster's license runs for an indefinite term while the biennial fee is paid; a missed fee cancels it (Section 38-47-40).
The director may fine an adjuster up to $2,500 a violation, or $5,000 if wilful (Section 38-2-10).
A property damage arbitration decision can be appealed within twenty days, and the appeal is a trial de novo (Section 38-77-770).
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the South Carolina adjuster exam?
100 scored questions and 5 pretest questions, by the outline. The candidate handbook lists 105 items in 120 minutes for the Property, Casualty, Surety and Marine Adjuster exam.
What score passes the South Carolina adjuster exam?
The candidate handbook says the passing score for all examinations is reported as a score of 70, on a scale of 0 to 100 that is not the percentage or number of correct answers.
Is this SC claims adjuster study guide free?
Yes. All 78 questions are open, and your answers stay in your browser. The questions were written for this page from the Code and the regulation; none comes from the state exam, and the South Carolina Department of Insurance did not write or review them.
Who needs an adjuster license in South Carolina?
Under Section 38-47-10, an individual adjusting losses for an insurer licensed in the State must be licensed by the director or his designee. A producer licensed under Chapter 43 is exempt, as are supervised data-entry staff for portable electronics claims.
Are there other South Carolina adjuster exams?
Yes. The handbook also lists commercial lines, personal lines, crop hail and workers' compensation adjuster exams, a public adjuster exam and a motor vehicle damage appraiser exam, each with its own outline.