Public Adjusting in Louisiana: Ethical Statement

As a public adjuster in Louisiana, the ethical standards guiding professional practice ensure honesty, integrity, and accountability when representing policyholders in property damage claims. These ethical principles align with the Louisiana Department of Insurance regulations and the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) Code of Ethics.

Core Ethical Principles

1. Client-First Representation

Public adjusters act in the best interest of their clients, ensuring that the claims process is transparent, thorough, and fair. They must avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential biases.

2. Honesty and Integrity

Public adjusters provide truthful information to clients, insurance companies, and other parties. Misrepresentation, fraud, or deceit in any form is strictly prohibited.

3. Confidentiality

Client information must be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and only shared with authorized parties as required to process the claim.

4. Competence and Diligence

Public adjusters are expected to stay informed about current insurance laws, regulations, and industry practices to serve their clients effectively. They must diligently work toward achieving fair compensation under the policy terms for each claim.

5. Fair and Transparent Compensation

Public adjusters must clearly outline their fee structures in written contracts, as required by Louisiana law. Compensation must be reasonable and in accordance with the scope of services provided.

6. Compliance with Louisiana Law

Public adjusters must adhere to all rules and regulations outlined in the Louisiana Revised Statutes and other applicable state laws, including maintaining active licensure and continuing education requirements.

7. Avoidance of Unethical Practices

Public adjusters are forbidden from soliciting clients through harassment, coercion, or misleading advertisements. They must also avoid the unauthorized practice of law and must not act beyond the scope of their public adjuster licensure.

8. Professionalism

Public adjusters must conduct themselves professionally at all times, maintaining respect for clients, insurers, and other stakeholders.

9. Prohibition on Improper Financial Arrangements

Public adjusters shall not:

• Engage in fee-splitting arrangements with attorneys, contractors, or other professionals except as expressly permitted by Louisiana law
• Pay or receive compensation for referrals except as permitted by applicable regulations governing their profession
• Enter into agreements that create conflicts of interest or compromise professional judgment
• Participate in arrangements that could be perceived as kickbacks or improper inducements to refer business

All financial arrangements must comply with Louisiana Department of Insurance regulations and Louisiana Revised Statutes governing public adjuster conduct.

Louisiana-Specific Regulations: Key Highlights

• Public adjusters in Louisiana must operate under the guidelines of the Louisiana Insurance Code (Title 22).
• Adjusters must avoid any actions that may be interpreted as soliciting business during a state of emergency, as outlined by emergency rules issued by the Commissioner of Insurance.
• Adjusters must not represent both the policyholder and the insurance company in the same claim.