(a) A public adjuster is obligated to:(1) serve with objectivity and complete loyalty the interest of the client alone;(2) render to the insured the information, counsel, and service that will best serve the insured's insurance claim needs and interests, within the knowledge, understanding, and opinion in good faith of the public adjuster; and(3) disburse insurance settlement payments received on behalf of the insured within 15 business days after the date of the payment from an insurer.(b) A public adjuster may not allow an unlicensed employee or representative of the public adjuster to conduct business for which a license is required under this subtitle.(c) Unless full written disclosure has been made to the insured in accordance with § 10-411 of this subtitle, a public adjuster may not have a direct or indirect financial interest in any aspect of a claim, other than the salary, fee, commission, or other consideration established in the written contract with the insured.(d) A public adjuster may not acquire any interest in salvage of property subject to a public adjuster contract with the insured unless the public adjuster obtains written permission from the insured.(e) a public adjuster, or anyone acting on behalf of a public adjuster, may not solicit or attempt to solicit a client between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
(f)(1) A public adjuster who enters into a public adjuster contract during, or within 72 hours after, the loss giving rise to an insurance claim shall provide notice to the Commissioner that the public adjuster has entered into the contract.(2) The notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be:(i) provided to the Commissioner within 1 business day after the public adjuster enters into the contract; and(ii) in a form and manner the Commissioner determines.Amended by 2024 Md. Laws, Ch. 826,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2024.Amended by 2020 Md. Laws, Ch. 521, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2020.Added by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 106, Sec. 1, eff. 1/1/2018.