629.01 Definitions. In this chapter: (1) “Adjusting service” means an act on behalf of an insured, in exchange for compensation, with the preparation, completion, or filing of a first-party claim, including by negotiating values, damages, or depreciation or by applying the loss circumstances to insurance policy provisions. (2) “Compensation” means anything of value received directly or indirectly in return for the performance of an adjusting service. (3) “First-party claim” means a claim for damage or loss to real or personal property located in this state that is filed by an insured. (4) “Insured” means a person whose real or personal property is insured under an insurance policy against which a claim is or will be made. (5) “Public adjuster” means an individual who engages in adjusting services in this state and, in the case of an individual who is not a resident of this state, has registered with the commissioner under s. 629.02 (2), but does not include any of the following: (a) An attorney admitted to practice in this state while acting in his or her professional capacity as an attorney. (b) An individual who negotiates or settles claims arising under a life insurance policy, a policy of disability insurance, as defined in s. 645.675 (1) (h), or an annuity contract. (c) An individual employed solely for the purpose of obtaining facts surrounding a loss or furnishing technical assistance to a public adjuster, including a photographer, estimator, private investigator, engineer, or handwriting expert. (d) An individual who settles subrogation claims between insurers. (e) An individual who is licensed as an intermediary under s. 628.04 or 628.09 while acting in his or her professional capacity as an intermediary. (f) An individual who represents an insurer in negotiations for the settlement of a claim against the insurer arising out of the coverage provided by an insurance policy. (g) A travel administrator, as defined in s. 632.977 (1) (g). History: 2019 a. 129; 2021 a. 111; 2021 a. 240 s. 30.
629.02
Registration. (1) LIST OF REGISTERED PUBLIC ADJUSTERS. The commissioner shall maintain on the office’s Internet site a list of public adjusters who have registered with the commissioner under sub. (2). (2) APPLICATION. A public adjuster who is not a resident of this state shall register with the commissioner prior to engaging in adjusting services in this state. A public adjuster who is a resident of this state may register with the commissioner. In order to register under this subsection, the public adjuster shall complete an application form prescribed by the commissioner. The form shall request the individual to provide the individual’s social se-
629.08 629.082 629.09 629.10 629.11 629.12 629.13
Escrow of funds. Bonding. Contractors. Prohibitions. Continuing education. Reporting of administrative and criminal actions. Penalties.
curity number and all documentation the commissioner determines is necessary and appropriate. The commissioner shall approve the individual’s registration application if the commissioner determines the individual satisfies all the following conditions: (a) The individual has not committed any act subject to penalty under s. 629.13. (c) The individual pays the fee under s. 601.31 (1) (z). (d) The individual maintains a home office in the individual’s state of residence and is available to the public at that office through reasonable appointment hours or regular business hours. (e) The individual is at least 18 years of age. (f) The individual meets the requirements of ss. 629.03 and 629.11. (h) If the individual is not a resident of this state, the individual agrees to be subject to the jurisdiction of the commissioner and the courts of this state and to the commissioner’s rules and orders with service of process as provided under ss. 601.72 and 601.73. (4) TERM; RENEWAL. A registration under sub. (2) shall remain in effect for 2 years from the date of issuance, unless it is revoked or suspended by the commissioner under s. 629.13. An individual may renew a registration by submitting, prior to the registration’s expiration date, a request for renewal to the commissioner in the form prescribed by the commissioner. The request shall include evidence of compliance with s. 629.11 and payment of the fee under s. 601.31 (1) (zb). An individual who fails to renew a registration prior to the expiration date may reapply for registration under sub. (2). History: 2019 a. 129; 2021 a. 240 s. 30.