Claims Adjuster in California - Churchill Claims Services

Claims Adjusting Services in California

Hello! Looking for an Independent Claims Adjuster in California?
Here’s what to look for in a California Claims Adjuster:

Experience

An adjuster—or a company—with a strong track record of results is highly valuable. Look for a work history that includes collaborations with insurers or businesses similar to yours.
Also, make sure the adjuster has experience in the specific category of claims you need help with:

Workers’ compensation
General adjusting
Automobile claims
Property claims
Trucking losses
Professional liability
Vehicle appraisals
Fraud/SIU investigations

Valid License

All independent adjusters operating in California must be licensed under California Insurance Code §§ 14000–14099. Unlicensed adjusting is illegal and can result in penalties.
Always request to see a valid license before hiring an independent adjuster.

Reviews

Ask for references or look up reviews on platforms like Trustpilot or Google Maps—especially if you’re dealing with an adjuster company.
Third-party reviews are typically more objective and reflect real customer experiences.

Communication

California regulations require independent adjusters to respond to claim communications within 15 days (California Code of Regulations Title 10, Chapter 5, Subchapter 7.5 – Fair Claims Settlement Practices Regulations).

However, some adjusters might minimize communication, limit their availability, or even become unresponsive for periods.
Make sure you’re working with an adjuster or company that values regular updates, transparency, and customer service.

Honesty & Transparency

Every adjuster must complete training and pass the California Independent Adjuster Examination to become licensed. They are also required to take 3 hours of ethics training every two years.
Licensed adjusters must act in good faith, avoid conflicts of interest, and present information truthfully (California Insurance Code § 790.03).

You can check an adjuster’s license status and disciplinary history through the CDI’s License Lookup Tool.

Fees

There are no fixed legal limits on independent adjuster fees in California—costs are determined by contract.
Be cautious: read the fine print carefully to ensure transparent pricing and avoid hidden fees.

Important Facts

Before hiring an independent adjuster, here are some helpful facts to keep in mind:

Even if licensed in another state, an adjuster must pass California’s exam to operate locally.
Adjusters must have a California business address.
They must keep complete claim files for at least 5 years after a claim is closed.
These files must be available for inspection by the Department of Insurance upon request.
In rare cases, California courts have held adjusters personally liable for bad faith conduct.
Insurers (and adjusters by extension) must accept or deny claims within 40 calendar days of receiving proof of claim.
Adjusters must display their CDI license number on all written communications, including emails, letters, and business cards.

Top Suggestion: Churchill-Claims.com

Churchill Claims is a nationwide, independent adjuster company with a roster of highly qualified, multi-line adjusters across every state.

They handle all types of insurance claims—from general liability and trucking losses to fraud/SIU and professional liability.

With a rigorous adjuster vetting process, a dedicated supervisor for every adjuster, and state-of-the-art digital software for efficient claims management, Churchill Claims offers: