Chapter 140

2005 -- H 5205 SUBSTITUTE B

Enacted 07/02/05

A N A C T

RELATING TO INSURANCE -- CLAIMS ADJUSTERS

Introduced By: Representatives Kennedy, San Bento, E Coderre, Picard, and Winfield

Date Introduced: January 27, 2005

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 27-10-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 27-10 entitled "Claim

Adjusters" is hereby amended to read as follows:

27-10-8. Temporary licenses without examination. Emergency licenses. --

Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this chapter, the commissioner, in the event of an

emergency, catastrophic, or natural disaster, may issue a temporary license to any person, without

examination or fee, for a period not to exceed ninety (90) days; provided, that the temporary

license may be renewed, with the submission of appropriate fees and forms, for further periods

not to exceed ninety (90) days each, but in no event for a period beyond one year from the date of

original issue.

(a) Notwithstanding any of the provisions of this chapter, the commissioner may permit

an experienced adjuster to act as an adjuster in this state on homeowners' losses without a Rhode

Island license if:

(1) The adjuster is either a licensed adjuster in another state which requires a license or

regularly adjusts in another state where such licensing is not required and works for an insurance

company authorized to do business in Rhode Island;

(2) He or she is engaged in emergency insurance adjustment work during the period of

emergency only, as determined by the commissioner.

(b) The experienced adjuster may work in this state either for an employer who is an

adjuster licensed by this state, or for a regular employer of one or more adjusters licensed by this

state, or for an insurance company authorized to do business in this state; provided, that the

employer or insurer shall furnish to the commissioner a notice in writing or electronically

promptly after the beginning of any emergency insurance adjustment work. The adjuster may

adjust claims from within or outside the state.

Emergency licenses permitted under this section shall not exceed one hundred twenty

(120) days, unless extended by the commissioner.

(c) As used in this section, "emergency insurance adjustment work" includes, but is not

limited to:

(1) Adjustment of a single loss or losses arising out of an event or catastrophe common to

all of those losses; or

(2) Adjustment of losses in any area declared to be a state of disaster by the governor of

the state of Rhode Island or by the president of the United States under applicable federal law.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.    

=======

LC01025/SUB B

=======