South Carolina Extends Use of Emergency Adjusters After Helene

Property and auto insurers in South Carolina can keep non-resident adjusters on the job for at least another 90 days, until April 25, due to the continued need after Hurricane Helene, the state insurance commissioner said in a bulletin posted Tuesday.

“All carriers who have licensed emergency non-resident adjusters and motor vehicle physical damage appraisers … may now extend those permits via the Department’s electronic permitting process,” the bulletin reads.

The state Department of Insurance issued an initial bulletin in September, allowing the temporary licensing of non-resident adjusters and appraisers. That 120-day order is about to expire at the end of this month but the demand for adjusters continues, thanks to the high winds and flooding that damaged buildings and vehicles.

“It has since been determined that the need for emergency adjusters and … appraisers persists due to the volume and scope of unresolved claims from this event,” Commissioner Michael Wise said in the bulletin.

He noted that insurers are responsible for adjusters’ compliance with state insurance laws. Questions can be directed to Andrea Bourgoin at 803-737-5757.

Photo: Crew members from Xylem Tree Experts at a staging area in Aiken, South Carolina, shortly after Hurricane Helene blew through in September. (AP Photo/Artie Walker Jr.)

Topics South Carolina