CLAIMS PROCESS · NEW JERSEY

New Jersey Public Adjuster License Requirements: How to Check Who You’re Hiring

Q: What does New Jersey require to become a public adjuster?

Passing the State public adjuster licensing exam ( N.J.A.C. 11:1-37.8 ) and filing a $10,000 bond, plus $10,000 for each sublicensee, from an A-rated insurer approved for surety business in New Jersey ( N.J.A.C. 11:1-37.9 ).

By Yeni Martinez, Licensed Public Adjuster, Florida (License P103370) and New Jersey (License 3003714097)
Homeland Public Adjusters · Last reviewed: October 2026

Infographic on New Jersey public adjuster license requirements: how to check who you’re hiring under N.J.A.C. 11:1-37

How to verify a New Jersey public adjuster’s license before you hire

Searching for a public adjuster in New Jersey usually starts after a loss, when you are deciding whom to trust with your claim. A license is the first thing to check. New Jersey public adjusters are licensed by the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) under the Public Adjusters’ Licensing Act, N.J.S.A. 17:22B-1 et seq., and the Department’s rules at N.J.A.C. 11:1-37.

Public adjuster or insurance adjuster?

The insurance adjusters NJ insurers send to your property, whether staff or independent, are working for the insurance company. A licensed public insurance adjuster works for you, the policyholder: documenting the damage, preparing the claim and dealing with the insurer on your behalf. Both may be called “adjusters,” so ask whom the person represents.

What New Jersey requires to hold a public adjuster license

An exam. Every individual applicant, including sublicensees, must take and pass the State public adjuster licensing examination (N.J.A.C. 11:1-37.8).

A bond. Each licensee must file a $10,000 bond, plus another $10,000 bond for each sublicensee named on the license, from an A-rated insurer approved to write surety business in New Jersey (N.J.A.C. 11:1-37.9). Someone harmed by a licensee’s wrongful conduct can bring a claim on that bond.

A license for the firm, too. Public adjusting companies are licensed as well as the individuals who work for them. Homeland Public Adjusters Corporation holds New Jersey public adjuster firm license No. 3003982360.

What the contract has to show

New Jersey requires a written public adjuster contract that lists the services to be provided and the maximum fee, and the fee must be “reasonably related to services rendered” (N.J.A.C. 11:1-37.13(b)3ii). In Bulletin No. 12-16 (December 20, 2012), DOBI reminded public adjusters that they must be able to show how their fees relate to the work they did.

Before you sign: ask for the adjuster’s license number and the firm’s license number, confirm them with DOBI, and read the services and fee sections of the contract. A legitimate public adjuster will expect the question.

Florida is a separate license

Licenses do not carry over between states. A public adjuster licensed in Florida still needs a New Jersey license to handle a New Jersey claim, and the reverse. Homeland is licensed in both states (Florida agency license W818638; New Jersey firm license 3003982360).

Homeland is licensed as a public adjuster firm in New Jersey and serves New Brunswick, Jersey City and Cherry Hill.

Frequently asked questions

How do I check a New Jersey public adjuster's license?

Ask for the adjuster’s license number and the firm’s license number and confirm both with the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI). Homeland Public Adjusters Corporation holds New Jersey firm license No. 3003982360.

What does New Jersey require to become a public adjuster?

Passing the State public adjuster licensing exam (N.J.A.C. 11:1-37.8) and filing a $10,000 bond, plus $10,000 for each sublicensee, from an A-rated insurer approved for surety business in New Jersey (N.J.A.C. 11:1-37.9).

Is a Florida public adjuster license valid in New Jersey?

No. Licenses don’t carry over between states; a Florida-licensed public adjuster still needs a New Jersey license to handle a New Jersey claim, and the reverse.

This article is for general information only and is not legal or insurance advice. Every policy and every claim is different — always review your own policy language or speak with a licensed public adjuster about your specific situation.

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