08/21/2026
!! South Carolina Public Adjusters: Important Licensing Update !!
South Carolina has enacted new requirements affecting public adjusters licensed in the state.
On May 19, 2026, Governor Henry McMaster signed S.196 into law as Act No. 209, making several changes to South Carolina's public adjuster licensing requirements.
Among the key changes:
🔹 $20,000 Bond Requirement
Resident and non-resident public adjusters must obtain a $20,000 bond. Required documentation must be submitted to the South Carolina Department of Insurance by September 30, 2026. Failure to submit the required documents may result in cancellation of the license.
🔹 Continuing Education
Beginning with the 2028 renewal period, public adjusters will be required to complete 24 hours of continuing education: 21 hours in property and 3 hours in ethics.
🔹 Public Adjuster Contracts
Contracts must now be approved by the South Carolina Department of Insurance before use. The Department has also made its own contract and disclosure statement available for immediate use.
🔹 Fingerprinting
Although fingerprinting provisions are included in the new law, the Department has advised that this requirement will not be implemented at this time while modifications are made to align with FBI requirements.
Public adjusters licensed in South Carolina are encouraged to review the full requirements, applicable forms, and guidance directly from the South Carolina Department of Insurance.
South Carolina DOI Bulletins & FAQs:
https://doi.sc.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/522
South Carolina DOI Forms:
https://doi.sc.gov/870/Forms
S.196 / Act No. 209:
https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/196.htm