(a) In the event of an emergency situation as declared by the commissioner, claims arising out of the emergency, catastrophe, disaster, or other similar occurrence may be adjusted by a nonlicensed adjuster upon registration with the commissioner if all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The work performed by the nonlicensed adjuster is under the active direction, control, charge, or management of a licensed adjuster or an insurer authorized to do business in this state.

(2) The licensee or insurer registers the nonlicensed adjuster with the commissioner no later than 15 calendar days from the date on which the nonlicensed adjuster began claims adjusting activity in California.

(3) The nonlicensed adjuster submits to the commissioner a certification in a form or other format specified by the commissioner, under penalty of perjury, that the adjuster has read and understands the most recent notice and the handbook for adjusting disaster claims prepared by the department pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 14046.

(b) “Registration” or “register,” within the meaning of this section, means filing with the commissioner a notice in a form or other format specified by the commissioner, submitted by the supervising licensed adjuster or admitted insurer, naming the nonlicensed adjusters, identifying their adjuster licenses held in other jurisdictions, or, if not licensed, providing other identification specified by the commissioner, stating when their claims adjusting activity will commence or has commenced, and any other information the commissioner may require.

(c) Registration for claims adjusting activities arising out of an emergency is valid for a period of 180 days from the date of the registration letter. Before the lapse of that period, the commissioner may grant further 180-day extensions as the commissioner deems appropriate upon written request from the supervising licensed adjuster or the admitted insurer.

(d) A registration is not valid unless a current certification is on file with the commissioner.

(e) In enforcing this chapter, the department shall not be required to investigate the employment or contractor status of a person registered pursuant to this section.

(f) This section does not apply to a nonlicensed adjuster who meets the criteria described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 14022.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 502, Sec. 4. (SB 240) Effective October 3, 2019.)