Contractor and Public Adjuster Conflict-of-interest

[BarrierFree]

Michigan
I am a Licensed Building and Remodeling Contractor in the State of Michigan. I am currently taking a class to obtain a Public Insurance Adjuster License. Is it illegal, or a conflict-of-interest for me to offer both of these services to a potential client?

 

[BarrierFree]

I should add that I just signed up for class today and I start next week. I tried searching for the laws or statutes but I have had no luck with this. Thanks

 

[ecmst12]

Yes, attempting to be insurance adjuster for the same client you are performing repairs for would definitely be a conflict of interest.

 

[BarrierFree]

I cant find the law or statute, but it could be a insurance regulation rule. I found one for Illinois that states it is not a conflict of interest as long as at least two other contractors submitted estimates. I do plan on completing the course for the knowledge in general, but I would like to know if or how I could legally and ethically use the Adjuster License to my company's benefit. Thanks.

 

[justalayman]

sounds like it would be a good question to ask your instructor. Michigan does tend to put ethics as an important part of their licensing. It wouldn't surprise me to see it viewed as a conflict but don't know.

 

[BarrierFree]

Thanks for your reply Justalayman. I could definitely see how it would be an ethics situation, obviously I am just trying to get the best competitive advantage possible but I don't want to cross any lines. This is Michigan after all, and I need any advantage I can find, lol.

 

[BarrierFree]

Answer

Follow up: I am now a Licensed Public Adjuster, and it turns out Michigan law does allow me to adjust and contract the same job as long as it is not caused by a fire. The law also states that I cannot own a fire restoration company while working as a public adjuster.

 

[joyee]

WEll as in my knowledge thi is not the illegal work for doing you can do this. and i know to my friend which do this work as well as doing his professional career work