Understanding the Kansas Attorney General’s Clarification
Prior to the statement by the Kansas Attorney General, Kansas public adjusters operated under guidance from the Kansas Insurance Department (KID), suggesting their services were limited to commercial lines claims. The KID’s website even stated:
“The public adjuster can only be involved in a first-party claim and the claim must be associated with a commercial lines policy.”
(Source: insurance.kansas.gov)
That interpretation stemmed from how the Public Adjusters Licensing Act was written—not from an explicit ban. The recent Attorney General Opinion 2025-022, issued September 18, 2025, clarifies that the Act regulates commercial claims activity but does not forbid public adjusters from assisting on residential claims (personal lines). In a statement from the letter, Kris W. Kobach, Attorney General for Kansas, states, “The Act neither regulates nor prohibits public adjusting for claims under residential lines insurance contracts.”
Key Takeaways from the Attorney General’s Opinion
-
-
- Regulation ≠ Restriction: The Act focuses on commercial lines but doesn’t restrict adjusters from working on other claim types.
- Residential Claims Are Open: Licensed public adjusters may now confidently support homeowners with storm, fire, or water damage claims.
- Licensure Still Matters: Adjusters remain bound by Kansas licensing laws and must communicate clearly about which protections apply under the Act.
- Consumer Benefit: Homeowners now have greater access to independent claim expertise—helping balance the scales between individuals and carriers.
-
(Source: ag.ks.gov)
Why This Matters for Homeowners
Kansas homeowners often face the aftermath of hail, tornadoes, and wind events, where navigating policy details can be overwhelming. With this clarification, they can seek support from licensed public adjusters who advocate on their behalf—ensuring documentation, communication, and settlement discussions are handled professionally.
Nicholas Andersen, General Counsel for Premier Claims, stated:
“With the increase in damaging weather events this year across the state of Kansas, this clarification from the Kansas Attorney General could not have come at a better time. Kansas homeowners have had a rough year and now they have the opportunity to receive help in navigating the insurance claims process by having the advocacy a Public Adjuster provides.”
This shift means policyholders don’t have to face insurers alone. It also aligns with Premier Claims’ mission to advocate for people in a system built for carriers.
What It Means for Public Adjusters
Public adjusters can now:
-
-
- Expand service offerings to include residential losses.
- Clarify to clients that while residential work may fall outside the Licensing Act’s direct scope, it’s not restricted by law.
- Maintain compliance by operating transparently, following Kansas insurance regulations, and avoiding unlicensed activity claims.
-
Several firms have already embraced this broader practice. The Attorney General’s opinion provides much-needed legal backing to those efforts.
Kansas Insurance Industry Impact
This clarification strengthens Kansas’s consumer protection landscape. It empowers adjusters to serve a larger audience while promoting fairness and transparency in the claim process. It also signals a growing recognition of public adjusting’s role in residential recovery—especially in weather-prone regions.
Premier Claims supports continued clarity and ethical standards across the industry, ensuring homeowners receive accurate, informed advocacy from licensed professionals.
What Homeowners Should Do Next
If you’ve recently faced storm, hail, or fire damage in Kansas:
- Review your policy — understand what’s covered and what isn’t.
- Document everything — photos, estimates, and correspondence matter.
- Consult a licensed public adjuster — for clear, compliant guidance through your residential claim. (Learn more about public adjusters with “Choose a Trustworthy Public Adjuster”)
"*" indicates required fields