(a) The purpose of this chapter is to subject certain individuals to the jurisdiction of the insurance commissioner. The legislature declares that it is concerned with the business of appraising damaged automobiles and to this end authorizes the insurance commissioner to regulate that business. No person shall act as an appraiser for motor vehicle physical damage claims on behalf of any insurance company or firm or corporation engaged in the adjustment or appraisal of motor vehicle claims unless that person has first secured a license from the insurance commissioner and has paid a license fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) for each biennial license term or fraction thereof. The license shall be issued only upon the successful passage of the examination that shall be administered at the discretion of the insurance commissioner, but in no event less than quarterly. The commissioner may prescribe reasonable regulations concerning standards for qualifications, suspension, or revocation, and the methods with which licensees conduct their business, in addition to the requirements specifically delineated within this chapter.
(b) Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject to administrative penalties pursuant to § 42-14-16.
(c) A license shall be renewed upon the payment of the appropriate renewal fee unless a finding is made pursuant to subsection (d) of this section. The fee for the total term of the licensure or renewal shall be paid at the time of initial application or renewal.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the insurance commissioner to sooner suspend or revoke any license issued pursuant to this chapter. Any action for suspension or revocation of any license shall be in accordance with Administrative Procedures Act, chapter 35 of title 42, upon proof that the license was obtained by fraud or misrepresentation, or that the interests of the insurer or the interests of the public are not properly served under the license, or for cause.
History of Section.
P.L. 1973, ch. 241, § 1; P.L. 1979, ch. 174, art. 7, § 4; P.L. 1979, ch. 349, § 6; P.L. 1980, ch. 36, § 1; P.L. 1980, ch. 406, § 7; P.L. 1985, ch. 181, art. 14, § 2; 1987, ch. 166, § 15; P.L. 1988, ch. 350, § 2; P.L. 2004, ch. 595, art. 30, § 10; P.L. 2009, ch. 68, art. 12, § 7; P.L. 2015, ch. 82, § 11; P.L. 2015, ch. 105, § 11.