Public adjusters in Canada: how the rules work

Public adjusters are licensed by each province in Canada; Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec all require adjusters who act for you to hold a licence or certificate.

What the job is called here

Ontario uses "public adjuster." Quebec uses "claims adjuster" (expert en sinistre). The AMF calls one you hire yourself an "independent adjuster." BC uses the general term "insurance adjuster." Alberta uses "adjuster."

Who regulates it

• Ontario: Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA).
• British Columbia: Insurance Council of British Columbia.
• Alberta: Alberta Insurance Council (AIC).
• Quebec: Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF).

Is a licence required

• Ontario: FSRA says public adjusters represent policyholders and need an FSRA licence. The Insurance Act defines an adjuster to include a person who acts for an insured for compensation. Section 398 bans public adjusting of motor vehicle accident claims, with exceptions.
• BC: Section 180 of the Financial Institutions Act says a person must not act as an insurance adjuster unless licensed.
• Alberta: The Insurance Act defines an adjuster to include a person who negotiates a loss for an insured. Section 460 requires an adjuster's certificate of authority.
• Quebec: The AMF says the insurer's claims adjuster works for the insurer. You can hire an independent adjuster at your own expense.

Fees

The official pages we read do not set a fee cap for public adjusters in these provinces. Ask for the fee in writing before you sign.

How to check a licence (official register link)

• Ontario: use FSRA Licensing Link. FSRA says it confirms the status of an adjuster or adjusting company.
• BC: use the Insurance Licensee Directory.
• Alberta: use the AIC Agent Lookup.
• Quebec: use the AMF Register of firms and individuals authorized to practice.

What to do if there is no regime

All four provinces have a regime. In Quebec, the AMF says you can first complain to your insurer. If that fails, you can ask to have your file transferred to the AMF.

This is general information, not legal advice; confirm the current rules with your provincial regulator.