New York Adjuster 17‑70 Exam — 12‑Chapter Outline

Chapter 1 — Insurance Fundamentals & Basic Concepts

Definitions and purposes of insurance
Risk, exposure units, indemnity, insurable interest
Principles of insurance contracts (offer/acceptance, consideration, legal purpose)
Types of policies and contractual language interpretation
Why it matters: Foundation for all adjusting work.

Chapter 2 — New York Adjuster Licensing Rules & Regulations

Licensing requirements for Independent General Adjusters
Exam and application procedures
Fingerprinting and background checks
Regulatory agencies (NY Department of Financial Services)
Penalties for unlicensed activity
Why it matters: Legal framework shaping what adjusters can and cannot do.

Chapter 3 — Unfair Claim Settlement Practices & Legal Standards

NAIC Unfair Claim Settlement Practices
NY-specific claim settlement laws
Claim handling standards and duties of the adjuster
Statutes and penalties for violations
Why it matters: Helps ensure compliance with claim handling law.

Chapter 4 — Federal Laws & Consumer Protection

Federal Fraud and False Statements (18 U.S.C. 1033 & 1034)
Gramm‑Leach‑Bliley Act & consumer privacy
Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) provisions
Cybersecurity requirements affecting insurers/adjusters
Why it matters: Federal compliance obligations that impact documentation and reporting.

Chapter 5 — Property Insurance Principles

Standard Fire Policy basics
Dwelling policies (DP‑1, DP‑2, DP‑3)
Homeowners Section I (property coverages)
Covered perils, exclusions, and conditions
Why it matters: Core knowledge for handling property claims.

Chapter 6 — Liability Insurance Concepts

General Liability, Personal Liability
Limits, definitions, exclusions
Liability coverage trigger and claim reporting
Umbrella and excess liability basics
Why it matters: Needed for evaluating and negotiating liability claims.

Chapter 7 — Personal Lines Coverage

Homeowners insurance and related endorsements
Personal auto policy basics
Inland marine personal floaters
Miscellaneous property and liability types
Why it matters: Many adjuster claims fall under personal lines policies.

Chapter 8 — Commercial Property & Business Policies

Commercial Property forms & endorsements
Businessowners Policy (BOP) coverages
Loss valuation and settlement
Inventory and building coverage handling
Why it matters: Essential for adjusting commercial losses.

Chapter 9 — Automobile & Related Coverages

Personal and commercial auto insurance basics
Coverage parts, limits and exclusions
Physical damage vs. liability
Uninsured/underinsured motorist concepts
Why it matters: Auto claims are very common and must be accurately evaluated.

Chapter 10 — Specialty Coverages

Workers’ Compensation & Employers Liability
Surety bonds and fidelity coverage
Flood insurance basics
Ocean & inland marine (commercial floating property)
Why it matters: A broad range of niche claims may arise that require specialist knowledge.

Chapter 11 — Claims Handling & Adjuster Procedures

Claim intake, documentation, and investigation
Loss assessment techniques
Negotiation and settlement practices
Subrogation and salvage
Why it matters: Practical core of the adjuster’s day‑to‑day task list.

Chapter 12 — Ethics & Professional Conduct

Unfair trade practices
Confidentiality and conflict of interest
Proper communication and reporting to insurers
Ethical dilemmas and decision making
Why it matters: Ethical conduct maintains professionalism and reduces legal risk.

Exam Structure (General)

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