Society of Registered Professional Adjusters

ETHICS GUIDELINES

The work of adjusting insurance claims is a profession of public trust. Accordingly, RPAs must maintain a standard of integrity that will promote the goal of building public confidence and trust in the insurance industry.

RPAs will only discharge claims responsibilities for which they possess sufficient technical competence or can acquire adequate training.

RPAs will seek only information they believe to be relevant, timely and accurate, and use only legal and ethical means of obtaining that information. They will handle claims with no intent to mislead or misinform.

RPAs will be sensitive to individuals' rights of privacy, and will take reasonable measures to protect sensitive information from illegal or unauthorized examination.

RPAs will avoid illegal discrimination, and will strive to keep personal feelings and prejudices from influencing their judgment.

RPAs will maintain a courteous and sensitive attitude in their interactions with insureds and claimants, seeking to understand their concerns during times of distress. They will assist insureds in presenting and documenting their losses, and will not place the interests of their employer above those of the insured.

RPAs will maintain their business relationships with others in a manner that will promote the goal of bringing credit and honor to the profession. They will have no undisclosed financial interest in any direct or indirect aspect of an adjusting transaction.

RPAs will obey the laws and regulations related to handling claims.

They will resist fraudulent, unmeritorious or exaggerated claims, and support public and industry organizations involved in the detection and prevention of insurance fraud.

Recognizing that litigation is costly and time-consuming, when appropriate, RPAs will seek out all available alternatives to litigation to resolve issues in an expeditious and conciliatory manner.