S.C. Code Regs. 69-1. Adjustment of Claims Under Unusual Circumstances

1. Licensed Adjusters or motor vehicle physical damage appraisers in South Carolina are authorized to adjust claims or appraise automobiles under the physical damage insurance coverage for unlicensed companies under the following circumstances:

(a) Where the insured has an accident in South Carolina but is not a resident, being in a status of a transient.

(b) Where the insured is a new resident in the State and has an unexpired policy of an unlicensed company purchased before he moved into the State.

2. The law provides the conditions under which a Non-Resident Adjuster or motor vehicle physical damage appraiser may be licensed. In the event of a catastrophe where there are insufficient Licensed Adjusters or motor vehicle physical damage appraisers in South Carolina to handle claims expeditiously, Non-Resident Adjusters or motor vehicle physical damage appraisers will be permitted to enter the State to handle the adjustments arising out of the catastrophe without being required to be licensed in South Carolina, provided that the Adjuster or motor vehicle physical damage appraiser exhibits evidence of an Adjuster’s or motor vehicle physical damage appraiser’s License in his home state and remains in the State only for the period that is necessary to assist in the adjustments or appraisals.

3. An unusual circumstance or catastrophe exists when, due to a specific, infrequent, and sudden natural or manmade disaster or phenomenon, there have arisen losses to property in South Carolina that are covered by insurance, and the losses are so numerous and severe that resolution of claims related to such covered property losses will not occur expeditiously without the authorization of emergency adjusters or motor vehicle physical damage appraisers by the Department due to the magnitude of the catastrophic damage.

4. The Department will determine and announce when an emergency or catastrophe exists and also will determine and announce the expiration of the period of emergency or catastrophe.