What is one of the primary ethical obligations of a public adjuster?

One of the primary ethical obligations of a public adjuster is to act in the best interest of the policyholder. Public adjusters are hired by policyholders to advocate for them during the claims process, which means their primary duty is to ensure that their clients receive a fair settlement for their covered losses. This fiduciary responsibility involves thoroughly understanding the policyholder's needs, accurately assessing damages, and negotiating effectively with insurance companies on behalf of the insured.

This obligation to prioritize the policyholder's interests builds trust and reassurance that the adjuster is working to secure a just outcome, which is central to the role of public adjusters. Their expertise and advocacy are crucial, particularly as policyholders may not fully understand the complexities of their policies or the claims process. Consequently, serving the policyholder's interests promotes ethical practice within the adjusting profession, ensuring that clients receive the coverage they're entitled to. The other choices do not align with this primary responsibility, as they focus on benefiting the insurer, minimizing costs, or selling products, rather than prioritizing the policyholder's needs.