Fall Semester 2026–2027 17-70 – NY Independent General
Adjuster Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | New
York 17-70 Independent General Adjuster License
Comprehensive Study Guide, Practice Exam, Exam Prep Test
Bank, Property & Casualty Insurance, Claims Investigation,
Policy Interpretation, Property Damage Assessment, Liability
Claims, Loss Adjustment, New York Insurance Law, Ethics,
Fraud Prevention, Claims Settlement, Detailed Rationales and
Complete Revision Material
Question 1: Under New York Insurance Law, what is the minimum amount of
experience in the insurance business required for an individual to be deemed
qualified to take the independent adjuster licensing examination?
A. Six months of experience in any insurance-related field
B. One year of experience in sales, underwriting, claims, or other experience deemed
sufficient by the Superintendent
C. Two years of experience exclusively in claims handling
D. No experience is required if the applicant has a college degree
CORRECT ANSWER: B. One year of experience in sales, underwriting, claims,
or other experience deemed sufficient by the Superintendent
Rationale: According to New York Insurance Law Section 2108(f)(1), an individual is not
qualified to take the independent adjuster examination without demonstrating, to the
Superintendent's satisfaction, a minimum of one year's experience in the insurance
business involving sales, underwriting, claims, or other experience considered
sufficient .
Question 2: In New York, how often must an independent adjuster's license be
renewed, and what is the minimum continuing education requirement for
renewal?
A. Annually with 10 credit hours of continuing education required
B. Every two years with 15 credit hours of continuing education required
C. Every three years with 24 credit hours of continuing education required
D. Every four years with 30 credit hours of continuing education required
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Every three years with 24 credit hours of continuing
education required
Rationale: New York licenses for independent adjusters are renewed on a biennial basis,
but the continuing education requirement is 24 credit hours every three years . The
license expires on December 31 of even-numbered years .
Question 3: According to New York Insurance Law Section 2108, which of the
following is NOT a valid alternative qualification pathway to sit for the
independent adjuster licensing examination?
,A. One year of experience in insurance sales
B. One year of experience in insurance underwriting
C. Successful completion of 40 hours of formal training approved by the Superintendent
D. A bachelor's degree in business administration
CORRECT ANSWER: D. A bachelor's degree in business administration
Rationale: Under Section 2108(f)(1), an applicant must demonstrate either (A) a
minimum of one year's experience in the insurance business, with involvement in sales,
underwriting, claims, or other experience considered sufficient; or (B) successful
completion of 40 hours of formal training in a course, program of instruction, or
seminars approved by the Superintendent. A bachelor's degree in business
administration is not listed as a qualifying alternative .
Question 4: Under New York Insurance Law, what is the maximum penalty
that can be imposed for a violation of the Insurance Law by a licensed
independent adjuster?
A. A fine of up to $500
B. A fine of up to $1,000
C. A fine of up to $5,000
D. Suspension or revocation of the license in addition to penalties
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Suspension or revocation of the license in addition to
penalties
Rationale: Under Section 2127 of the New York Insurance Law, the Superintendent may
impose penalties, including fines, and may also suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a
license for violations. The full range of disciplinary actions includes cease and desist
orders, suspension, revocation, and monetary penalties .
Question 5: What is the purpose of a "1033 waiver" in the context of insurance
licensing?
A. It automatically restores a license after any felony conviction
B. It allows an applicant with certain criminal convictions to obtain a license after a
waiting period and demonstration of rehabilitation
C. It applies only to traffic violations
D. It is a federal exemption that supersedes state law
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It allows an applicant with certain criminal convictions
to obtain a license after a waiting period and demonstration of rehabilitation
Rationale: Under 18 USC 1033, a 1033 waiver permits licensing after a waiting period
and demonstration of rehabilitation for specific offenses. It does not automatically
restore a license and is a federal requirement that must be satisfied before an individual
with a covered conviction can engage in the insurance business .
Question 6: According to New York Insurance Law, which of the following
actions would NOT constitute an unfair claim settlement practice?
,A. Failing to acknowledge and respond to communications on claims within a
reasonable time
B. Denying a claim that is not covered under the policy
C. Not attempting in good faith to settle claims when liability is reasonably clear
D. Failing to promptly settle claims under one portion of coverage to influence
settlements under other portions
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Denying a claim that is not covered under the policy
Rationale: Denying a claim that is not covered under the policy is not a violation of the
Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Unfair Trade Practices Act addresses practices such as
failing to attempt in good faith to settle claims, failing to promptly settle claims, and
misrepresenting coverage, but it does not require insurers to pay claims that are not
covered by the policy .
Question 7: Under New York Regulation 64 (Part 216), what is the maximum
time frame within which an insurer must pay or deny a claim after receiving
all necessary documentation?
A. 10 business days
B. 15 business days
C. 30 calendar days
D. 45 calendar days
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 30 calendar days
Rationale: Regulation 64 mandates fair and timely claim settlements. Insurers are
required to pay or deny claims promptly after receiving all necessary documentation,
generally within 30 calendar days. This regulation is designed to prevent unfair claim
settlement practices .
Question 8: Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding a
reservation of rights letter in the claims adjustment process?
A. It waives the insurer's right to deny coverage
B. It reserves the insurer's right to deny coverage while investigating a claim
C. It must be signed by the insured to be valid
D. It is a binding agreement that prevents the insured from pursuing legal action
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It reserves the insurer's right to deny coverage while
investigating a claim
Rationale: A reservation of rights letter is used when an insurer needs to investigate a
claim but wants to preserve its right to deny coverage later if warranted. It does not
waive coverage defenses and does not require the insured's signature. This is a critical
tool for handling coverage disputes .
Question 9: In New York, what is the difference between a staff adjuster and
an independent adjuster?
, A. A staff adjuster represents the insured, while an independent adjuster represents the
insurer
B. A staff adjuster is an employee of a single insurer, while an independent adjuster is an
independent contractor who may work for multiple insurers
C. There is no practical difference between the two roles
D. A staff adjuster is licensed by the state, while an independent adjuster is not
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A staff adjuster is an employee of a single insurer,
while an independent adjuster is an independent contractor who may work for
multiple insurers
Rationale: A staff or company adjuster is an employee representing a specific insurer. An
independent adjuster is an independent contractor who represents insurers on a fee
basis and may handle claims for multiple companies. Both must be licensed in New
York .
Question 10: Which of the following elements is NOT required for a contract of
insurance to be legally valid?
A. Offer and acceptance
B. Consideration
C. A written document signed by both parties
D. Legal purpose
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A written document signed by both parties
Rationale: While insurance policies are typically written documents, the essential
elements of a legal contract are offer and acceptance, consideration, competent parties,
and legal purpose. A written document signed by both parties is not a requirement for a
contract to be valid under contract law, though insurance contracts generally are
evidenced by a written policy .
Question 11: An insurance policy is considered a "contract of adhesion"
because:
A. Both parties have equal bargaining power in negotiating the terms
B. The insurer writes the contract terms and the insured has little or no ability to
negotiate
C. It must be approved by the state before it can be issued
D. The contract is based on chance with unequal exchange of values
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The insurer writes the contract terms and the insured
has little or no ability to negotiate
Rationale: An insurance contract is a contract of adhesion because the insurer drafts the
contract terms and the insured has little or no ability to negotiate changes. As a result,
any ambiguities in the contract are interpreted in favor of the insured .
Question 12: The principle of utmost good faith (uberrima fides) in insurance
contracts requires:
Adjuster Updated 2026 | 190+ Questions and Answers | New
York 17-70 Independent General Adjuster License
Comprehensive Study Guide, Practice Exam, Exam Prep Test
Bank, Property & Casualty Insurance, Claims Investigation,
Policy Interpretation, Property Damage Assessment, Liability
Claims, Loss Adjustment, New York Insurance Law, Ethics,
Fraud Prevention, Claims Settlement, Detailed Rationales and
Complete Revision Material
Question 1: Under New York Insurance Law, what is the minimum amount of
experience in the insurance business required for an individual to be deemed
qualified to take the independent adjuster licensing examination?
A. Six months of experience in any insurance-related field
B. One year of experience in sales, underwriting, claims, or other experience deemed
sufficient by the Superintendent
C. Two years of experience exclusively in claims handling
D. No experience is required if the applicant has a college degree
CORRECT ANSWER: B. One year of experience in sales, underwriting, claims,
or other experience deemed sufficient by the Superintendent
Rationale: According to New York Insurance Law Section 2108(f)(1), an individual is not
qualified to take the independent adjuster examination without demonstrating, to the
Superintendent's satisfaction, a minimum of one year's experience in the insurance
business involving sales, underwriting, claims, or other experience considered
sufficient .
Question 2: In New York, how often must an independent adjuster's license be
renewed, and what is the minimum continuing education requirement for
renewal?
A. Annually with 10 credit hours of continuing education required
B. Every two years with 15 credit hours of continuing education required
C. Every three years with 24 credit hours of continuing education required
D. Every four years with 30 credit hours of continuing education required
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Every three years with 24 credit hours of continuing
education required
Rationale: New York licenses for independent adjusters are renewed on a biennial basis,
but the continuing education requirement is 24 credit hours every three years . The
license expires on December 31 of even-numbered years .
Question 3: According to New York Insurance Law Section 2108, which of the
following is NOT a valid alternative qualification pathway to sit for the
independent adjuster licensing examination?
,A. One year of experience in insurance sales
B. One year of experience in insurance underwriting
C. Successful completion of 40 hours of formal training approved by the Superintendent
D. A bachelor's degree in business administration
CORRECT ANSWER: D. A bachelor's degree in business administration
Rationale: Under Section 2108(f)(1), an applicant must demonstrate either (A) a
minimum of one year's experience in the insurance business, with involvement in sales,
underwriting, claims, or other experience considered sufficient; or (B) successful
completion of 40 hours of formal training in a course, program of instruction, or
seminars approved by the Superintendent. A bachelor's degree in business
administration is not listed as a qualifying alternative .
Question 4: Under New York Insurance Law, what is the maximum penalty
that can be imposed for a violation of the Insurance Law by a licensed
independent adjuster?
A. A fine of up to $500
B. A fine of up to $1,000
C. A fine of up to $5,000
D. Suspension or revocation of the license in addition to penalties
CORRECT ANSWER: D. Suspension or revocation of the license in addition to
penalties
Rationale: Under Section 2127 of the New York Insurance Law, the Superintendent may
impose penalties, including fines, and may also suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a
license for violations. The full range of disciplinary actions includes cease and desist
orders, suspension, revocation, and monetary penalties .
Question 5: What is the purpose of a "1033 waiver" in the context of insurance
licensing?
A. It automatically restores a license after any felony conviction
B. It allows an applicant with certain criminal convictions to obtain a license after a
waiting period and demonstration of rehabilitation
C. It applies only to traffic violations
D. It is a federal exemption that supersedes state law
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It allows an applicant with certain criminal convictions
to obtain a license after a waiting period and demonstration of rehabilitation
Rationale: Under 18 USC 1033, a 1033 waiver permits licensing after a waiting period
and demonstration of rehabilitation for specific offenses. It does not automatically
restore a license and is a federal requirement that must be satisfied before an individual
with a covered conviction can engage in the insurance business .
Question 6: According to New York Insurance Law, which of the following
actions would NOT constitute an unfair claim settlement practice?
,A. Failing to acknowledge and respond to communications on claims within a
reasonable time
B. Denying a claim that is not covered under the policy
C. Not attempting in good faith to settle claims when liability is reasonably clear
D. Failing to promptly settle claims under one portion of coverage to influence
settlements under other portions
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Denying a claim that is not covered under the policy
Rationale: Denying a claim that is not covered under the policy is not a violation of the
Unfair Trade Practices Act. The Unfair Trade Practices Act addresses practices such as
failing to attempt in good faith to settle claims, failing to promptly settle claims, and
misrepresenting coverage, but it does not require insurers to pay claims that are not
covered by the policy .
Question 7: Under New York Regulation 64 (Part 216), what is the maximum
time frame within which an insurer must pay or deny a claim after receiving
all necessary documentation?
A. 10 business days
B. 15 business days
C. 30 calendar days
D. 45 calendar days
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 30 calendar days
Rationale: Regulation 64 mandates fair and timely claim settlements. Insurers are
required to pay or deny claims promptly after receiving all necessary documentation,
generally within 30 calendar days. This regulation is designed to prevent unfair claim
settlement practices .
Question 8: Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding a
reservation of rights letter in the claims adjustment process?
A. It waives the insurer's right to deny coverage
B. It reserves the insurer's right to deny coverage while investigating a claim
C. It must be signed by the insured to be valid
D. It is a binding agreement that prevents the insured from pursuing legal action
CORRECT ANSWER: B. It reserves the insurer's right to deny coverage while
investigating a claim
Rationale: A reservation of rights letter is used when an insurer needs to investigate a
claim but wants to preserve its right to deny coverage later if warranted. It does not
waive coverage defenses and does not require the insured's signature. This is a critical
tool for handling coverage disputes .
Question 9: In New York, what is the difference between a staff adjuster and
an independent adjuster?
, A. A staff adjuster represents the insured, while an independent adjuster represents the
insurer
B. A staff adjuster is an employee of a single insurer, while an independent adjuster is an
independent contractor who may work for multiple insurers
C. There is no practical difference between the two roles
D. A staff adjuster is licensed by the state, while an independent adjuster is not
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A staff adjuster is an employee of a single insurer,
while an independent adjuster is an independent contractor who may work for
multiple insurers
Rationale: A staff or company adjuster is an employee representing a specific insurer. An
independent adjuster is an independent contractor who represents insurers on a fee
basis and may handle claims for multiple companies. Both must be licensed in New
York .
Question 10: Which of the following elements is NOT required for a contract of
insurance to be legally valid?
A. Offer and acceptance
B. Consideration
C. A written document signed by both parties
D. Legal purpose
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A written document signed by both parties
Rationale: While insurance policies are typically written documents, the essential
elements of a legal contract are offer and acceptance, consideration, competent parties,
and legal purpose. A written document signed by both parties is not a requirement for a
contract to be valid under contract law, though insurance contracts generally are
evidenced by a written policy .
Question 11: An insurance policy is considered a "contract of adhesion"
because:
A. Both parties have equal bargaining power in negotiating the terms
B. The insurer writes the contract terms and the insured has little or no ability to
negotiate
C. It must be approved by the state before it can be issued
D. The contract is based on chance with unequal exchange of values
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The insurer writes the contract terms and the insured
has little or no ability to negotiate
Rationale: An insurance contract is a contract of adhesion because the insurer drafts the
contract terms and the insured has little or no ability to negotiate changes. As a result,
any ambiguities in the contract are interpreted in favor of the insured .
Question 12: The principle of utmost good faith (uberrima fides) in insurance
contracts requires:
