___2. Adjusters should seek only information they believe to be relevant, timely, and accurate.

___3. Adjusters should use only legal and ethical means of obtaining information.

___4. Adjusters should handle claims with no intent to mislead or misinform.

___5. Adjusters should be sensitive to rights of individuals to privacy. Respecting the right of privacy the adjuster will take reasonable measures to protect sensitive information from illegal or unauthorized examination.

___6. Adjusters should avoid illegal discrimination.

___7. Adjusters should strive to keep personal feelings and prejudices from influencing their judgment.

___8. Adjusters should maintain a courteous and sensitive attitude in their interactions with insureds and claimants, seeking to understand their concerns during times of distress.

___9. Adjusters should assist insureds in presenting and documenting their losses and should not place the interests of the insurer above those of the insured.

___10. Adjusters should maintain their business relationships with others in a manner that will promote the goal of bringing credit and honor to the profession.

___11.Adjusters should have no undisclosed financial interest in any direct or indirect aspect of an adjusting transaction.

___12. Adjusters should obey the laws and regulations related to handling claims.

___13. Adjusters should resist fraudulent, unmeritorious, or exaggerated claims and support public and industry organizations involved in the detection and prevention of insurance fraud.

___14. Adjusters should seek out all available alternatives to litigation to resolve issues in an expeditious and conciliatory manner.

___15. Adjusters should approach investigations and adjustments with an unprejudiced and open mind and a determination to be fair with insured and insurer.

___16. Adjusters should make truthful and unbiased reports of facts as discovered.

___17. Adjusters should assume an unvarying attitude of fairness and by competence, integrity, and respect for the person with whom they deal, promote goodwill toward the business of insurance.

___18. Adjusters should resist influence tending to promote improper and extravagant settlements.

___19. Adjusters should avoid improper alliances.

___20. Adjusters should refrain from improper solicitation of business.

___21. Adjusters should be alert to changes in policy forms and methods in order to render the highest quality of service.

___22. Adjusters should work for economy of expense and equitable bills for service.

___23. Adjusters should serve the business of insurance with loyalty and cooperate with insurers and their designated representatives in the proper handling of claims and losses.

___24. Adjusters should work in harmony with one another and their clients to foster cordial relationships among themselves and with the insurance fraternity.

*Adapted from the code of ethics of the Association of Registered Professional Adjusters

and the California Association of Independent Insurance Adjusters.