# Insurance (GIN)

## Title 10. Regulation of Insurance Professions

### Subtitle 5. Vehicle Damage Adjusters and Appraisers

#### Section 10-501

In this subtitle, "adjuster" or "appraiser" means a person that:

(1) is employed by an insurer as, solicits business as, or represents to an insurer that the person is an adjuster or appraiser of claims for loss or damage covered by a motor vehicle insurance policy; or

(2) under a contract, performs adjustments or appraisals for loss or damage covered by another form of security provided for under Sec. 17-103(a)(2) of the Transportation Article.

#### Section 10-502

This subtitle does not:

(1) require an insurer to pay an amount for motor vehicle repair services or repair products necessary to properly and fairly repair a motor vehicle that is greater than the usual and customary charges for equivalent services or products charged by similar contractors or repair shops within a reasonable geographic or trade area of the address of the claimant or insured; or

(2) prohibit an insurer from requiring a claimant or an insured to obtain an appraisal by driving a damaged motor vehicle to a facility that is owned or leased by or under contract to the insurer and is used exclusively for damage appraisals.

#### Section 10-503

(a) An adjuster, appraiser, or insurance producer or employee of an insurer may not:

  (1) recommend the use of a specific repair service or source for the repair or replacement of property damage to a motor vehicle without informing the claimant or insured that the claimant or insured does not have to use the recommended repair service or source;

  (2) require that an appraisal or repair be made in a specific repair shop;

  (3) require that a claimant or insured use a specific contractor or repair shop for a repair service or repair product; or

  (4) intimidate, coerce, or threaten a claimant or insured to use a specific contractor or repair shop for a repair service or repair product.

(b) An adjuster or appraiser may not accept a gratuity or other form of remuneration from a repair service for recommending that repair service to a claimant or insured.

#### Section 10-504

A person that intentionally violates this subtitle is subject to:

(1) a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000 for each violation; and

(2) denial, suspension, or revocation of any license held under this article.

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Md. Code Ann., Ins. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)