In this subtitle, “adjuster” or “appraiser” means a person that: 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 under a contract, performs adjustments or appraisals for loss or damage covered by another form of security provided for under § 17-103(a)(2) of the Transportation Article.

This subtitle does not: 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 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.

An adjuster, appraiser, or insurance producer or employee of an insurer may not: 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; require that an appraisal or repair be made in a specific repair shop; require that a claimant or insured use a specific contractor or repair shop for a repair service or repair product; or intimidate, coerce, or threaten a claimant or insured to use a specific contractor or repair shop for a repair service or repair product. 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.

A person that intentionally violates this subtitle is subject to: a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000 for each violation; and denial, suspension, or revocation of any license held under this article.