Public Insurance Adjuster Cheat Sheet.
The night-before summary, built like the exam.

Lock in the valuation trio first: replacement cost value is the cost to repair or replace property with new materials of like kind and quality without deduction for depreciation, actual cash value subtracts depreciation, and depreciation reflects the loss in value due to age, wear and tear, and obsolescence. Also memorize the three adjuster types: a staff or company adjuster is a salaried employee of the insurer, an independent adjuster is retained by the insurer on a contract basis, and a public adjuster represents the insured. These definitions anchor a large share of exam questions.

The most tested timing rule is the proof of loss: policies commonly require the insured to submit it within 60 days after the insurer's request. Pair that with the related duty rule, since the adjuster must warn the insured of an approaching deadline such as the proof-of-loss or suit-limitation period. State-specific deadlines and license rules vary, so verify those on your state insurance department's site rather than memorizing a single number for every state.

The classic traps pair look-alike concepts. Remember that the appraisal clause resolves disputes over the amount of loss, not over coverage, which remains for the courts, and that a proof of loss is distinct from the initial notice of loss, which merely reports that a loss has occurred. Another frequent trap is the bad-faith versus unfair-practices distinction: a single violation may be an unfair practice, but a general business practice of violations triggers regulatory penalties.

Use it as a final memory sweep, not as a first read. Skim each section and quiz yourself out loud on the process rules, such as the appraisal steps where each party selects a competent impartial appraiser, the two appraisers select an umpire, and agreement by any two of the three sets the amount of loss. Flag anything you hesitate on, review just those items once more, and then stop studying and get a full night of sleep.

A cheat sheet condenses the must-know rules, but it works best on top of full prep, not instead of it. The exam tests application, such as knowing that under most replacement-cost policies the insurer pays ACV first and releases recoverable depreciation only after the insured completes the repair or replacement, and applying that to a scenario takes practice. Use the cheat sheet for memorization, practice questions for application, and both together for the strongest results.