Iowa Man Charged with Acting as Public Adjuster Without a License

A 42-year-old roofer was arrested in Iowa earlier this month for allegedly engaging in public adjusting without a license.

According to the Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau, Jared Harrison of Urbandale was negotiating an insurance claim on behalf of a client from which he and his company, R3 Roofing & Exteriors of Iowa, could benefit.

Iowa, like most states, requires public adjusters to complete a certification process before acting as a public adjuster. You must pass an exam, complete an application, undergo a criminal history check, and submit a surety bond, for example, to receive a two-year license.

If you haven’t taken the exam or completed other certification steps, then you cannot negotiate an insurance claim on behalf of a client. Otherwise, you could be accused of acting as a public adjuster without a license.

Jared Harrison, General Manager at R3 Roofing and Exteriors, was arrested on October 14, 2025 and charged with one count of Acting as an Adjuster without a License, a Class D felony.

In a press release announcing the arrest, officials recommended Iowans check a list of licensed public adjusters at the Iowa Insurance Division’s website.

What is Acting as a Public Adjuster without a License?

If someone works on an insurance claim on behalf of a client without an appropriate license, they could be accused of acting as a public adjuster without a license.

Public adjusters are licensed insurance industry professionals who help clients deal with insurance claims.

Unlike staff adjusters, who represent insurance companies and insurers’ best interests, public adjusters represent the policyholder’s best interests. They help ordinary people – like homeowners and business owners – manage insurance claims from start to finish, often increasing the value of a claim substantially.

Find a Public Adjuster

To act as a public adjuster, however, most states require a specific licensing process. You may need to pass a background check, criminal record check, and exam, for example. Some states, including Iowa, require a surety bond.

Iowa Code section 522C.2(7)(a) defines a public adjuster as someone who acts for an insured in negotiating or settling a first-party property claim.

Iowa Introduced Public Adjuster Licensing Requirements in 2025

As of July 1, 2025, contractors in Iowa completing repairs cannot act as a public adjuster on an insurance claim.

Prior to this year, contractors could work on insurance claims on behalf of clients. Iowans could call themselves public adjusters without any formal certification process. Some contractors – like roofers – were able to present themselves to clients as insurance experts.

Because of the recent change, however, contractors cannot act as public adjusters without first completing the licensing process.

Why Can’t Contractors Act as Public Adjusters (and Vice Versa)?

Roofers and other contractors may see public adjusting as not a big deal. They know how insurance companies work. Why can’t they act as a public adjuster?

The biggest issue is a conflict of interest:

• Public adjusters act in the best interest of the client by helping them achieve a fair, accurate, and reasonable claim settlement.
• Contractors often want to get paid the highest possible amount of money for a project.
• If a contractor acts as a public adjuster, the contractor has a conflict. They want to get paid the maximum amount while also ensuring the client receives a fair settlement.
• Some contractors earn a reputation as “storm chasers” by approaching homeowners after a storm and offering to handle the insurance claim from start to finish. They might exaggerate hail damage or inflate the claim to make quick money.

Ultimately, a lot of it comes down to ethics: not all contractors seek the maximum payment, and some contractors are perfectly capable of handling insurance claims. However, states have licensure for a reason.

According to the company’s official website, R3 Roofing & Exteriors is a family-owned business based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The company works on residential and commercial roofs throughout Iowa and Illinois. Jared Harrison, the 42-year-old man charged for acting as an adjuster without a license, is a Commercial Project Manager / General Manager for R3 Roofing, according to his LinkedIn page.

Hire A Licensed Public Adjuster

If you’re struggling with a roofing damage claim, make sure you are turning to a licensed insurance industry professional. Hiring a licensed public adjuster can help represent your best interests and increase payout.

ClaimsMate’s licensed public adjusters are authorized to manage claims and advocate for policyholders. Our public adjuster team has passed all applicable exams, completed certification, and successfully handled thousands of claims on behalf of home and business owners.

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Schedule a no-cost consultation today to discover how a licensed public adjuster can help with your insurance claim.