Why a Non-Licensed Appraiser Can’t Touch Your Supplement in Texas

Let’s clear something up right now:

If you own or run a body shop in Texas and some “appraiser” tries to change your supplement, and they’re not a licensed insurance adjuster, they’re stepping way out of bounds — and they damn well know it.

This isn’t a gray area. It’s black and white.

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🔹 Appraisers vs. Adjusters — Know the Line

An automotive appraiser can:

Inspect the vehicle

Write an estimate

Give an opinion of damage or value

That’s it. Full stop.

An insurance adjuster, licensed through Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), can:

Review and approve claim payments

Modify or deny supplements

Negotiate settlements

Adjusters have legal authority. Appraisers do not. When an appraiser crosses into supplement “editing,” they’re not just overstepping—they’re illegally adjusting a claim.

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🔹 Texas Law Isn’t Subtle About This

Under Texas Department of Insurance Insurance Code §4101.001–4101.002:

> Anyone who investigates, negotiates, or adjusts a claim on behalf of an insurer must hold a valid adjuster license.

Translation? If they’re not licensed, they can’t legally:

Reduce a line item

Reject a procedure

Approve or deny your supplement

If they try — they’re not just wrong, they’re in violation.

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🔹 What That Means for Your Shop

If a non-licensed appraiser changes your supplement:

Their “adjustments” are legally worthless.

The insurer can’t rely on that change as a valid claim decision.

You have every right to push back hard.

And if the insurer is knowingly letting this happen, they’re opening themselves up to a regulatory smackdown.

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🔹 How to Handle It Like a Pro

1. Ask for their license number.

If they can’t provide one, stop the conversation right there.

2. Document everything.

Screenshots, emails, estimate revisions — get it all in writing.

3. Put it back on the insurer.

“Per Texas Insurance Code, only a licensed adjuster can make claim decisions. Please provide the adjuster’s name and license number.”

4. File a complaint with TDI if they keep playing games.

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🔹 The Bottom Line

In Texas, only a licensed adjuster has the authority to approve, deny, or alter your supplement.

If an appraiser touches it without that license — it’s not valid. Period.

Shops need to stop rolling over for unlicensed nonsense. This is your repair plan. This is your name on the line. And the law is squarely on your side.

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📢 About the Author

Mitch Buhr, Licensed Public Adjuster #3239322

Nexus Claim Services LLC

Helping shops and vehicle owners take control of their claims — not play by the insurer’s rules.

👉 nexus-claims.com | (254) 441-7826 | mitch@nexus-claims.com