The Canadian Insurance Services Regulatory Organizations (CISRO) has introduced a set of principles aimed at improving the responsiveness of adjuster licensing during natural catastrophes and disasters.
The guidance is intended to support labour mobility across Canada’s insurance sector and strengthen the ability of regulators and adjusters to deliver timely, coordinated service during crises.
With wildfires, floods and severe storms becoming more frequent and severe, CISRO’s Principles for Adjuster Authorization During Natural Catastrophes and Disasters outline a framework to help regulators deploy qualified adjusters quickly while maintaining consumer protection.
The principles focus on seven areas: prioritizing appropriate consumer outcomes, enhancing clarity and transparency in emergency licensing requirements, promoting regulatory agility, fostering interjurisdictional coordination, supporting proportional oversight, encouraging innovation and preparedness, and advancing practical mobility between jurisdictions.
CISRO said the framework aims to ensure both the technical competence and regulatory compliance of adjusters while embedding the fair treatment of customers into catastrophe licensing standards. The organisation noted that timely access to qualified adjusters can reduce procedural delays that hinder recovery efforts for policyholders.
Developed by CISRO’s multi-jurisdictional Adjuster Licensing Committee, the initiative encourages regulators to align catastrophe definitions, streamline licensing protocols, and explore alternative structures to strengthen industry readiness.
While recognising legislative differences across provinces and territories, the principles prioritise practical coordination and mutual recognition of adjuster credentials over complete harmonisation.
According to CISRO, the guidance not only addresses operational challenges during large-scale disaster events but also reinforces public trust in the insurance sector by embedding customer-centric values into regulatory processes.
The move is part of a broader effort to increase insurance workforce mobility and ensure the sector can respond effectively to Canada’s growing climate-related risks.
