(a) An "adjuster" is any individual who, for compensation, fee or commission, investigates and settles claims arising under property, casualty or surety insurance contracts, on behalf solely of either the insurer or insured. A licensed attorney who is qualified to practice law in this state is deemed not to be an adjuster for the purposes of this article.

(b) "Automated claims adjudication system" means a preprogrammed computer system designed for the collection, data entry, calculation and final resolution of portable electronics insurance claims which:

(1) May only be used by a licensed adjuster, licensed producer or supervised individuals operating pursuant to section four-a of this article;

(2) Must comply with all claims payments requirements of the insurance code; and

(3) Must be certified as compliant with this section by a licensed adjuster that is an officer of the entity which employs the individuals operating pursuant to section four-a of this article.

(c) "Company adjuster" means an adjuster representing the interests of the insurer, including an independent contractor and a salaried employee of the insurer.

(d) "Home state" means the District of Columbia or any state or territory of the United States in which an adjuster maintains his or her principal place of residence or business and in which he or she is licensed to act as a resident adjuster. If a person's principal place of residence or business does not license adjusters for the type of adjuster license sought in this state, he or she shall designate as his or her home state any state in which he or she has such a license.

(e) "Public adjuster" means an independent contractor representing solely the financial interests of the insured named in the policy.

(f) "Crop adjuster" means a person who adjusts crop insurance claims under the federal crop insurance program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture.