(a) The commissioner may examine and investigate the business affairs and conduct of persons applying for or holding an adjuster license to determine whether such person is trustworthy and competent or has been or is engaged in any violation of the insurance laws or rules of this state or in any unfair or deceptive acts or practices in any state.

(b) If the commissioner denies an application for a license, he or she shall notify the applicant or licensee in writing of the reason for such action. The applicant or licensee may, within ten days of receipt of such notice, make written demand for a hearing before the commissioner to determine the reasonableness of the action, and such hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of section thirteen, article two of this chapter.

(c) Whenever, after notice and hearing, the commissioner is satisfied that any adjuster has violated any provision of this chapter or of rules promulgated hereunder, or is incompetent or untrustworthy, he or she shall place the adjuster on probation or revoke, suspend, or, if renewal of license is pending, refuse to renew the license of such adjuster. In addition to placing a licensee on probation or revoking, suspending or refusing to renew his or her license, the commissioner may in his or her discretion order such licensee to pay to the State of West Virginia an administrative penalty in a sum not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. Upon the failure of the licensee to pay such penalty within thirty days, his or her license shall be revoked or suspended by the commissioner.

(d) Orders issued pursuant to subsection (b) or (c) of this section are subject to the judicial review provisions of section fourteen, article two of this chapter.