Is it a felony to offer compensation to a claims adjuster?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if amount exceeds threshold
• D. Not specified

Answer: (A)

Offering anything of value to a claims adjuster to influence how they handle a claim is illegal because it amounts to bribery, an improper inducement to influence someone performing an official function. A claims adjuster decides coverage, liability, and settlement amounts, so giving them money or a benefit would corrupt the integrity of the claims process. California law treats this kind of inducement as a serious offense, typically a felony, because it poses a real risk of fraud and unjust outcomes for insureds and insurers alike. The illegality isn’t tied to the amount—there isn’t a threshold where the act becomes permissible—so the act is prohibited in all cases. The safeguard here is to keep interactions within lawful channels and avoid offering anything of value to influence a claim decision.