How Public Adjustors Need To Deal With The Public
After dealing with the damage left behind by Hurricane Ian, many Florida homeowners are preparing to file insurance claims so they can get compensation for their property losses. Some may be using public adjustors to help them get the most money possible. A public adjustor is anyone other than a licensed attorney who helps a homeowner investigate or file an insurance claim and receives compensation for it.
As an insurance adjustor, you need to know how to properly deal with customers. There are a lot of very good, ethical adjustors, but there are also scammers as well. Insurance adjustors should never pressure homeowners or offer gift cards or other gifts in exchange for services. They must follow rules of ethics just like any other licensed professional. If you fail to do so, you could face fines, license loss, and other penalties.
What Insurance Adjustors Can and Cannot Do
The law states that insurance adjustors must provide insured consumers with a written cost estimate of the losses within 60 days from the date of the contract. This cost estimate must contain an itemized estimate for repairs. They must also provide a copy of their contract and a notice of the claim to the homeowner’s insurer in a prompt manner.
You should also be aware of the homeowners’ rights. Homeowners have the right to cancel a contract with an insurance adjustor within 10 days, under Florida law.
Here are some things you should not do as an insurance adjustor:
- Use any maneuver that causes the homeowner to pay you an amount greater than 10% of the value of the claim
- Prevent the homeowner from hiring a contractor of their choice to repair the property
- Prevent the homeowner’s insurance company from inspecting the property in a timely manner
- Acquire an interest in any personal property removed from the home without the homeowner’s written permission
- Charge the homeowner for filing a claim for Additional Living Expenses
- Instruct the homeowner to file a claim even when there are no damages
- Offer gift cards, loans, or other gifts in exchange for signing a contract
- Offer money, kickbacks, or other gifts in exchange for referrals
- Increase your compensation rate because a claim is subject to litigation
- Charge a homeowner for resubmitting a claim that that insurance company has already paid
Under Florida Law, insurance public adjustors who violate any of these provisions can face fines of up to $20,000 for each violation.
Keep Your License With Help From a Tampa Insurance Adjustors Licensing Lawyer
Insurance adjustors can be helpful for homeowners who have insurance claims. However, they have to abide by ethical regulations or else they can face license loss.
A Tampa insurance adjustors licensing lawyer from The Law Offices of David P. Rankin, P.A. can help you with any administrative issues you may face. I have decades of experience helping licensed professionals keep their licenses. To schedule a consultation, fill out the online form or call (813) 968-6633.
Source:
floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2022/10/using-insurance-public-adjustor-know-your-rights
