Legislative Update: Issues Affecting the Public Adjusting Industry

Property Insurance Roundtable

Experts discuss the legislative efforts supported by the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) regarding the Unauthorized Practice of Public Adjusting (UPPA), issues surrounding Assignment of Benefits post-disaster, and more.

"The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) was established in 1951 to promote a higher standard for policyholder advocacy. Public insurance adjusters are licensed to serve the general public and deliver knowledgeable and experienced representation when filing a claim for property damage. The founding members of NAPIA envisioned an association that would provide the appropriate resources for policyholder advocates in pursuit of successful claims resolution.1"

1. https://www.napia.com/about ↩

Key Takeaways:

[1:07] What are the biggest legislative challenges in the U.S. today?

• The Unauthorized Practice of Public Adjusting (UPPA)
• Assignment of Benefits
• Restrictions on public adjusters' rights to practice

[3:43] How are these challenges helping or hurting both consumers and insurance professionals?

• Many State insurance departments don't have regulatory authority over non-licensed individuals
• Home and business owners are getting scammed post-disaster by those who are not licensed to adjust their claim

[9:58] What are the major legislative priorities right now?

• Opening the Model Bill up to add in UPPA language

[12:03] Recent examples of recent major Case Settlements/Briefs.

[17:25] Future legislative efforts of Public Adjusters

• Achieve licensing in all 50 States
• Five States do not license: Alabama, Arkansas, Alaska, Wisconsin, and South Dakota

[19:31] How can listeners help achieve future legislative goals in support of policyholders, consumers, and other insurance professionals?

• Insurance is regulated at the State level
• Contact your State Representatives

Panelists:

● Brian Goodman — Principal at Kramon & Graham, PA

● Greg Raab — Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer at Adjusters International and Tidal Basin

Moderators:

● Rachele Drinkwine — Operations Coordinator at Adjusters International and Tidal Basin

Mentioned in This Episode:

Adjusters International

National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA)

National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)