Florida is home to more than 175,000 licensed adjusters, many of whom work for larger organizations. The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) reported that the state now has nearly 175,000 licensed public and independent adjusters. Chubb, a major insurance company, has around 400 employees in Florida who are responsible for handling claims and adjustments, either in-state or from claims service centers. These Chubb appraisers have come from all over the United States to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
As of Thursday, Chubb had received about 1,700 claims related to the hurricane. Most of these claims were linked to housing policies. To ensure that the claims are handled properly, only those adjusters appointed by an adjustment firm can estimate them. Insurance companies have also increased the rates they pay to adjusters by approximately 30%.We offer a pre-licensing course for certified Florida adjusters that meets all requirements set by the DFS for appraiser licenses 6-20, 7-20 and 70-20.
Unfortunately, when Floridians complain about an insurance company's claims adjuster mishandling, minimizing, or delaying claims, there is only a 16 percent chance that the adjuster will be disciplined. This is why it is important to hire a public adjuster when filing a claim against an insurance company in Florida. A public adjuster's primary task is to protect you and your interests when a loss occurs. Public adjusters who are not certified in Florida have been known to go door-to-door trying to persuade residents to sign contracts with them.
Hiring a public adjuster can be beneficial if you're in the process of filing a claim with your insurance company. Under the new law, state-licensed public adjusters are prohibited from receiving compensation from contractors or attorneys. Lawyers don't need to be licensed to adjust claims and some insurance companies allow agents and employees to adjust claims without a license. Insurance companies have complained that some appraisers and their companies have conflicts of interest since their close family members own construction companies that are assigned home restoration work after the appraiser recommends unnecessary work. Warren's firm, Crawford, is conducting an orientation program in Atlanta to bring hundreds of long-time adjusters up to date with the protocols of clients requesting adjustments in Florida. You can work as a staff adjuster, independent adjuster, or public adjuster if you have this certification.
Like previous types of leave, staff or independent adjusters can use the 70-20 and it offers the same benefits as if you were a Florida resident adjuster.
