Public adjusting, although extant in other states, is a serious and increasingly common part of the claims procedure in Florida. New licensing rules and regulations have arisen for Florida public adjusters along with the road to licensure will become really challenging in February
2009. Individuals interested in public adjusting in Florida should strongly consider obtaining their license before regulations make it prohibitively hard to do so. Follow the ensuing guidelines to become a licensed and compliant PA in Florida before February '09: What Public Adjusters Do Initially, let us be clear on what public adjusters do. According to Section 626.854 of Florida Statutes, a public adjuster is "any man, except an attorney, who, for cash or any thing of value (which would include securing a contract for repairs):
1) Prepares, completes or files an insurance claim form for an insured. 2) Assists in any way on behalf of an insured in negotiating for or effecting the settlement of a claim. 3) Advertises or solicits for employment as an adjuster of such claims."
Thus contractors who are trying to help policyholders with their claim could be doing so illegally. Persons in violation are subject to arrest and may even be charged with third degree felony as prescribed by Section 626.8738 of Florida Statues. Obtaining the claim adjuster license may be the surest way of remaining in conformity.
Just how to Acquire the License With that in mind, Florida Department of Financial Services mandates that public adjuster pass the state adjuster exam before successfully applying for the 3-20 All-Lines PA license. This exam can be difficult with an exceptionally low percent of unstudied test takers passing. Exam prep courses, designed particularly for passing the exam, can dramatically raise the chances of success. Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services to schedule your exam. Once you've passed the state test you'll be able to successfully apply for any of the following licenses:
o 3-20 AllLines o 3-21 Motor Vehicle Physical Damage and Mechanical Breakdown o 3-24 Workers' Compensation o 3-40 Health o 3-44 Property and Casualty
Keeping your Permit in Conformity Public adjusters have to keep a 50k bond. In addition, 24 hours of Continuing Education with 2 hours of ethics are needed every two years. February 2009, these guidelines may be subject to change so be sure check with the Florida Department of Monetary Services to stay present with PA compliance problems.
When residents or businesses file insurance claims, many of them don't recognize the number of work required. This leaves the consumer with one of two options: 1) Hire a public insurance adjuster, or 2) rely on their insurance company's adjuster to right by them. Option two might be similar to letting your wife's attorney make your decisions in a bitter divorce settlement. In the following paragraphs, we'll explain why engaging a public insurance adjuster is the better alternative.
What Does A Public Insurance Adjuster Do? These adjusters are professionals hired by a homeowner or company to assess and handle damages/losses that needs to be covered by an insurance policy. They manage the settlement of insurance claims on behalf of their customers to ensure appropriate compensation is received, and nothing is left unchecked. In addition, they are particularly useful when the insurance carrier is disputing your claim. The principal difference between a public adjuster and the adjuster that is provided by your insurance carrier is where the loyalty lies. A firm adjuster works for the insurance company to minimize payouts of insurance claims, or maybe to deny them as frequently as possible. In the other hand, public adjusters work on behalf of the policyholders and strive to reach the greatest possible resolution for their customers
After thorough analysis, factors are weighed against the assessed damage and a claim is formed. Since public adjusters go through the same training and licensing as company adjusters, they understand the key issues these company employees will be searching for. In many cases, they are going to negotiate with the insurance company for a higher payout. Their job is generally over when the claim is settled, but public adjusters will also aid in refiling the claim if added damages are discovered Going Here.
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