California Commissioner's Declaration Permits Help from Non-Resident Insurance Adjusters |
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Written by U.S. Insurance News
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Tuesday, 22 January 2008 |
This isn't the first time California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has relaxed the rules to help consumers in his state.
Just as he did last October, in the aftermath of the wildfires in Southern California, Commissioner Poizner has declared an insurance emergency to speed up the processing of claims in the wake of recent severe winter storms.
The emergency declaration, issued on January 11 in accordance with the requirements of Section 14022.5 of the California Insurance Code, allows additional insurance adjusters to come to the state and assist in handling the high number of storm-related claims.
"Extreme weather conditions have resulted in tremendous damage to homes and neighborhoods throughout the state," Poizner explained. "Storm victims need to have their repairs done quickly, so today I am taking this necessary step to help make sure we have enough adjusters on the job to get victims paid as soon as possible."
The declaration will allow adjusters and insurers licensed by the California Department of Insurance (CDI) to enlist the services of non-CDI licensed adjusters, such as those from other states. However, the work done by the non-CDI licensed adjusters must be under the active direction, control, charge, or management of a CDI-licensed insurer or adjuster.
The CDI has issued licenses to 1,463 resident independent adjusters who understand the California Fair Claims settlement practices regulations. Poizner encourages carriers to use these resident independent adjusters. If, however, insurance carriers become overwhelmed with the number of claims and need more claims-handling support, this declaration will permit them to pay victims of the storms and get their damages fixed as quickly as possible.
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