HB 1991 would regulate the inspection procedures for utilizing claim adjusters for homeowners insurance claims. The complete bill is here.

    The bill states that when a claim is filed, the insurer will select a claim adjuster mutually agreed upon by the parties and paid for by the insurer. In the event there is no agreement on the selection of the claim adjuster, the matter will be referred to the insurance commission, arbitration, or the circuit court to select a claim adjuster. 

    Once selected, the claim adjuster will have forty-five days to examine the damaged property. After receiving the settlement offer from the claim adjuster, the policyholder can select a contractor or have the insurer select a licensed contractor to complete the repairs for the amount set forth in the settlement offer.

    While the stated purpose of the bill is to protect consumers, the process will likely become expensive if the selection of the claim adjuster is contested. Policyholders may simply concede to the insurer's selection of the claim adjuster to avoid an expensive fight over the issue.

   Thanks to Chubb Kelly Lewis, Vice President, Pacific Region Property Claim Manager, for notifying me about this bill.