There can be many unknown factors and misconceptions when looking for a public adjuster to handle your damage claim. Anyone that has endured a loss of property will wonder if they are receiving service that is standard for the industry.
There is a code of ethics in place that every public adjuster must follow. You will need the right public adjuster to get your claim settled in a proper and timely manner. That’s why you should find an adjuster who fits as many of these points as possible.
1. Honesty and Integrity
A public adjuster is not permitted to get any statements from a witness or claimant that is dealing with:
- Emotional aftermath of a loss
- Physical aftermath of a loss
- Mental aftermath of a loss
This is also true for elderly clients the adjuster deals with. The adjuster needs to make sure that elderly clients have a good memory and do not have any cognitive illness before working with them. Any of these can impair a client’s ability to make decisions.
A Florida public adjuster can interview any witness without obtaining the consent of opposing parties or counsel first. The public adjuster cannot, however, make any suggestions to witnesses with the intention to not get at the truth. An adjuster cannot suggest that a client reconsider if they want to seek legal advice.
2. Credentials for Other Professionals
A public adjuster needs to be able to provide credentials for the professionals he has worked with. All of these professionals have to be licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The adjuster also has to report any suspected misconduct by insurance company representatives. They do this if they feel the Department of Insurance’s rule of order or the Insurance Code has been violated.
3. Ethical Constraints for a Public Adjuster
There are also several ethical constraints by which Florida public adjusters are bound. These involve client representation and monitoring their own conduct.
The client has veto power about repair professionals. The client must be notified of engineers and contractors locations and names before anything is used to estimate a loss. They can make a well informed decision this way.
The client has the control in the business relationship with a public adjuster. They have three days to cancel any contract with a public adjuster. If this happens, cancellation happens without obligation or penalty on the part of the client.
A representative insurance company must have reasonable access to a claimant or insured party whose loss is the subject of a claim.
There is plenty to deal when you have suffered a loss without the worry that your adjuster might not be doing things ethically. Making sure the public adjuster will follow the Code of Ethics before you hire them is one way to reduce this stress.
You can count on Aftermath Adjusters & Consulting when you need a public adjuster. Our professional team works hard to provide our clients with the best possible representation available. Let us help you by giving us a call today.
