In a breaking improvement, the Florida Division of Monetary Companies (DFS) issued the next:
This can be a main announcement and places an finish to the query raised in “Did Florida’s CFO Name Public Adjusters Despicable?” As I indicated in that submit, it appeared that Patronis was warning folks of the scammers and unhealthy actors that always prey upon disaster victims. That’s Patronis’ job, and he ought to be congratulated on that. The Insurance coverage Journal title was not correct.
The Nationwide Affiliation of Public Insurance coverage Adjusters filed a press launch concerning the DFS announcement:
After Hurricane Debby impacted Florida, NAPIA started working with Florida’s Division of Monetary Companies (DFS) to advertise the utilization of correctly licensed Public Insurance coverage Adjusters who can help business and residential policyholders. It is vital that the general public stays conscious of the worth and companies {that a} correctly licensed public insurance coverage adjuster can convey to their claims course of.
Matthew Blumkin, the President of NAPIA, said that ‘We at NAPIA are conscious that after a significant disaster there are these companies and people who will attempt to make the most of the insurance coverage scenario for their very own private profit. We consider that having sources obtainable to permit the general public to confirm and analysis the skilled Public Insurance coverage Adjuster group is important for his or her safety and that of the claims course of. We’re more than happy that Mr. Patronis and Florida’s DFS have concurred with this place as outlined within the Florida DFS communication transmitted on August 12, 2024, which states, partly:
The Florida Division of Monetary Companies acknowledges the worth of a correctly licensed public insurance coverage adjuster who can help owners and business insureds in property claims arising out of Hurricane Debby…. Following storms, unhealthy actors who make the most of insurance coverage shoppers give licensed & professional adjusters and contractors a nasty title. It’s vital for policyholders to make sure that they’re coming into into contracts for companies that adjust to guidelines and laws in Florida. @FLDFS
NAPIA and its members need to thank Mr. Patronis and the Florida DFS for his or her persevering with efforts to guard policyholders whereas recognizing the worth {that a} correctly licensed public insurance coverage adjuster and correctly licensed contractors can present all through the claims adjustment course of. NAPIA would reiterate that each policyholder, who seeks the companies of a licensed public insurance coverage adjuster or contractor, ought to all the time conduct their very own due diligence and vetting course of.
All is nicely that ends nicely. Congratulations to NAPIA’s management for its optimistic work with the DFS and Jimmy Patronis.