FPCA Homeowners Division: REMINDER–Input Needed for OPPAGA Public Adjuster Report

REMINDER: The Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (“OPPAGA”) is seeking information on homeowners’ insurance claims involving Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”), along with suggestions for improving interactions between public adjusters and insurers.  This information will be used to create report that is required by law (HB 1495) to be submitted to state executive and legislative leadership by February 1, 2010.

Should you wish to participate in this effort, please send the following information to Katie Webb at kwebb@cftlaw.com by Tuesday, August 25.  Excel spreadsheet format is preferred.

• Claim identification number (or other method of listing)
• Type of claim (catastrophe versus non-catastrophe)
• Representation involved (e.g. public adjuster, attorney, company adjuster)
• Insured value
• Type of claim (new, supplemental, reopened)
• Event name
• Event year
• County
• Date of loss
• Issue in claim/type of damage asserted
• Initial amount offered
• Disposition
• Disposition reason (settlement, litigation, mediation, etc.)
• Final payment amount
• Payment date
• Date opened/reported
• Date re-opened
• Date closed

The report must include a review of relevant Citizens claims and statistics involving public adjusters, public adjuster claims submission practices, and a review of applicable Florida laws and rules.

To date, OPPAGA officials have communicated with Citizens regarding its claims operation and experience. 

Of note, OPPAGA, which is not subject to Florida’s Sunshine laws, has advised that any information provided can be generically identified within the final report.