OPPAGA Seeks Citizens-Related Public Adjuster, Claims Info for Mandated State Study

Aug 5, 2009

Under the provisions of HB 1495, the Florida property insurance package that was signed into law on May 27 2009, the Florida Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (“OPPAGA”) must submit a report regarding public adjusters to state executive and legislative leadership by February 1, 2010.

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

Colodny Fass representatives met today with OPPAGA officials regarding the report.  Pertinent information on claims is being sought, along with suggestions for improving interactions between public adjusters and insurers. 

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.

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