New Emergency Rule Boosts Claims Transparency for Florida Insurance Consumers

Florida Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis has enacted Emergency Rule 69BER24-4 to increase transparency in the insurance claims adjustment process. The rule, effective as of October 9, 2024, aims to ensure that adjusters fully disclose and explain any changes made to damage estimates, particularly in the aftermath of disasters such as Hurricane Milton. Adjusters are now required to use electronic estimating software to generate detailed, itemized damage reports and to provide documentation for any price modifications made. These changes will improve clarity and reduce fraud by holding both in-house and contracted adjusters to the same standards of accountability.

The rule also lifts certain operational restrictions, allowing insurance customer representatives to work outside of their offices, ensuring they can more efficiently assist consumers post-disaster. Patronis emphasized the importance of swift, accurate claims processing during and after natural disasters, reinforcing the need for insurers to provide exceptional customer service.

This new regulation underscores Florida’s commitment to protecting consumers by ensuring transparency and fairness in the claims process, particularly as the state braces for potentially massive property losses due to recent hurricanes.