Public adjuster vs. sinkhole attorney
When faced with a complicated sinkhole claim, you might get stumped from step one: finding the right kind of representation. There are different options available to you, but it requires some background information for you to be able to make the right choice.
Therefore, should you hire a sinkhole attorney to take a look at your case, or should you think about a public adjuster?
The FAPIA
Fortunately, the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, or FAPIA, is the resource you need to access professionals with the specific skill set needed to answer your question.
This is because, unfortunately, there are reasons to do both, and I cannot tell you over a blog post. Fortunately, the FAPIA provides a good framework for people looking for these services.
Requirements of the FAPIA
To inspire confidence in this organization, the FAPIA have set the following rules for its members:
- The members shall conduct themselves in a spirit of fairness and justice to their clients, the Insurance Companies, and the public.
- Members shall refrain from improper solicitation.
- No misrepresentation of any kind shall be made to an assured or to the Insurance Companies.
- Commission rates shall be fair and equitable, and strictly in accordance with the prevailing custom in the locality, and must, where laws or regulations of insurance departments exist, comply fully with such laws or regulations.
- Members shall conduct themselves so as to command respect and confidence. They shall work in harmony with one another, with their clients, and the Insurance Companies’ representatives, so as to foster a cordial and harmonious relationship with all branches of the insurance business, and with the general public.
- Members must be fitted, by knowledge and experience, for the work they undertake. They must not endanger the interests of the public adjusting profession, or risk injustice to assureds or to the Insurance Companies, by attempting to handle losses or claims for which they are not qualified, and for which they cannot find competent technical assistance.
- Members shall not engage in the unauthorized practice of law.
- Members shall not acquire any interest in salvaged property or participate in any way, directly or indirectly, in the reconstruction, repair or restoration of damaged property, except with the knowledge, consent and permission of the assured.
- Members shall be cooperative and assist one another in every possible way.
- Members shall not disseminate or use any form of agreement, advertising, or any printed matter that is harmful to the profession of public adjusting, or which does not comply with the rules and regulations of the Insurance Department of the state in which such member is professionally engaged, or which might subject public adjusting and public adjusters to criticism or disrespect.
