California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Jan. 13 declared an emergency for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, aiming to speed up wildfire-related insurance claims by permitting insurance companies to use out-of-state adjusters.
The emergency declaration authorizes insurers and licensed insurance adjusters “to be able to utilize nonlicensed adjusters” to expedite wildfire-related claims if certain requirements are met.
The requirements include that the nonlicensed adjuster be overseen by “a qualified licensed adjuster, qualified manager, or insurer authorized to do business in California,” and the latter “may be held liable and may be subject to civil penalties for any actions associated with this emergency situation by a nonlicensed adjuster” that violate state law….