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Public Adjuster Targeted by DFS

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Follows complaints by carriers

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS), the agency charged with fighting insurance fraud and other harmful practices, is going after a South Florida public adjuster that it accuses of a pattern of stonewalling insurance company adjusters, including blocking access to properties.  The move comes after complaints from several insurance companies over recent months.

DFS earlier this month filed an administrative complaint against Scott David Thomas, an all-lines adjuster and president of Indemnity Public Adjusters of Weston.  The complaint cites eight examples of the various tactics Thomas allegedly used that are in violation of state statutes or rules.  Many have to do with attempting to stop insurance company adjusters from inspecting a property after the claim was filed.  It includes allegedly changing times of inspections, demanding proof of an adjuster’s liability or workers’ comp insurance to gain access to the property, and demanding documentation from insurance company experts to determine if they had any conflicts of interest.

We’ve chronicled in the pages of this newsletter over recent months and years the questionable practices of some public adjusters.  From fraudulently inflating the extent or cost of claims, to serving as both adjuster and appraiser, to having conflicts of interest in recommending family members in the construction business for restoration work they say is needed in their inspection reports.   DFS notes in the complaint that neither the Florida Insurance Code nor Florida Administrative Code give Thomas the authority to behave in the way alleged.    

Penalties for violations he’s accused of in the DFS complaint could see Thomas have his adjuster’s license suspended, revoked or non-renewed, and he could face fines of $5,000 for each violation of the adjusters’ code of ethics. Thomas has 21 days to request a proceeding to contest the allegations.  

LMA Newsletter of 3-14-22

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Tags: Florida Department of Financial Services, Florida Homeowners Insurance Market, Florida Property Insurance, Insurance Regulation, Public Adjusters, Scott David Thomas

“Thank you Lisa for staying on top of, as well as advocating, for Florida residents and legislative reform. Your newsletters are very informative and enjoy reading the points of view.”  

Shawna Miller, Sr. Claims Quality Assurance & Compliance Manager
Florida Peninsula Insurance Company
Jacksonville, FL

“Just a quick note to let you know how much I have appreciated your newsletter over the years and the assistance they offer for those in the field of claims. We depend on the information more than you will ever know!”

Laurie Rasberry, Chief Claims Officer
Acorn Claims
Prosper, Texas

“Another great Newsletter on Florida industry this week.  Your service and advocacy in Florida is very important to keeping me updated and apprised of the Florida insurance laws, trends and overall environment.  Something similar is very much needed in Louisiana, too.”

Jennifer Tedesco, Esq., Claims Director
Pharos Claims Services
Orlando, FL

“Great article on Risk Rating 2.0!”

Austin Perez, Senior Policy Representative for Federal Housing, Valuation, Insurance and Commercial Issues
National Association of Realtors
Washington, D.C.

“Lisa Miller is a true champion for the insurance industry, with her regular updates! We appreciate all you do and keeping us up to date on priority issues!”

Gillian Lloyd, Account Executive
Zywave
Milwaukee, WI

“I have followed your weekly newsletter and podcasts and now have a full appreciation for what you bring to this industry.  You are an inspiring force, plain and simple.  I wanted you to know that you make a difference.  Thank you for all you do!”

Jeffrey Karam, CPCU
Bradenton, FL

“Lisa this is another great newsletter, and we appreciate the time and energy you put into these informative updates – you are on top of these topics!”

Mike Graham, CEO
Smart Vent Products, Floodproofing.com, & Risk Reduction Plus
Juno Beach, FL

“Your newsletter is fabulous!  I greatly appreciate the topics you expose, so that insurance professionals like myself can keep up with the latest events that affect the public we serve and ourselves.”

Cynthia Hoehn, Independent Property & Casualty Personal Lines insurance agent
Clermont, FL

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Cynthia Scott, President
University Insurance Group
Davie, FL

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