Insurance adjusters and contractors face new limits on soliciting during emergencies and on dual roles, adjusters may not sign a policyholder's claim checks without the insured's endorsement and signature, and storm-repair contractors may not pay or promise to pay a homeowner's insurance deductible.
Official title: storm related insurance claims; adjusters
- September 12, 2026
What changes
BeforeAn adjuster was someone paid to adjust, investigate or negotiate property and casualty claims for an insurer or insured, or who held themselves out as doing so.
NowThe definition also covers anyone paid to directly or indirectly solicit business from, investigate or advise an insured about property and casualty claims for a person who adjusts claims.
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NowAn adjuster may not propose to represent an insured while the damage-causing event is still happening at the property, or while the fire department or another public safety service is responding to an emergency there. A contractor may not propose that anyone sign a work agreement during those same times. Contractors may still provide services to keep or restore essential services or to prevent further immediate damage.
BeforeA post-storm repair contractor could not negotiate a claim settlement for the homeowner.
NowA contractor doing post-storm repair work also may not act as an adjuster for the insured on that claim. An adjuster may not take part, directly or indirectly, including as a contractor or subcontractor, in repairing or rebuilding property that is the subject of a claim the adjuster adjusted.
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NowAn adjuster may not endorse a check or other payment issued to an insured from an insurance claim without the insured's direct endorsement and signature.
BeforeAfter a homeowner filed a storm-damage claim, the contractor could not start work until the insurer approved or denied the claim, except to prevent further loss.
NowIn addition, the contractor may not advertise to pay, pay, or promise to pay any deductible on the policy, or give any rebate, directly or indirectly.
Who it affects
- Homeowners and other insured people with property damage claims
- Insurance adjusters, including people who solicit or advise insureds for adjusters
- Licensed contractors doing post-storm residential repair or replacement
What you need to do
Nothing.
What the law doesn't answer
- What penalties apply to adjusters who break the new rules
- Whether people newly covered by the adjuster definition must get an adjuster license, and by when
- How the new rules will be enforced or who will enforce the adjuster rules
- How long the ban on soliciting lasts after an emergency response ends
This summary describes the law as enacted. Later laws, court rulings or referendum petitions can change the picture. Check the official text for the current wording.