Florida attorney general investigates insurer over public adjuster restrictions

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office has opened an investigation into whether insurance companies agreed to restrict homeowners from hiring licensed public adjusters.The office sent a subpoena to Velocity Risk Underwriters LLC seeking records about the company’s membership in trade groups, communications with other insurers and any agreements involving public adjusters.The investigation focuses on “anti-public adjuster” clauses in some insurance policies. Under the rules described by Uthmeier’s office, an insurer could reject a homeowner’s entire claim if the homeowner hires a public adjuster.Public adjusters work for homeowners, inspecting damage, estimating repair costs and helping with insurance claims. Uthmeier said homeowners should be able to hire an advocate, particularly after a hurricane.“Florida homeowners — especially those rebuilding after a hurricane — should have a fair chance to get the full value of their claim,” Uthmeier said. “We are looking into whether V