Information from Insurance Commissioner Poizner Press release issued 2/18/10.
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Here are some tips and facts to help avoid being victimized by an insurance scam:
• Immediately contact your insurance company and/or insurance agent. If you don't have the contact information, the Department of Insurance can help or you can call (800) 927-HELP (4357).
• Don't sign any contracts for repairs or other needs until you have spoken directly to your insurance company representative or agent.
• Demand to see identification from anyone contacting you regarding your claim. Ask to see the California adjuster's license and note the license number and full name. Do not rely upon a business card.
• There are two types of insurance adjusters - private insurance adjusters, representing insurance companies such as Farmers, State Farm, or AAA and public adjusters, who represent insurance claimants.
• Insurance company adjusters are employed by insurance companies. They do not charge a fee. Public adjusters work for and represent insurance claimants. They do charge a fee. Generally, the fee is a percentage of your entire insurance settlement amount.
• Public adjusters cannot solicit your business while the loss is underway, between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. and for seven calendar days after the disaster.
• A public adjuster contract can be cancelled by you within 72 hours of signing.
• It is illegal for a public adjuster to advance money as an inducement to sign a contract.
• Public adjusters may not offer referral fees in excess of $100.
• Public adjusters may not have an interest in any contractor, demolition company, or any entity making repairs to your property.
• Public adjusters may not use a badge as identification.
• Beware of anyone attempting to rush you into signing a contract.
• Beware of any contractor attempting to have you sign a contract or begin demolition and clean-up.
• Beware of any attorney urging you to sign any documents.
Other contact information:
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY:
1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or www.fema.gov
CONTRACTORS STATE LICENSE BOARD:
1-800-321-CSLB (2752) or www.cslb.ca.gov
NATIONAL INSURANCE CRIME BUREAU:
1-888-815-9064 or www.nicb.org
Commissioner Poizner oversees 16 CDI Enforcement Branch regional offices throughout the state. Approximately 2,000 insurance fraud-related arrests have been made by the Department of Insurance's enforcement division since Commissioner Poizner took office in 2007 - more arrests than have been made during any other two year period, under any previous insurance commissioner.
*** Servpro of Point Loma is a Ready San Diego Business Alliance Member. Feel free to contact us anytime for safety tips! ***
