Several state insurance departments affected by Hurricane Dorian have issued declarations on storm readiness to address expected claims.

Florida: The insurance department of Florida has posted applications for emergency adjusters. The applications are made available only when there is an emergency that affects Florida. The application may be used only by Florida-licensed insurance companies and adjusting firms. Licenses may be issued to residents or nonresidents of the state who are not licensed adjusters according to Florida statutes but have been designated and certified by an insurer to adjust claims, losses or damages under policies issued by the insurer. Likewise, individuals may be authorized by the primary adjuster of an independent adjusting firm contracting with an authorized insurer to adjust claims for that insurer. This is in section 626.874 of Florida statutes.

Georgia: Although the state insurance department has not issued any bulletins or orders related to Hurricane Dorian at this time, the storm is being tracked by the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.

South Carolina: The South Carolina Insurance Department has issued a bulletin stating that due to pending catastrophic conditions related to Hurricane Dorian, it is activating the section of insurance code allowing nonresident adjusters or motor vehicle physical damage appraisers to enter the state and handle storm-related claims without having to become licensed in South Carolina.

North Carolina: The Governor issued an executive order due to the pending hurricane reminding health benefit plans of compliance requirements to allow residents to obtain extra prescriptions during a state of emergency or disaster. This is valid from 29 days of issuance of the bulletin, which was dated August 31. The department has a HurriClaims center where consumers can find answers to common questions about coverage, flood insurance, storm preparation and mediation, and other information.

Virginia: Virginia only licenses public adjusters and any properly licensed out of state public adjuster must apply for a Virginia nonresident license to adjust catastrophe claims. Company and independent adjusters are not required to be licensed in Virginia therefore; those adjusters do not need emergency adjuster licenses. Virginia has not issued any orders related to Hurricane Dorian at this time.

Information was compiled by FC&S Expert Coverage Interpretation, the recognized authority on insurance coverage interpretation and analysis for the property and casualty industry.

Instant Insights /

Hurricane Dorian: How State Insurance Departments Are Preparing

Related Stories

Recommended For You