Association of Claims Professionals Applauds Bipartisan Bill to Require Uniform Licensing for Independent Claims Adjusters

Washington, DC, July 30, 2019 --(PR.com)-- The Association of Claims Professionals (ACP) today commended the introduction of the Claims Licensing Advancement for Interstate Matters (CLAIM) Act (H.R. 4037) in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressmen David Kustoff (TN-8) and Bill Foster (IL-11). This bipartisan legislation eliminates inconsistencies and inefficiencies within the claims industry by requiring states to adopt uniform and reciprocal licensing laws for independent claim adjusters.

“We applaud Congressmen Kustoff and Foster for working to fix the significant challenges associated with the insurance claims adjusting license process,” said Steve Hurley, Sedgwick General Counsel, Americas.

Currently, dozens of states require independent adjusters to hold operational claims licenses, but inconsistencies within state requirements cause all adjusters to face licensing and regulatory barriers when working across state lines. This creates a longer, more difficult, and more expensive process, ignoring the fact that consumers needing these services are often victims of disaster or injury and require a quick and efficient process.

“By standardizing the current patchwork of state regulations, this bipartisan legislation helps ensure American consumers can have their insurance claims resolved in a prompt and timely manner,” said Cari Miller, Vice President of Governmental Affairs and Counsel at Gallagher Bassett.

The CLAIM Act gives states four years to adopt uniform and reciprocal licensing laws for independent claims adjusters. If states do not meet this requirement, independent claims adjusters can apply to the National Association of Registered Agents and Brokers (NARAB) to receive an operational license. By doing so, the bill also expedites the claims process for disaster victims, giving them the timeliness and efficiency they need during times of emergency.

The legislation has also been updated and improved to ensure that active duty service members have their licenses automatically renewed, and that they do not risk losing their licenses while serving their country. The bill also now addresses the needs of rural Americans, and particularly America’s family farms, by streamlining the process for crop adjusters to work across state lines and ensure uniform and reciprocal adjuster licenses. The ACP applauds this bill for its ability to fix the inconsistencies associated with the insurance claims adjusting license process, protecting consumers from today’s unnecessarily costly and drawn-out processes, and allow active duty service members from the industry to serve without fear that their licenses will expire due to an overseas or domestic posting.

About ACP
About Association of Claims Professionals (ACP): The Association represents the interests of independent claims professionals. Since its inception in 2002, the Association has promoted adjuster licensing uniformity and reciprocity to enhance quality and ensure prompt and equitable reimbursement of claims. In 2016, the Association updated its name to the Association of Claims Professionals and repositioned itself to embrace the forward-looking vision of its member companies. ACP’s vision for the future is a claims management industry viewed as a trusted advisor and business partner by its customers and as a helpful and caring frontline responder by claimants. ACP companies are committed to providing career opportunities to attract the next generation of claims professionals.