Claims Adjusters Applaud Leadership of Congressman Stephen Fincher; Urges Bipartisan Support for CLAIM Act -- H.R. 6415
Legislation Needed to Ensure Uniformity and Reciprocity in Licensing of Claims Professionals to Protect Consumers
WASHINGTON, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Association of Independent Claims Professionals (AAICP), an advocacy organization representing the interests of independent claims professionals, strongly supports the efforts of Congressman Stephen Fincher to introduce H.R. 6415, the Claims Licensing Advancement for Interstate Matters Act (CLAIM Act).
The CLAIM Act advances uniformity, reciprocity, and consumer protections for claims adjusting across state lines. While recognizing and respecting state oversight of insurance matters, the CLAIM Act (i) facilitates accelerated adjusting of claims related to natural or other disasters; (ii) enables independent claims adjusters to handle claims more efficiently and effectively across state lines in an increasingly nationwide marketplace by spurring reciprocal licensing reforms; and (iii) protects consumers by spurring states to adopt uniform licensing criteria and by creating incentives for adjusters to take a multistate exam proposed to be established by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
"Independent adjusters are often the first to respond to insurable emergencies and other claims. Independent adjusters and their customers would benefit greatly from uniformity and reciprocity in the state-based licensing regime," said Dave North, President and CEO of Sedgwick. "In particular, the CLAIM Act would ensure accelerated and accurate adjusting of claims related to natural or other disasters," Mr. North added.
Greg McKenna, Counsel and Compliance Manager of Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc., also endorsed the CLAIM Act as helpful to the industry. "With this legislation, independent claims adjusters would receive the same treatment as doctors, nurses, lawyers, paramedics and other educated, specialized professions that rely on a state-based regime. We look forward to working with the NAIC to ensure that reputable claims adjusters can operate across state lines and bring speedy resolution to claims."
The AAICP urges Congress to consider and pass the CLAIM Act (H.R. 6415) as soon as possible. Mr. North and Mr. McKenna both added "We look forward to helping Congressman Fincher proceed with this very important effort."
About AAICP:
The American Association of Independent Claims Professionals (AAICP) is the only national Association representing the interests of independent claims professionals. AAICP members employ thousands of claim specialists and other professionals across the country and handle millions of workers' compensation, disability, property and liability claims annually.
SOURCE American Association of Independent Claims Professionals
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