The National Insurance Restoration Council Advocates for Property Owners; Fights Back Against Managed Repair Programs
ORLANDO, Fla. (PRWEB) August 22, 2016 -- The National Insurance Restoration Council (NIRC) takes action against insurance companies adopting a method of operations in utilizing managed repair programs for property claims. The NIRC has requested that the National Association of Insurance Commissioners undertake immediate review and investigation of insurance company practices that violate state laws and impede on consumer rights. The NIRC is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating property owners, restoration contractors, public adjusters, appraisers and umpires when dealing with insurance claims.
Insurance carriers that utilize managed repair programs by utilizing contractors that violate state laws for the unauthorized practice of public adjusting (UPPA) and constitute price fixing through the use of set prices that do not reflect current market rates. These contractors are incentivized to break contracts with consumers through waived deductibles while promoting the underpayment of claims, poor workmanship and unethical business practices.
The NIRC recognizes the need for industry reform and recognizes that managed programs are not the answer. The NIRC says in many cases, the managed repair programs are doing more damage to consumers. Consumers are led to believe that the managed care contractors are independent, but in truth are controlled by the insurance carriers or adjusting firms. Some insurance carriers are pushing the managed repair programs on to their consumers by stating in writing that if they choose their managed repair program, the contractor they send out will waive their deductible, because the carrier then receives a high volume discount. In turn, construction and restoration contractors that have not chosen to become part of the managed repair programs are forced to either match the offers being made, which results in them violating the law, or lose the client.
According to the NIRC, highly unethical trends have emerged through managed repair programs. Often, insurance carrier selected managed repair contractors perform the property inspections to investigate the loss, inspect for damages, determine causation and set the value for repairs without having a single licensed insurance adjuster ever come out to the property. The NIRC finds this to be in direct violation of most states laws in the unauthorized practice of public adjusting (UPPA). Another trend is the threat of denying property claims if the consumer refuses to allow the insurance carrier to perform the repairs utilizing a preferred vendor. Consumers are being limited by choice of contractor and often forced to break contracts with their selected contractor. Property owners also face having their claim amounts reduced by not having proper representation from a contractor and public adjuster that has their best interest in mind.
The NIRC is pushing for massive insurance industry reform and is dedicated to advocating for property owners, consumers, and contractors throughout the insurance restoration process. As the principal advocate for consumer rights throughout the industry, the NIRC demands ethical practices, consumer choice, fair practices, and quality workmanship.
About the National Insurance Restoration Council
Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the National Insurance Restoration Council (NIRC) is a non-profit organization devoted to protecting and educating property owners and restoration contractors when dealing with insurance claims. The NIRC acts as the principal advocate for improved legislation and case law to protect consumers and contractors when dealing with insurance claims throughout the nation. The NIRC serves the common interest of insurance restoration contractors and protects consumers from unethical contractors. Vetted and certified NIRC certified contractors adhere to a strict code of professional conduct, educate property owners about the insurance restoration process, and give back to communities in storm damaged areas. NIRC certified contractors go through an extensive background check to become members of the Diamond Standard code of business. The NIRC as a self-regulated entity and cooperates with the Department of Insurance (DOI) and other regulatory authorities throughout the United States to improve the ethics of the industry through education and high standards. Learn more at http://www.NIRC4Change.org.
Media Inquiries:
Vera Anderson
Elev8 Consulting Group
Ph: 386.243.5388
Em: [email protected]
Web: http://www.elev8cg.com
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Vera Anderson, Elev8 Consulting Group, http://www.elev8cg.com, +1 386.243.5388, [email protected]
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