Bill > S702

This bill allows insurance companies to appoint temporary qualified appraisers during emergency situations to help quickly resolve auto insurance claims. Specifically, when the governor declares an emergency in an area of Massachusetts or the insurance commissioner declares a claims emergency due to severe weather or other circumstances, insurers can appoint temporary appraisers by notifying the Board through written, electronic, or fax communication. These temporary appraisers can include individuals already licensed in another state or those who work for insurers doing business in Massachusetts and regularly appraise vehicles in states without appraiser licensing requirements. The temporary appraisers will be considered fully licensed for the duration of the emergency, with their status terminating when the insurance commissioner determines that temporary appraisers are no longer needed to facilitate claims resolution. The bill aims to streamline the claims process and provide flexibility during challenging situations that might impede normal insurance claim assessments.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S702