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VA HB437

VA HB437
Insurance; standards of conduct for public adjusters, unauthorized practice of public adjusting.


summary

Introduced
01/12/2026
In Committee
02/23/2026
Crossed Over
02/04/2026
Passed
03/03/2026
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Insurance; standards of conduct for public adjusters; unauthorized practice of public adjusting. Prohibits any person who does not hold a valid public adjuster license from soliciting, investigating, negotiating, adjusting, or providing advice to a policyholder, in relation to a first party claim arising under an insurance contract that insures the real or personal property of a policyholder, for the purpose of effecting the settlement of a claim on behalf of the policyholder. The bill prohibits any public adjuster from assisting in a claim where the policyholder has improperly assigned the duties, rights, or benefits under the relevant policy to any contractor or vendor. The bill adds requirements for advertisements by public adjusters, and excludes certain materials from being considered advertisements. The bill also includes specific standards of conduct for public adjusters regarding vulnerable adults, as defined in the bill, and contains technical amendments.

AI Summary

This bill aims to strengthen regulations for public adjusters, who are individuals licensed to help policyholders settle insurance claims for property damage. It clarifies that only licensed public adjusters can solicit, investigate, negotiate, adjust, or advise policyholders on first-party property claims for the purpose of settling those claims. The bill also prohibits public adjusters from assisting in claims where a policyholder has improperly transferred their rights to a contractor or vendor. New requirements are introduced for public adjuster advertisements, including specific disclosures and exclusions for certain communications. Furthermore, the bill establishes standards of conduct for public adjusters when dealing with vulnerable adults, defined as individuals impaired in their ability to make decisions or care for themselves, and introduces penalties for the unauthorized practice of public adjusting, which includes performing public adjusting services without a license. The bill also makes technical amendments to existing laws, such as updating definitions and grounds for license suspension or revocation.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026 (on 03/10/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB437
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB437) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1196132.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB437/text/HB437ER
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB437) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1189898.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB437/text/HB437E
Labor and Commerce Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB437/text/HB437AH1
Subcommittee #1 Subcommittee Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB437/text/HB437AHC2
Labor and Commerce Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB437/text/HB437AHC1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB437) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1097605.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB437/text/HB437
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