Bill > S09082

This bill amends insurance law to prohibit public adjusters, who are individuals hired by property owners to help them settle insurance claims, from contacting or soliciting owners, occupants, or tenants of residential or commercial properties that have been damaged by a "damaging event" – defined as any natural or human-made occurrence causing property damage like floods, fires, or storms – within 48 hours after the event. During this 48-hour period, public adjusters are also restricted from coming within 200 feet of the damaged property unless authorized in writing by the owner. If a property owner is solicited by a public adjuster within this 48-hour window, they are not obligated to pay any fees, and any fees already paid must be fully reimbursed upon request. Furthermore, before starting any work on a claim, public adjusters must provide written notice to affected parties detailing these prohibitions, their right to reimbursement, and any communication limitations with their insurer that may arise from hiring the adjuster, with the owner acknowledging receipt of this notice. However, this bill does not prevent property owners from initiating contact with a public adjuster during the 48-hour period.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9082