Bill > S0708

This bill aims to enhance protections for residential property insurance policyholders by prohibiting insurers from denying claims or canceling policies based on certain credit information after a policy has been in effect for more than 90 days, and it also establishes grounds for challenging the impartiality of an umpire in estimating property loss amounts, such as familial relationships or prior professional involvement with a party. Additionally, the bill creates a "Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights" which insurers must provide to policyholders within 14 days of receiving a claim, outlining in plain language existing rights related to the claims process, including acknowledgment timelines, claim status updates, settlement payments, and access to mediation and neutral evaluation services for disputed claims, particularly those involving sinkholes, and it also provides guidance for policyholders on interacting with contractors and documenting repairs. The bill also clarifies the qualifications for neutral evaluators in sinkhole claims, ensuring they are licensed engineers or geologists with specific expertise and training in dispute resolution, and it mandates that insurers acknowledge claims within 14 days and provide a decision on coverage or an investigation update within 30 days of receiving a complete proof of loss, with a goal of full settlement or denial within 90 days.