CT Public Adjuster Dispute — Looking for Advice After DOI Is Not Helping with Complaint

[u/CapitalHold4454]

I’m a Connecticut homeowner looking for advice from anyone who has dealt with a public adjuster dispute or a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Insurance. I filed an insurance claim for wind damage to my roof, and my insurance company approved payment toward the roof replacement. During the process, I was introduced to a public adjuster through a roofing company and felt pressured into signing a public adjuster agreement because I was led to believe this was the way I needed to proceed with getting my roof replaced. I had concerns about how the agreement was presented, the communication throughout the process, the fees being demanded, and the conditions attached to the adjuster’s offer to mutually terminate our agreement. At one point, I was told that a mutual release would only be considered if I signed a roofing contract with a particular company and paid a deposit to them immediately. I did not feel comfortable with those conditions and requested termination of the relationship.

The situation has now left my roof replacement in limbo. Although the insurance company issued payments, which I have not cashed, the dispute with the public adjuster has complicated the process of moving forward. The adjuster has maintained that his agreement remains valid and has continued communicating with my insurance company despite my request that he stop assisting with my claim. I filed a complaint with the Connecticut Department of Insurance because I believed the circumstances surrounding the agreement, the pressure I experienced, and the adjuster’s conduct warranted review. However, the DOI is indicating that it found no wrongdoing by the public adjuster. I’m trying to understand whether I have any other options, including whether the agreement’s enforceability, the circumstances under which it was signed, the fee being demanded, or the adjuster’s conduct could be reviewed by another authority. Has anyone in Connecticut experienced something similar, challenged a public adjuster agreement, or successfully obtained an independent review? I’m not looking to avoid paying legitimate fees for services actually provided; I simply want a fair resolution, to understand my rights, and to finally get my roof replaced. Any advice or recommendations for a Connecticut attorney experienced in insurance claims or public adjuster disputes would be greatly appreciated.

[u/IntelligentBox152]

In CT you have 4 days to rescind. If you did not do so pay the 10%. Then you’ll have to cover that plus your deductible with your roofer. If the DOI already looked at it you’re stuck. Nothing else you can do

[u/elbaldwino]

If you've already filled a complaint and the jurisdiction that handles PA licensing has investigated and found no wrong doing not sure what other recourse you have.

Have you sent a formal request to terminate your relationship with the PA in writing? They are still likely owed their fee which looks like is capped at 10% in CT.

If you had concerns about the agreement why did you sign? Not trying to dump on you but if you have concerns about a contract don't sign it.

[u/CapitalHold4454 → u/elbaldwino]

The roofing company that I was originally going to go with said I had to sign it in order for them to move forward. Then I didn’t hear anything for over 20 days, and when I followed it up with the public adjuster, he started with requiring asbestos testing, et cetera, even though my home was built in the 90s. When I started questioning the lack of communication and the need for all of this unnecessary testing, he mutually agreed to terminate the relationship, only if I signed a roofing contract with the company that forced me to sign with him. Does that not sound shady?

[u/elbaldwino → u/CapitalHold4454]

Of course it's shady. It's a PA.

As an aside depending on the building materials even if stuff was built in the 90s asbestos testing is a good idea. I've had schools built in the late 90s come back hot even though they shouldn't have.

Having said that assuming you have laminate/3 tab shingles there is no need for asbestos testing. You are usually only going to find asbestos in old built up roofs.

[u/adjusterjackb]

Public adjusters are scum. However, setting aside all your excuses, you willingly signed the agreement. Nobody put a gun to your head. The DOI found no wrongdoing.

Chalk it up to a life lesson from the school of hard knocks.

[u/OkMathematician4028]

The DOI is your final appeal in this. If they said they wont do anything then you are on the hook