In the chaos following a natural disaster, when roofs are leaking and emotions are high, homeowners are desperate for help. It’s in these vulnerable moments that a growing problem emerges: unauthorized adjusting.
At Lozano Insurance Adjusters, we work exclusively with insurance carriers—but our duty to fairness and accuracy ultimately serves policyholders. When unauthorized parties insert themselves into the claims process, it not only violates the law—it creates confusion, delays, and costly consequences for the very people they claim to help.
What Is Unauthorized Adjusting?
Unauthorized adjusting occurs when someone who is not a licensed insurance adjuster or a duly licensed attorney directly or indirectly solicits, investigates, files, or adjusts an insurance claim. Under Florida law and in many other states, this is illegal. Yet some contractors and consultants—under the guise of “helping the homeowner”—often insert themselves into the claims process in ways that mislead, delay, or inflate the claim.
The Usual Offenders
We’ve seen it time and again:
- Roofing companies – telling homeowners, “We’ll take care of the claim for you.”
- Supplementing Companies – working for contractors or roofing companies who submit and negotiate supplemental estimates directly with insurance companies.
- Loss consultants – claiming to advocate for the homeowner while operating without a license in good standing.
Contractors are expected to provide good-faith estimates that detail the cost of services and materials, and they may discuss the price and scope of their proposed work with the insurance company. However, they are prohibited from interpreting the policy or offering advice to the policyholder, encouraging the policyholder to file a claim, or negotiating the final settlement with the insurance company.
While some of these individuals may mean well, good intentions don’t replace credentials. When they cross the line into unauthorized adjusting, they undermine the process—and more often than not, the policyholder pays the price.
Why It Harms Consumers—And Undermines the System
At Lozano Insurance Adjusters, we are hired exclusively by insurance carriers—but that doesn’t mean we do not have obligations to policyholders. In fact, our ethical obligation is to the insured: to ensure every claim is evaluated fairly, accurately, and without bias. Our work directly impacts families rebuilding their lives, which is why we approach each claim with precision, transparency, and empathy.
Unauthorized adjusting puts all of that at risk.
When roofers, supplement companies, or loss consultants interfere with the claims process:
- Policyholders are misled – with inflated promises or inaccurate damage scopes.
- Claim investigations are complicated – when insurers flag improper or exaggerated submissions or when unlicensed third parties speak on behalf of the policyholder.
- Trust breaks down – not only between the insurer and insured, but within the system as a whole.
The irony? These unauthorized actors often claim to “fight for the homeowner”—but their actions can do real damage. A legitimate claim handled through the proper channels is the best protection a policyholder has. That’s why we’re committed to doing it right.
Standing on Principle
Insurance adjusting is a licensed profession for a reason. It requires training, accountability, and adherence to strict legal and ethical standards. At LIA, we are proud to be part of the solution—stepping in after catastrophes to support insurers, serve policyholders, and deliver fair outcomes based on facts, not fear.
Homeowners deserve real help—not promises from unlicensed actors looking to profit off disaster. By staying vigilant and enforcing the laws around unauthorized adjusting, we can ensure that claims are settled properly—and that the integrity of the insurance system remains intact.
For more information on your rights and the limits of contractor involvement in insurance claims, visit the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Contractor and Residential Property FAQ page.
