Kronlund on Ethics at February MVCA
Claims professionals represent the front-line link between the insured and the insurance company whenever a claim is filed. In an age when insurance company marketing designed to gain insureds involves such creations as a gecko, a duck, and cavemen, the realities of a policy are often overshadowed. When called upon to engage the insured to resolve their claim, never has it been more important that the adjuster act in the most professional manner. Often the ethics involved can become gray.
Attorney Mike Kronlund, of the Stockton law offices of Quinn & Kronlund, addressed quite directly and specifically many issues adjusters are faced with on a daily basis at the February 16, 2007 MVCA luncheon meeting. From the handling of personal information, dealing with suspected misrepresentations or possible fraud, to what is truly proper when more than one insured is covered by the same carrier, Mr. Kronlund presented concise opinions and perspective on proper adjuster ethical behavior.
“You can’t just give out personal information,” he stated. “It’s the insured’s decision who it goes out to,” he explained. “You shouldn’t be giving out information unless you have authorization, a subpoena, a med-pay, etc.,” he continued.
What happens when opposing insureds are both covered by the same carrier, by adjusters in the same office? “Both insureds with the same carrier should be kept completely separate,” he stated. The notion of taking the convenient shortcut of peaking in the other insured’s file, “saying to yourself ‘I could be done for the day,’ could easily leave you also done with your job!” he stated flatly.
“Follow your employers procedures,” he encouraged. “Ask your manager when unsure of how to best proceed.
“Behaving as a professional is really what it comes down to,” he concluded.
Kronlund spoke to a packed room at Dave Wong’s. The MVCA is moving to a reservations system to better facilitate an adequate room size. |
