Representative Janet Long Gets a Hug From Chip Merlin
"You gotta be kidding me" is probably being repeated by many after reading the title to this post. I wrongfully wrote about Representative Janet Long without giving her an opportunity to explain her concerns and longstanding advocacy for policyholders when she worked as a Deputy Insurance Commissioner in a Florida Department of Insurance Branch office. Before the spotlight of politics and public life subjected her to criticism without an ability to fully explain the purpose of the laws she proposes, her job in the Florida Department of Insurance required her to talk with and help policyholders upset about every imaginable wrong that could possibly befall an insurance consumer. I should have been more diligent in my research of her before jumping to conclusions about the framework for her views in this very public blog.
In Flood Insurance Waivers Concerning Proof of Loss are Subject to Judicial Review: A Recent Flood Case that Makes Sense, I made the following statement:
We all make mistakes and sometimes act arbitrary or capriciously—it is human nature. It is also human to not want to admit our wrongs.
If anybody handled as many consumer complaints and battled insurance company decisions as Representative Janet Long did in her position with the Department of Insurance and then had some ignorant attorney (me) write about her being against insurance consumer interests, they would rightfully be upset and deserve an apology. And, I apologize.
This is not the end of the story between Representative Long and myself. Our meeting was longer than I expected-and we did hug at the end. There will be more in the morning's post about pending insurance legislation and my interesting day in Tallahassee.
Oh Chip, such a tease.
I so look forward to the morning's post.
I do appreciate all you do to make Public Adjusters better at what we do so we can better serve policyholders.
If you found a reason to hug Representative Long, I think she never saw it coming.
Mark,
Thank you for the kind remarks.
I think some public adjusters and policyholders are scratching their heads. It is best to admit when you have made a mistake, and give credit where it is due.
Still, professional public adjusters want to significantly raise standards in your business so the concerns of Representative Long are addressed.
Chip:
I strongly agree with your comment about professional public adjusters wanting to raise the standards of our profession. Just like any profession we have bad apples out there who unfortunately reflect on all of us.
I cringe whenever hearing about the actions of fellow public adjusters which are not honorable. Those actions have brought some warranted criticism.
As a former claims manager for insurance companies, I also firmly believe that the insurance industry has grossly overstated the problems that a few rogue public adjusters have caused. Demonizing our profession to deflect attention away from their own widespread problems and abuse of their policyholders should not be tolerated. I suppose both sides have work to do getting it right for the policyholders.
It is so important that public adjusters recognize that we are under a microscope, to do our jobs well and continue in our efforts to clean up our own profession. We should listen to constructive criticism and work with the Department of Financial Services to help stop any abuse of the insurance claim process.
As a former adjuster for insurance companies now working for policyholders, I am very proud of my work and the ability to use my talents and experience to help people. I would appreciate the opportunity to tell my story and experiences in Tallahassee so that misperceptions about what we do for a living and the need for our services is cleared up.
Good stuff, Chip!
Your help changing the spectrum and perception of public adjusters is appreciated.
If policyholders cannot retain us, you may be forced to hire more attorneys to take care of the increased demand you will face.
Hey Chip
I am not surprised you would hug Janet Long--you are a nice guy.
Yet, I am not sure you really owed her an apology. That is obviously your call.
I am looking forward to learning more about your meeting with her and your impressions.
Chip,
That's great that you were "man enough" to realize your mistake and hug the person that was hurt or offended by it.
Too bad there's not more people in the world like that as it would so much nicer!
:)
SHIRLEY HEFLIN