The February meeting of the Pacific Coast Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (PCAPIA) comes at a time when claims handling issues are front and center across California and the West. Public adjusters and their clients are encountering more resistance, more delay, and more technical coverage positions than many have seen in years.
PCAPIA has always been a forum where real-world claim challenges are discussed openly and professionally. Now having over a year of experience with the Palisades and Eaton Fires, public adjusters are seeing new carrier claims handing tactics emerge on a large scale. This is a rare opportunity to discuss with others how claims are being handled, how policyholders are being treated, and how public adjusters can most effectively advocate in an increasingly difficult environment.
The conference starts on Monday, February 23. Registration is at 11:30. At 12:15, Chip and United Policyholders’ Amy Bach will break down “Property Insurance Law in Practice: Lessons from Case Law and Statutes.” Then, at 2:30 pm, claims handling expert and public adjuster Sandra Moriarty will talk about emerging issues in her presentation, “Burned, Soaked, and Confused: The New Reality of Adjusting Property Claims.” We’ll also hear about exciting developments in AI for adjusters.
Legislative Action Day: Why It Matters
Beyond opportunity for collaboration and sharing experiences, the February PCAPIA gathering includes activities tied to Legislative Action Day. Advocating in the Legislature for public adjusters and policyholders is an essential component of protecting the public adjusting profession.
Legislative Action Day provides public adjusters with the opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers and policymakers about issues affecting:
- Licensing standards.
- Fee regulation proposals.
- Solicitation restrictions.
- Consumer protection legislation.
- Regulatory oversight of claims handling.
- The role of public adjusters in catastrophic events.
Participation in Legislative Action Day reinforces that public adjusters are not merely claim representatives; they are consumer advocates with firsthand knowledge of systemic issues in the property insurance marketplace.
At 5:30 pm on Monday, John Norwood will give his annual presentation on how to make the most of these visits, and he always does a phenomenal job. The next day, starting at 8:30 am, we will prepare to depart for the legislative meetings.
Join Us for the Merlin Mingle at PCAPIA
In connection with the February PCAPIA gathering, Merlin Law Group is hosting a special evening event: the Merlin Mingle. The Merlin Mingle will take place on Monday, February 23, from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
The evening is designed to be relaxed and collegial—an opportunity to grab a drink, enjoy appetizers, and connect with fellow public adjusters, attorneys, and policyholder advocates.
Professional relationships often begin in settings like this. Informal conversations frequently lead to collaboration on future claims, referrals, and shared insight on emerging issues.
Strengthening the Profession Strengthens Policyholders
At its core, PCAPIA exists to elevate the public adjusting profession. When public adjusters are well-informed, well-connected, and aligned around ethical and professional standards, policyholders are better protected.
The February meeting is an opportunity to reinforce that commitment. It is also an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships, and engage in substantive discussions about the challenges ahead.
We look forward to seeing you in Sacramento—and to continuing the conversation at the Merlin Mingle.
