Loss Adjustment Law Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is primarily the focus of contract law as it relates to loss adjusters?

  • Interpretation of specific agreements between parties (correct)
  • Duty of care owed to the principal
  • The establishment of common law precedents
  • Compliance with building codes and standards

Which law overrides common law when there is a conflict?

  • Case law
  • Common law
  • International law
  • Statute law (correct)

What is a key responsibility of loss adjusters in relation to common law?

  • Exercising reasonable skill and care in their duties (correct)
  • Making decisions without client consultation
  • Fixed negotiations regardless of circumstances
  • Determining the final outcome of insurance claims

Why is it important for loss adjusters to understand applicable statute laws?

<p>To comply with various local, state, and federal laws (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might necessitate modifications to the original design of repairs in older properties?

<p>Updated building codes and standards (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the duty of care owed by loss adjusters include?

<p>Performing reasonable inquiries before negotiating (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of loss adjusters regarding settlements?

<p>Withholding relevant information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the duty of care owed by loss adjusters to other parties differ from that owed to their principals?

<p>It differs in level but still exists in both cases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Building Code in New Zealand?

<p>To set performance standards for building work (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key component of contract law?

<p>Interpretation of specific agreements between parties (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which act is aimed at protecting consumers from misleading practices by businesses?

<p>Fair Trading Act 1986 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under the Building Act 2004, what is a critical outcome expected from building work?

<p>Safe use of buildings without health risks (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Commerce Act 1986 prohibit companies from doing?

<p>Making anti-competitive agreements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which principle is NOT typically outlined in the Privacy Principles of the Privacy Act 2020?

<p>Guidelines for sustainable business practices (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must adjusters operate under according to contract law?

<p>Explicit contracts defining duties (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 is primarily designed to ensure which of the following?

<p>Consumers receive guarantees on their purchases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum timeframe for an insurer in Australia to decide on a claim after receiving all necessary information?

<p>4 months (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Fair Insurance Code in New Zealand primarily emphasize in its dealings with policyholders?

<p>Openness, fairness, and honesty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does an insurer in New Zealand have to acknowledge receipt of a claim?

<p>5 business days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement imposed by the General Insurance Code of Practice in Australia?

<p>Loss adjuster reports must be provided within 10 weeks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the obligations of insurers when handling claims under the General Insurance Code of Practice?

<p>Decide on claims within 10 business days of receiving all necessary information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under the Fair Insurance Code, what may cause an insurer to take longer than 10 business days to evaluate a claim?

<p>Complex claim requiring more information (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must members of a professional institute adhere to regarding their conduct?

<p>Both technical and ethical standards (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organization has its own code known as the Charter of Objects and Professional Conduct?

<p>Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters (AICLA) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

General Insurance Code of Practice (Australia)

Standards for general insurance industry in Australia, covering product sales, claims handling, complaints, timeframes, and obligations to vulnerable customers.

Claim Acceptance Timeframe (Australia)

Insurers must decide whether to accept a claim within 10 business days of getting all the information, and make a final decision within four months of the initial claim.

External Expert Report Time (Australia)

Loss adjusters should submit reports within 12 weeks of being hired.

Fair Insurance Code (New Zealand)

Insurance industry standards in New Zealand, emphasizing fairness, honesty, and transparency in dealings with policyholders.

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Claim Acknowledgement Time (New Zealand)

Insurers must acknowledge a claim within 5 business days and respond/decide within 10 business days of gathering necessary info.

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AICLA Charter

The Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters' code of conduct, encompassing technical and ethical standards for members.

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Professional Codes of Conduct

Standards for professionals, often containing both technical and ethical requirements.

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Timely Performance (Insurance)

Insurance industry professionals are expected to complete tasks in a timely manner to help meet standards and support customer service goals.

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Common Law

Law based on court precedents and previous decisions.

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Statute Law

Law made by parliament or authorities; overrides common law if conflicts.

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Contract Law

Law regarding specific agreements between parties.

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Loss Adjuster's Duty of Care

Loss adjusters must perform duties with reasonable skill and care, owing a duty to the client/principal.

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Legislative Changes

Changes in laws (e.g., Acts, building codes) affecting daily operations of a loss adjuster.

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Claim Negotiation

The process of settling a loss claim, guided by relevant laws & regulations.

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Duty of Care to Insured

A loss adjuster may have a duty to the insured, in addition to the principal.

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Building Codes Compliance

Repairs must meet current building standards, potentially requiring changes from original construction.

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Insurance Law Reform Act 1985

Limits insurers' ability to deny claims and restricts selling life insurance to minors.

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Privacy Act 2020

Governs how organizations handle personal information, outlining individual data rights, and penalties for non-compliance.

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Fair Trading Act 1986

Makes misleading business practices illegal, protecting consumers from false information and unfair tactics.

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Consumer Guarantees Act 1993

Ensures consumers receive guarantees for goods and services, promoting a fair and confident trading environment.

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Commerce Act 1986

Prohibits anti-competitive practices, like price-fixing and market division, and ensures companies don't abuse dominant market positions.

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Building Code

Establishes performance standards for New Zealand building work, encompassing structural integrity, safety, access, durability, services, and energy efficiency.

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Building Act 2004

Main legislation for the New Zealand building industry, ensuring safe and healthy building use.

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Study Notes

Loss Adjustment Law

  • Loss adjusters need to be aware of various legal codes and practices affecting settlement negotiations.
  • Three key areas of law are relevant:
    • Common law: Based on precedents from court cases. Loss adjusters operate according to a standard of reasonable skill and care in their duties, owing a duty of care to the principal (often the insured)
    • Statute law: Created by parliaments (or delegated authorities); overrides common law if conflicting. Laws can vary between states and countries. Each situation will have local/state/federal legislative considerations.
    • Contract law: Focuses on interpreting specific agreements between parties involved. Procedures are usually outlined through contracts that detail adjuster duties.

Statute Law and Regulations

  • Statute laws created by parliaments (often overriding common law) are important. Rules vary based on state/country.
  • Different circumstances will have various legislative requirements and variations.
  • Loss adjusters need to know which statutes apply to the situation under consideration.

Insurance Contracts Act 1984

  • This Act regulates Australian insurance contracts, aiming for fair treatment of all parties by enforcing reasonable standards.
  • Covers duties of "utmost good faith" expected between parties (honesty, fairness, transparency).
  • Sections 12–14A in Part II outline the Duty of Utmost Good Faith in insurance contracts.
  • Sections 20–22 address information disclosure responsibilities (different for consumer vs non-consumer contracts).

Competition and Consumer Act 2010

  • This Act protects consumers' welfare, promoting fair competition.

Privacy Act 1988

  • This Act regulates how organizations collect, use, and share personal information. It formalizes consumer rights regarding their information.
  • The act dictates how organizations can collect, use, keep, secure, and disclose personal information.

Fair Trading Act 1986

  • Illegal for businesses to mislead consumers, provide false information, or employ unfair practices.

Consumer Guarantees Act 1993

  • Ensures a trading environment of trust between businesses and consumers.
  • Provides guarantees when acquiring goods and services.

Commerce Act 1986

  • This act prohibits anti-competitive agreements (companies colluding to fix prices).
  • Illegal for companies to abuse a dominant market position.

Building Regulations

  • Both local and national codes of practice (such as the National Construction Code).
  • Building standards might need to comply with current rules rather than standards at the time of building construction.

Codes of Practice

  • General insurance industry standards (e.g., how claims are handled) often exist for guiding the work of loss adjusters.

Professional and Representative Bodies

  • Organizations like AICLA and ICNZ provide ethical guidelines and codes of conduct.
  • Examples of requirements include avoiding conflicts of interest, acting honestly and fairly, maintaining professional conduct and protecting the good name of the organization.

Other Bodies (Australia/New Zealand)

  • Organizations representing insurance/general industries like ICA or ICNZ.
  • These organizations provide industry oversight, advise clients, handle claims and guide the industry.
  • There may be particular bodies dealing with natural hazards.

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Description

Explore the essential legal frameworks surrounding loss adjustment, including common law, statute law, and contract law. This quiz helps loss adjusters understand their responsibilities and the legal context of their work, emphasizing the importance of skill and care in settlement negotiations.

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