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ABOUT MAPIA
MAPIA is an association of Public Insurance Adjuster and Companies from NJ, PA, MD, and VA. We were formed in 1992 to help ensure that insurance companies stopped taking advantage of the average property owner. They put together a successful class action against State Farm. This helped ensure the property owner was protected and properly paid. It continues to be good law today. Since then, MAPIA has prided itself on being an organization whose members are professional and of the utmost integrity level. When hiring a member company, you can expect the best possible representation from a highly trained professional who maintains MAPIA’s high level of ethics. For more information on MAPIA visit the history page.
MAPIA
General Membership Meeting
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
8:30 am – 10:30 am
Town and Country Diner
177 US-130 North
Bordentown NJ 08505
Buffet Breakfast Included
Free for Members | $35.00 for Non-members
URGENT LEGISLATIVE NEWS ALERT
By MAPIA Executive Director, Joseph DeSanctis
As part of your membership dues, the Mid Atlantic Public Insurance Adjusters Association (MAPIA) would like to make you aware of the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance (PA DOI) proposal to amend certain provisions of the Public Adjuster Act which would, among other things:
- Establish a 10% fee cap on catastrophic losses
- Establish a 15% fee cap on all other losses
- Prohibit a public adjuster from recommending a contractor, or having a financial interest in a repair/restoration business or work as a contractor on the same claim, and deny a license to someone who has an interest in such business
- Establish a 5-business day right of recission, or 30 business days if the claim is signed within 5 days of when the loss was discovered
- Prohibit a public adjuster from collecting attorneys’ fees and costs if the fee is not paid by the insured (and there is a rule to disburse within 30 days)
MAPIA’s Legal Counsel Anthony DiUlio and Regulatory Counsel Holly Soffer have met with PA DOI to express our concerns with this legislation and will be meeting with legislators to advocate changes to this proposal. MAPIA will keep you posted on any updates on this matter.
URGENT MAPIA LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
By MAPIA Executive Director, Joseph DeSanctis
New Jersey Public Adjuster Contract Law Brings Long-Awaited Clarity and Compliance
In July of this year Governor Murphy signed into law, Senate Bill # 1320 which requires certain information to be included in public adjusters’ contracts.
For years, public adjusters in New Jersey have operated under a cloud of uncertainty when it came to contract requirements. The law itself lacked clarity—leaving many in the profession unsure about what specific language and terms were required in their contracts. This ambiguity led to a wave of enforcement actions and even conflicting appellate court decisions.
That is now changing.
Thanks to sustained advocacy by the Mid-Atlantic Public Insurance Adjusters Association (MAPIA), the New Jersey Legislature has passed new legislation to eliminate the confusion. The new law, the result of two years of negotiation and cooperation between MAPIA, key Legislative leaders and the Commissioner of NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, lays out clear, enforceable standards for public adjuster contracts.
While DOBI had long insisted on certain terms—and took action against those who failed to include them—there was little transparency about those expectations. The new law codifies DOBI’s key requirements, ensuring that all parties now know exactly what must be included.
“We may not have agreed with DOBI on every provision,” said MAPIA President Paul Yemm, “but enforcement was happening regardless. At least now, we have clarity, consistency, and an opportunity to comply in good faith.”
Key Requirements of the New Law
Under the revised statute, public adjuster contracts in New Jersey must now include:
- The license number and contact information of both the public adjusting firm and the individual signing the contract.
- Specific language defining the scope of services to be provided.
- Detailed contact information for the insured party.
- The date and time the contract is signed.
- A formal notice of the insured’s right to cancel/rescind within three business days and terminate after that time with payment to the public adjuster for services rendered through termination
In addition, public adjusters must now maintain a non-interest bearing escrow account for handling client funds. For residential claims (defined as a primary or secondary residence) several important consumer protection provisions have been added:
- Public adjusters are prohibited from collecting their entire fee from the initial insurance payment if the claim will be paid in multiple installments.
- Public adjusters may not request that a check made out solely in their name.
- Neither party is precluded from pursuing civil remedies in court.
A Win for Accountability and Professionalism
The changes represent a step forward for the profession and for insured individuals alike. By creating transparent standards and eliminating ambiguity, the law enhances trust and professionalism in the public adjusting industry.
MAPIA’s leadership was instrumental in ensuring the final legislation reflects both regulatory expectations and industry realities.
As the new rules go into effect, effective December 28, 2025, public adjusters across the state are urged to review and update their contracts to ensure full compliance.
With the rules now clearly defined, adjusters can focus on their primary mission, helping policyholders navigate the claims process fairly and effectively.