Study Guide, Practice Questions & Answers, Property &
Casualty Insurance, Licensing Success for Claims Adjusters
Question 1: Under Florida Statute § 626.854, which of the following actions is expressly
prohibited for a licensed public adjuster when soliciting business?
A. Providing a potential client with a copy of their license upon request
B. Offering to waive the deductible on an insurance claim as an inducement to sign a contract
C. Discussing the scope of coverage available under a standard homeowners policy
D. Advertising services through a licensed insurance agency's website
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Offering to waive the deductible on an insurance claim as an inducement
to sign a contract
Rationale: Florida Statute § 626.854(1)(f) explicitly prohibits any adjuster from offering to
waive, absorb, or pay all or part of an insurance policy deductible as an inducement for an
insured to enter into a contract for adjuster services. This practice is considered an unfair trade
practice and violates Florida insurance law designed to protect consumers from deceptive
solicitation tactics.
Question 2: When handling a first-party property claim in Florida, what is the statutory
timeframe within which an insurer must acknowledge receipt of a notice of a catastrophe
claim?
A. 5 business days
B. 10 business days
C. 14 calendar days
D. 30 calendar days
CORRECT ANSWER: C. 14 calendar days
Rationale: Per Florida Statute § 627.70131, following a catastrophe declaration by the Governor
or the Insurance Commissioner, insurers must acknowledge receipt of a notice of a catastrophe
claim within 14 calendar days. This expedited timeframe ensures prompt communication
during large-scale loss events when policyholders are most vulnerable and in need of guidance.
Question 3: Which Florida-specific insurance entity provides reinsurance to private insurers to
help stabilize the property insurance market following major hurricanes?
A. Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
B. Citizens Property Insurance Corporation
C. Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund
,D. Florida Insurance Guaranty Association
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund
Rationale: The Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (FHCF) is a state-created reinsurance entity
established to provide reimbursement to insurers for a portion of their catastrophic hurricane
losses. By offering lower-cost reinsurance, the FHCF helps maintain insurer solvency and market
stability after major hurricane events, which is critical in Florida's high-risk environment.
Question 4: In Florida, what is the maximum percentage a public adjuster may charge as a fee
for services rendered on a claim arising from a declared state of emergency?
A. 5%
B. 10%
C. 15%
D. 20%
CORRECT ANSWER: B. 10%
Rationale: Florida Statute § 626.854(11) limits public adjuster fees to no more than 10% of the
amount of insurance claim payments made by the insurer for claims resulting from a declared
state of emergency. This cap protects consumers from excessive fees during vulnerable post-
disaster periods when they may be pressured into unfavorable agreements.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the doctrine of "reasonable expectations" as
applied in Florida insurance law?
A. Insurers must pay all claims that policyholders subjectively believe are covered
B. Ambiguities in policy language are construed against the insurer and in favor of coverage that
a reasonable policyholder would expect
C. Policyholders are expected to read and understand all policy exclusions before purchasing
coverage
D. Adjusters may deny claims based on technical policy language even if it contradicts
marketing materials
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Ambiguities in policy language are construed against the insurer and in
favor of coverage that a reasonable policyholder would expect
Rationale: Florida courts apply the doctrine of reasonable expectations to resolve ambiguities in
insurance contracts. When policy language is unclear or susceptible to multiple interpretations,
courts construe the ambiguity against the insurer (the drafter) and in favor of coverage that a
,reasonable, ordinary policyholder would expect based on the policy's overall purpose and
representations.
Question 6: Under Florida law, what is the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit against an
insurer for breach of a property insurance contract?
A. 2 years from the date of loss
B. 3 years from the date of loss
C. 4 years from the date of loss
D. 5 years from the date of loss
CORRECT ANSWER: D. 5 years from the date of loss
Rationale: Florida Statute § 95.11(2)(b) establishes a five-year statute of limitations for actions
based on a written contract, which includes property insurance policies. The clock generally
begins running from the date of the covered loss or when the insurer denies the claim, though
specific policy provisions or equitable doctrines may affect this timeline.
Question 7: When an insurer in Florida denies a claim in whole or in part, what must the denial
letter specifically include per Florida Administrative Code Rule 69O-126.003?
A. A copy of the insurer's financial statements
B. The specific policy provisions, statutes, or rules upon which the denial is based
C. The name and contact information of the adjusting firm's supervisor
D. An offer to mediate the dispute through the Department of Financial Services
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The specific policy provisions, statutes, or rules upon which the denial is
based
Rationale: Florida Administrative Code Rule 69O-126.003(4) requires that when an insurer
denies a claim, the written denial must state the specific reasons for the denial, including
reference to the applicable policy provisions, statutes, or administrative rules. This ensures
transparency and enables the policyholder to understand the basis for the decision and pursue
appropriate remedies.
Question 8: Which of the following is NOT a required element for a valid insurance contract
under Florida law?
A. Offer and acceptance
B. Consideration
C. Notarization of the policy document
, D. Legal purpose
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Notarization of the policy document
Rationale: Like all contracts in Florida, insurance contracts require offer and acceptance,
consideration (premium payment), competent parties, and legal purpose. Notarization is not a
legal requirement for the formation or enforceability of an insurance contract, though certain
endorsements or assignments may require notarization for recording purposes.
Question 9: In Florida, what is the primary purpose of the "prompt payment" statute for
property insurance claims?
A. To require insurers to pay all claims within 30 days regardless of investigation status
B. To impose interest penalties on insurers who unreasonably delay payment of valid claims
C. To mandate that adjusters complete inspections within 48 hours of notice
D. To limit the number of claims an insurer may defer during hurricane season
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To impose interest penalties on insurers who unreasonably delay
payment of valid claims
Rationale: Florida Statute § 627.4265 (the "prompt payment" statute) requires insurers to pay
or deny claims within specific timeframes and imposes interest penalties at a statutory rate
when payment is unreasonably delayed without justification. This incentivizes timely claims
handling and compensates policyholders for losses caused by unwarranted delays.
Question 10: Which Florida statute governs the licensing and regulation of all lines adjusters,
including the 6-20 license designation?
A. Florida Statute Chapter 624
B. Florida Statute Chapter 626
C. Florida Statute Chapter 627
D. Florida Statute Chapter 631
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Florida Statute Chapter 626
Rationale: Florida Statute Chapter 626, titled "Insurance Agents, Adjusters, and Customer
Representatives," contains the statutory framework for licensing, continuing education, ethical
standards, and disciplinary procedures for insurance adjusters, including the All Lines Adjuster
(6-20) license category administered by the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Question 11: When determining Actual Cash Value (ACV) for a property loss in Florida, which
method is most commonly applied by courts and insurers?