Massachusetts law blocks insurers from limiting public adjuster access

Massachusetts has become the third state to bar insurance policies from restricting policyholders’ right to hire a public insurance adjuster. The new law, signed Aug. 7, is designed to protect consumers after property losses and makes such restrictive policy language unenforceable.

Why it matters: - Massachusetts policyholders now have a protected right to seek help from a public insurance adjuster when filing a property claim. - The law aims to preserve a consumer choice that can matter most after major damage, when claims are complex and documentation is critical. - NAPIA says the measure sets a precedent that could influence similar protections in other states.

What happened: - Massachusetts enacted Senate Bill 785, An Act relative to insurance claims, and Gov. Maura Healey signed it into law on Aug. 7, 2026. - The National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters praised the move and thanked the Massachusetts Division of Insurance and the Massachusetts Association of Public Insurance Adjusters for their support. - The law covers property and casualty policies, including policies issued by non-admitted and surplus lines insurers.

The details: - The statute bars policy provisions that prevent a policyholder from hiring, retaining, engaging, utilizing, consulting or contracting with a public insurance adjuster as a condition of recovery. - Any clause that tries to do so is unenforceable under Massachusetts law. - Such a restriction is also treated as an unfair insurance practice in the state. - Public insurance adjusters are licensed professionals who represent policyholders, not insurers, in the preparation, presentation and adjustment of property insurance claims. - Tim Woodard, NAPIA’s current president, said policyholders should have the freedom to decide whether they need professional assistance after a property loss. - Woodard said insurance claims can be complicated, especially after a significant loss, and the law protects the ability to retain a qualified professional to help understand, document and present a claim.

Between the lines: - Massachusetts is now only the third state to specifically protect a policyholder’s right to hire a public insurance adjuster. - The vote signals a broader debate over who controls the claims process after a loss: insurers or consumers with independent representation. - NAPIA framed the bill as part of a longer national push to expand policyholder protections.

What's next: - NAPIA says it will keep working with lawmakers and regulators in other states to advance similar protections. - The association is also expected to continue lobbying for policyholder rights to qualified professional representation in insurance claims. - Massachusetts’ new law may be cited as a model for future consumer protection measures in property insurance.