House Bill No. [insert bill number] amends and reenacts specific provisions of R.S. 22:1892, focusing on the payment and adjustment of insurance claims. The bill mandates that insurers verify a contractor's licensing status before issuing payments for claims related to the repair or restoration of immovable property. It introduces a safe harbor provision that protects insurers from penalties for payment delays directly linked to difficulties in verifying a contractor's license. Insurers must document their verification attempts and notify the insured within five business days if verification fails.

Additionally, the bill clarifies the conditions under which an insurer may be deemed to have breached their good faith duty, specifically in cases of personal injury claims. It establishes that no separate cause of action can be created against an insurer's representative distinct from the insurer itself. The bill also outlines limitations on causes of action related to good faith disputes over liability and medical causation, ensuring that insurers are not penalized for delays when there are legitimate disputes or when an offer has not been presented within policy limits.

Statutes affected:
HB1162 Original: 22:1892(A)(1)
HB1162 Engrossed: 22:1892(A)(1)
HB1162 Reengrossed: 22:1892(A)(1)
HB1162 Enrolled: 22:1892(A)(1)