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NYPAA Annual Meeting Recap
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- On: 10/25/2025 12:26:43
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The New York Public Adjusters Association welcomed more than 100 attendees to its 2025 Annual Meeting, held October 23–24 at the iconic TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport in Queens, NY. The two-day program offered timely education, professional certification opportunities, and valuable industry collaboration. Public adjusters, attorneys, appraisers, umpires, and other experts gathered to examine emerging case law, evolving ethical standards, cybersecurity compliance, and the practical challenges of modern claims handling. Licensed public adjusters from New York and New Jersey earned five (5) continuing education credits for each day of attendance.
DAY 1
Appraiser and Umpire Certification Course – 2025 Update, presented by Jonathan Wilkofsky, Esq., Wilkofsky, Friedman, Karel & Cummins, and Robert Norton, CPCU, AIC, General Adjusting Services
The conference opened on Thursday, October 23, with a comprehensive certification course led by Jonathan Wilkofsky and Robert Norton. The program clarified the distinction between amount of loss and coverage disputes, reinforcing that appraisal determines valuation—not coverage.
The presenters reviewed mediation, arbitration, and appraisal processes, stressing that appraisal is not arbitration. Recent North Carolina rulings on umpire liability underscored the need for E&O coverage. Case updates from Texas, Illinois, and Iowa reaffirmed the finality of signed appraisal awards.
Additional segments covered partial denials, ALE claims, sub-limits, documentation, and umpire selection, along with professional standards, ethics, and jurisdictional variations among states. A case study on ALE and environmental compliance, and a closing discussion on bias in valuation, rounded out the session.
The day concluded with an optional certification exam and a networking reception in the TWA Hotel's Sunken Lounge.
The presenters reviewed mediation, arbitration, and appraisal processes, stressing that appraisal is not arbitration. Recent North Carolina rulings on umpire liability underscored the need for E&O coverage. Case updates from Texas, Illinois, and Iowa reaffirmed the finality of signed appraisal awards.
Additional segments covered partial denials, ALE claims, sub-limits, documentation, and umpire selection, along with professional standards, ethics, and jurisdictional variations among states. A case study on ALE and environmental compliance, and a closing discussion on bias in valuation, rounded out the session.
The day concluded with an optional certification exam and a networking reception in the TWA Hotel's Sunken Lounge.
DAY 2
Friday, October 24 began with greetings from NYPAA Administrator Jennifer Barrack, who welcomed participants, facilitated introductions, and previewed the day's educational sessions.
Session 1: Proof – Trust – Results: The Public Adjuster's Guide to Making Proofs of Loss and EOs Irresistibly Compelling, presented by William (Chip) Merlin, Jr., Esq., Merlin Law Group
Chip Merlin delivered a dynamic, practice-based session on how public adjusters can craft effective Proofs of Loss and prepare clients for Examinations Under Oath (EOUs). Through examples and exercises, attendees learned how clear documentation and transparent communication build trust with carriers and clients alike. The session highlighted DFS regulatory updates, recent New York case law, and the ethical responsibilities of adjusters in presenting accurate, complete information.
Session 2: The Shrinking Coverage Under an All-Risk Policy, presented by Jade Bentz, Skyline Public Adjusters, and Jonathan C. Lerner, Esq., Lerner, Arnold & Winston, LLP
This joint presentation traced the historical intent of “all-risk” policies and how modern exclusions, endorsements, and sub-limits have eroded that coverage over time. Attendees examined real-world examples involving water damage, mold, ordinance and law limitations, and pandemic exclusions, supported by recent case law from New York, Florida, and Texas. Bentz and Lerner emphasized the adjuster's duty to explain policy limitations clearly to clients and maintain ethical standards in managing expectations.
Session 3: Digesting DFS 500, presented by Rob Schlener, CMIT Solutions
Over lunch, Rob Schlener guided attendees through the New York Department of Financial Services Cybersecurity Regulation (23 NYCRR 500). His presentation broke down the regulation's key requirements—including multi-factor authentication, encryption, risk assessments, and CISO responsibilities—and tailored compliance strategies for public adjusting firms. Recent enforcement trends and case examples underscored DFS's growing scrutiny, while practical tools and templates were shared to help attendees strengthen cybersecurity practices and avoid penalties.
Session 4: Ethics Update for Public Adjusters 2025, presented by Jonathan Wilkofsky, Esq.
Returning to the podium, Wilkofsky delivered a comprehensive ethics refresher covering integrity, professionalism, fiduciary duty, and conflict management. Attendees reviewed Regulation 10, the NYPAA and NAPIA Codes of Ethics, and practical techniques for maintaining transparency and client trust. The course reaffirmed that ethical conduct is not just regulatory—it is the foundation of professional credibility.
Session 5: Fundamentals of Additional Living Expenses, Importance of Public Adjuster Involvement, and Carrier Responsibilities, presented by Maria Lifrieri, ALE Pro Insurance Logistics
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Maria Lifrieri closed the educational program with a focused discussion on Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage and the carrier's fiduciary obligations in fair claim handling. Drawing on recent New York case law, she examined disputes over comparable housing, restoration periods, and proof of ALE expenses. Her practical strategies emphasized accurate documentation, clear communication, and ethical negotiation—reminding attendees that ALE claims directly reflect a carrier's duty of good faith and fair dealing.
Final Remarks: A Call for Accountability
NYPAA Executive Director Jonathan Wilkofsky, Esq. concluded the meeting with a powerful message about consumer protection and the ongoing fight for fairness in insurance claims. He discussed the New York Unfair Claims Practices Act, designed to hold insurers accountable for unfair delays and denials. While the Act represents progress, Wilkofsky noted that further reform is essential to ensure true accountability.
He urged attendees to support NYPAA's advocacy efforts and contribute to the initiative, emphasizing:
“Policyholders who pay their premiums deserve insurers that honor their commitments.”
Looking Ahead
The NYPAA Annual Meeting successfully combined education, certification, and advocacy, reinforcing the organization's mission to elevate professional standards and protect policyholders.
Members are encouraged to stay engaged, continue their professional development, and join NYPAA's efforts to advance fair claims practices statewide. (Additional Resource: NY Bad Faith Bill)
2025 ANNUAL MEETING PHOTOS
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