Mississippi House Bill HB396

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Failed: 2/4/25

Caption

Property insurance; authorize appraisal panel to determine value of property and amount of loss, including issues of causation.

Impact

The implementation of HB396 would significantly impact the way property insurance losses are assessed in Mississippi. By establishing a formal appraisal panel with the authority to determine the value of the property and the extent of the loss, the bill seeks to simplify the claims process. It ensures that both parties can engage in a structured appraisal process, where each can appoint appraisers, and jointly select an umpire if disagreements arise. This might serve to expedite resolutions, reducing the time and resources currently spent on disputes that often end up in court.

Summary

House Bill 396 is designed to standardize the appraisal process for property insurance claims in Mississippi. The bill mandates that any property insurance policy issued in the state must include a clearly defined appraisal provision. This provision allows either the insurer or the policyholder to request an appraisal if there is a disagreement regarding the amount of loss or the property value. The legislation aims to create a more organized and efficient method for resolving disputes over claims, which can often be contentious and prolonged.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB396 may revolve around the exclusivity of the appraisal panel's authority in determining property values and loss amounts. While the bill reserves the final decisions on coverage and liability for the courts, some stakeholders may worry that this separation could lead to imbalances in power favoring insurance companies. Critics might argue that policyholders need further protections to ensure that their rights and interests are adequately represented in the appraisal process.