Proud Member of the
American Policyholder Association
Dependable Claims Specialists (DCS PIA) is a Professional Member of the APA, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit watchdog organization dedicated to protecting consumers from unfair insurance company practices.
What is the American Policyholder Association?
The American Policyholder Association (APA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) watchdog organization that promotes integrity, honesty, and best practices in the property loss adjustment sector of the insurance industry. The APA was founded to give policyholders a voice and ensure that the insurance industry operates fairly and transparently.
The APA promotes best practices with licensing agencies and governing bodies, monitors and reports on insurance fraud committed against property owners, and advocates broadly for policyholder benefits and solutions in insurance coverage, the claims process, and the repair and rebuilding process for policyholders in every state.
Importantly, the APA does not accept funding from insurance companies. Their work is funded entirely by their members and donations from individuals and businesses who believe in protecting policyholder rights.
How the APA Protects Policyholders
Consumer Protection
The APA stands against insurer tactics of delaying, lowballing, or denying valid claims. They work to ensure every policyholder receives full and fair payment of the coverage they pay for.
Regulatory Advocacy
The APA collaborates with elected officials, law enforcement, and government agencies to level the playing field between consumers and insurance companies.
Fraud Investigation
The APA accepts and investigates reports of insurance fraud against policyholders, working to hold bad actors accountable and protect property owners.
Coalition Building
The APA unites consumer advocates, public adjusters, attorneys, and builders to create a stronger voice for policyholders across the country.
The APA Mission
“What is best for the policyholder” directs all decisions. The APA seeks to ensure Americans receive security, peace of mind, and confidence in fair claims handling and dispute resolution.
The APA recognizes that for most Americans, their most significant investment is their property. Policyholders deserve the security and confidence that was promised when they paid their premiums. The APA serves as a fiduciary of the property owner, working to ensure that insurance companies honor the policies they sell.
Why DCS is a Professional Member
At Dependable Claims Specialists, we believe that every policyholder deserves honest, fair treatment from their insurance company. Our membership in the American Policyholder Association reflects our commitment to the highest standards of professional integrity and our dedication to policyholder advocacy.
Learn More About the APA
Visit the American Policyholder Association to learn about their work, access resources, or report insurance fraud.
What APA Professional Membership Means for You as a Policyholder
The American Policyholder Association is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that promotes integrity and best practices in property loss adjustment. As a Professional Member, DCS supports the APA's mission of consumer protection and policyholder advocacy. Our practices that align with APA's mission and with our Texas and Florida licensing obligations include:
- No carrier compensation. Public adjusters represent the insured, not the carrier. Our fee is paid from the policyholder's recovery under a written contract that complies with Texas Insurance Code Chapter 4102 and Florida Statute §626.854.
- Written disclosures. Fee, scope, and termination terms are set out in the written service agreement before any work begins, as required by both states.
- Statutory fee caps. Our fees comply with the caps in Tex. Ins. Code §4102.104 (Texas catastrophes) and Fla. Stat. §626.854(11) (Florida).
- License standing. Active Texas Public Insurance Adjuster license #2237777 (Joshua Osteen, individual) and Florida Public Adjuster license #W045717 (Joshua Osteen, individual); Texas Firm License #3134924 and Florida Firm License #W820363. All verifiable through TDI and DFS lookup tools.
- Public-interest engagement. The APA advocates for stronger consumer-protection rules and reports insurance fraud committed against policyholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the APA a government agency?
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Does APA membership cost extra for clients?
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How can I verify DCS's APA membership?
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Does the APA handle individual claim disputes?
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How do I report insurance fraud against a policyholder?
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Need Help With an Insurance Claim?
As APA Professional Members, we hold ourselves to the highest standards. Schedule a free consultation and let us advocate for you.
