An Act providing for temporary emergency licensing of appraisers of motor vehicle damage covered by auto insurance policies

HD 478 allows Massachusetts auto insurers to temporarily bypass standard licensing requirements for appraisers during declared emergencies. If the governor or insurance commissioner declares a weather-related or claims emergency, insurers can appoint qualified appraisers from other states or those working for insurers in states without licensing rules. These temporary appraisers are treated as licensed for resolving emergency claims, with their status ending once the emergency is over. The bill directly affects insurers and appraisers handling vehicle damage claims during disasters.