Vermont overhauls virtual claims adjustment guidance by permitting all insurance types

The revised Insurance Bulletin 206 is dated February 12, 2026, and signed by Commissioner Kaj Samsom on February 17, 2026, but does not specify an effective date for the updated guidance. The Department of Financial Regulation reiterates that under Title 8 V.S.A. Section 4724(9)(D) insurers must conduct a reasonable claims investigation based upon all available evidence, and under Section 4724(9)(F) must make prompt, fair, and equitable settlements of claims in which liability has become reasonably clear. While the Department acknowledges that virtual claims adjustment systems may in some situations help settle claims more quickly and reduce costs for insurers, it states that there is compelling evidence that photographs, videos and other virtual representations do not always reveal the true extent of damage.