Chubb Indemnity Insurance Company is taking a $1.77 million fire claim to federal court, challenging the role of an unlicensed public adjuster in Minnesota.
On August 8, 2025, Chubb filed a complaint in the US District Court for the District of Minnesota, naming policyholders Mona Sabri and Mohammed Sabri, along with Paul A. Norcia. The insurer is asking the court to declare that it does not have to work with Norcia - whose public adjuster license expired in January 2023 - on the Sabris’ fire loss claim. Chubb also wants an injunction to keep Norcia out of the ongoing appraisal process and to exclude any documents he’s submitted.
The dispute began after a fire damaged the Sabris’ home in Edina, Minnesota, on or about March 25, 2024. Chubb had issued homeowners policy number 14138296-02 to the Sabris, covering the property from January 1, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The policy insures against direct physical loss, including fire, but Chubb says the fine print matters: only the named insureds or a licensed representative can handle the claim.
According to Chubb’s complaint, the Sabris brought in Norcia as a “consultant and estimator.” But Chubb claims Norcia’s actions - preparing a construction estimate, submitting a proof of loss, and communicating with the insurer - are exactly what public adjusters do. And under Minnesota law, Chubb says, you need a current license for that job. The complaint notes that Norcia’s public adjuster license (number 40026085) expired on January 31, 2023, and that he is not licensed as an attorney in Minnesota or elsewhere.
The numbers at the heart of this case are substantial. The Sabris, with Norcia’s help, submitted a proof of loss for $4,340,966.19, based on a construction estimate Norcia prepared on April 3, 2024. Chubb, after its own review, valued the loss at $2,570,376.91 and paid that amount less the deductible. The remaining $1,770,589.28 is now in dispute. When the parties couldn’t agree, the appraisal process was triggered, with Norcia still acting as the Sabris’ representative.
Chubb’s complaint leans heavily on the language of its policy and Minnesota statutes. The policy requires the insured to notify Chubb of a loss, prepare an inventory, and submit a signed, sworn proof of loss. The policy defines “you” as the person named in the Coverage Summary and a spouse living with that person. Chubb argues these duties cannot be delegated to an unlicensed public adjuster. The complaint also points to the Minnesota Standard Fire Insurance Policy statute and the Minnesota Public Adjuster Statute, which require public adjusters to be licensed and set out specific requirements for licensure.
Chubb alleges that Norcia, despite his expired license, continues to advertise public adjuster services online and has a history of regulatory trouble, including a 2015 enforcement action by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The complaint also references past court remarks about Norcia’s credibility as a witness, but all these points are Chubb’s claims, not established facts.
The insurer is asking the court to declare that it has no duty to participate in the appraisal process with Norcia involved and to enjoin him from acting as a public adjuster for the Sabris. Chubb also wants all submissions authored by Norcia excluded from the appraisal panel’s consideration. The company reserves the right to seek damages if it chooses to pursue them later.
It’s worth repeating: these are allegations made by Chubb in a newly filed complaint. The Sabris and Norcia have not yet responded, and the court has not ruled on any of the claims. For insurance professionals, the case is a timely reminder of the importance of licensing and compliance, especially when large claims and outside representatives are involved. The outcome could have ripple effects for how insurers and adjusters handle similar disputes in Minnesota and possibly beyond.
