Which of the following is sometimes granted draft authority to pay small claims on behalf of an insurer?

The correct answer is appointed insurance agents, who may be granted draft authority to pay small claims on behalf of an insurer. This authority allows agents to handle minor claims efficiently without needing to escalate every issue to the insurance company. By granting this authority, insurers can streamline the claims process for lower-value claims, improving customer satisfaction and reducing administrative burdens.

Appointed insurance agents are typically directly involved with the insurer's policies and procedures, making them suitable representatives for handling such responsibilities. They have a vested interest in maintaining a good relationship with clients and resolving claims promptly, which aligns with the insurer's goal of providing effective service.

The other groups mentioned, such as attorneys, public adjusters, and auto appraisers, while knowledgeable in their respective fields, do not generally have the authority to disburse payments on behalf of the insurer. Attorneys may negotiate settlements but typically do not engage in payment processing roles. Public adjusters advocate for policyholders in claims disputes but do not have payment authority. Auto appraisers assess damage and estimate costs but their role is also not designed for payment issuance.