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Water Leak Over 14 Days: What You Need to Know
Go to Water Leak Over 14 Days: What You Need to KnowYOU MAY NOT BE EXCLUDED FOR A WATER LEAK OCCURRING MORE THAN 14 DAYS Many homeowner’s policies have an exclusion which generally states we do not insure for a loss caused by constant or repeated seepage or leakage of water over a period of 14 or more days. Other policies state that a loss won’t…
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Hurricane Irma: DOCUMENT now to Speed Recovery After the Storm
Go to Hurricane Irma: DOCUMENT now to Speed Recovery After the StormBased on 20 years of handling building insurance claims: To speed up recovery on your building insurance claims after Hurricane Irma the main action you need to take? DOCUMENT EVERYTHING BEFORE AND AFTER THE STORM Before you evacuate, photograph and video the condition of your building and contents. Do this before you evacuate. Photograph and…
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Hurricane Irma Preparation
Go to Hurricane Irma PreparationIn the Path of Hurricane Irma . . . What Now? Based on 20 years of helping hurricane victims recover–what Floridians should do now: Pay attention to weather reports, and be prepared to evacuate. In the coming days, Floridians should carefully monitor the National Hurricane Center website for updates on Hurricane Irma: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Understand that…
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Texas HB1774 – Potential Impact to Those Affected by Hurricane Harvey
Go to Texas HB1774 – Potential Impact to Those Affected by Hurricane HarveyWhile search and rescue operations continue in Texas, it is difficult to think about recovery and build back. However, this is time-sensitive for those who are safe: Texans who may have wind damage, if at all possible, email or fax to your insurer (not the agent) a dated Notice of Hurricane Harvey claim by no…
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“Assignment of Benefits”: Florida lawmakers poised to sell you down the river . . . again
Go to “Assignment of Benefits”: Florida lawmakers poised to sell you down the river . . . againYet again, the Florida Legislature is poised to take away the rights of its own constituents—building owners—in favor of insurance companies with “Assignment of Benefits” Legislation. Despite the gentle treatment by Mother Nature in the last decade, have you noticed your property insurance premiums going down? Remember when insurance companies took away your sinkhole coverage…
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Deadline to File Proof of Loss for Hurricane Matthew Flood Claims Extended Again
Go to Deadline to File Proof of Loss for Hurricane Matthew Flood Claims Extended AgainIMPORTANT UPDATE! FEMA has extended the deadline for Hurricane Matthew flood victims to file a sworn proof of loss under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy for a second time, allowing another 60 days for a total extension of 180 days following the date of loss. See Bulletin W-17001 issued by David I. Maurstad, Assistant Administrator…
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Winter Garden residents with possible sinkhole damage face fight for coverage from their insurance companies
Go to Winter Garden residents with possible sinkhole damage face fight for coverage from their insurance companiesDid you know that some Winter Garden residents were forced to evacuate their homes Saturday night due to possible sinkhole collapse? One family was forced to move out when the floor buckled and the building inspector declared the structure unsafe. Neighbors are also seeing settlement cracks in their walls and are being told to leave…
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Jury Slams Citizens Property Insurance for Low Balling Claim
Go to Jury Slams Citizens Property Insurance for Low Balling ClaimWhen your home or business is damaged, you expect your insurance company to be there for you. That’s why you’ve paid your premiums all these years. Unfortunately, claims are often wrongfully delayed and underpaid by insurance companies. Last month, a Florida jury had enough and awarded homeowners $150,000 for a claim that was originally only…
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State Farm Fraud After Hurricane Katrina Now in US Supreme Court
Go to State Farm Fraud After Hurricane Katrina Now in US Supreme CourtIn the event of a loss to your home or business, insurance companies are expected to pay for the damage and return your property to its pre-loss condition. That’s the promise insurers make when you pay them money for a policy. But insurance companies are not charitable organizations. They are in business to make a…
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What Your Lawyer Should Tell You About Your Home Insurance Claim
Go to What Your Lawyer Should Tell You About Your Home Insurance ClaimIn January of 2016, a 64-year-old Spring Hill couple was sentenced in federal court on a conviction for federal wire fraud arising from their failure to disclose to the buyers of their home a $154,745 sinkhole insurance settlement they received. As a result, the buyers, a couple with five children, unknowingly took out a mortgage…
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When to Hire an Attorney for a Property Insurance Claim
Go to When to Hire an Attorney for a Property Insurance ClaimFrom the start! People contact me for help with property insurance claims that have been wrongfully denied or low balled. Unfortunately, I often see situations where the insured has a very difficult time getting the claim paid because it was not documented properly from the start. The scene was not preserved, and now it is too…
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5 Insurance Tips for Tornado Victims
Go to 5 Insurance Tips for Tornado VictimsWARNING: Your property insurance claim is routine business for the insurance company. It is important that you consult with an attorney who specializes in property insurance law, so that the true value of your loss can be determined. 99 percent of the tornado damage in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties has been confirmed—at least 653 properties…
