It's been a year since Hurricane Ian unleashed its fury on Florida, battering both coastlines and wreaking havoc on agricultural and urban areas in between.  An event that should have subsided in its aftermath has instead metamorphosed into a year-long saga of pain, resistance, and a battle for policyholder insurance claim justice as countless victims remain ensnared in an unnatural whirlwind: the struggle for fair compensation and treatment in the claim adjustment process.  
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Insurance is a cornerstone of risk management, especially when it comes to safeguarding valuable assets like property. However, the concepts of Estimated Maximum Loss (EML) and Probable/Possible Maximum Loss (PML) have been causing ripples of discontent among policyholders. Let's delve into what these terms mean and why they are becoming a concern, especially for commercial clients such as hotels and apartment complexes. 
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Last year, we saw one of the most destructive storms in the history of the state with Hurricane Ian. This year, we are witnessing just how severe the lack of oversight is, in regard to regulating property insurance carriers’ financial integrity as well as making them accountable for their claims handling schemes. If the regulators pursued carrier misbehavior with as much vigor as they do policing attorneys, public adjusters and contractors, we might see a better environment for Florida policyholders
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As numerous clients are in various stages of repairs their Hurricane Ian damaged properties, we would like to share one success story that underscores the invaluable role experienced public adjusters can play contributing to the stability of Florida's challenging insurance market. First, let’s look at an example of what has brought policyholders, claim professionals, state officials, and insurance executives to this point of frustration.

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With yet another Special Session beginning this week and a new legislative session beginning in March, Florida Legislators will soon be faced with some unexpected consequences, from new changes to the state’s insurance laws, that were passed by the Florida Legislature in May and December along with other pro-insurance reforms. There’s also, more work that needs to be done.

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Insurance Reform Special Session Updates
Public adjuster talks property insurance special session (baynews9.com)
Lawmakers to tackle Florida's property insurance crisis (baynews9.com)

As legislators attempt to reform and bailout the Florida property insurance market, ask yourself this:
Is the policyholder, property owner being put first?

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Let’s hope the FL legislators take a hard look at the sloppy claims practices and delay tactics that are hindering Hurricane Ian recovery during the special session on insurance reform next week. Insurance carriers and their claims departments should be put under the same scrutiny as Public Adjusters and Attorneys. Maybe if the carriers start getting fined they will treat their policyholders more fairly rather than trying to save a buck. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case based on our experience. https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/hurricane-ian-victims-struggling-with-insurance-claim-payouts-seek-help-from-public-adjusters

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A recent open letter from the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) stated: "Public insurance adjusters are experts in the claims adjustment process and are, along with attorneys, the only “licensed” profession that can help consumers by preparing, filing, and adjusting insurance claims. It is important to note that policyholders have the right to hire their own adjuster to assist them with the preparation of their claim.” In Florida, there are currently over 2,700 licensed and bonded Public Adjusters listed on the Department of Financial Services license search website. Not only are public adjusters already highly regulated by the state, but the national (NAPIA) and state (FAPIA) industry associations impose a high ethical standard on members. During Hurricane Michael and other storms, public adjusters were there to help policyholders when their insurance companies did not have the resources to respond in a timely manner. 
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Hurricane Ian is going to be a long hard insurance claim tragedy for Florida homeowners and businesses alike given the state of the insurance industry. Here’s what’s next for policyholder insurance claims, the adjustment process, and how industry consultants can help bring everyone together.   

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While it’s troubling to watch FL residents suffer soaring rate increases, I’m still hoping some meaningful legislation will be passed that will “immediately” impact rates and help property holders. The frustrating part is the partisan politicians who turn a blind eye when good amendments are put forward that could easily provide some rate relief. Just watch the consumer-friendly amendments laid out by Senator Gary Farmer who very eloquently explains the insurance shell game.  

Start at 1:57:30 - https://thefloridachannel.org/videos/5-24-22-senate-session-part-1/

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