As recovery efforts begin after Hurricane Helene, many Floridians are facing the challenge of navigating property damage claims. This is a critical moment, especially given the lessons learned from Hurricane Ian just two years ago. While the focus is understandably on the present, 60 Minutes will be airing a segment tonight titled After the Hurricane, reflecting on Ian’s aftermath and the road to recovery—an important reminder as we move forward after Helene.
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Hurricane Helene is a fast moving large storm system that will impact a large geographic area. You pay good money to insure your property, while hoping never to have to file a claim. But when disaster does strike, you expect your insurance company to have your back. In a perfect world, your insurance carrier will send out their field adjuster following your notification of a loss. The adjuster will thoroughly inspect and properly value your damage. A check to help you rebuild will be forthcoming in a reasonable amount of time. Unfortunately, in our 40 years of practicing public adjusting, we often see too many cases where this is not the case.
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Congratulations to ABC Action News ITeam reporters for clearly explaining the state of Florida’s Property Insurance situation in their Florida Insurance Disaster show. There are still home and business owners battling their insurance companies trying to rebuild. While we applaud Florida’s My Safe Florida Home Program and the recent fine of an insurer not complying with claim regulations during Hurricane Ian, much more can be done to give policyholders an avenue to resolve disputes, hold unresponsive insurers accountable and require insurers have the financial staying power to withstand the serious storms that will come. Follow ABC’s continuing coverage of the Insurance Crisis in Florida.  

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The Last House Standing  by Director - Producer George Siegal, is a documentary film that explores why we continue to place cost over safety, while the technology exists to build homes capable of withstanding hurricanes, fires, and tornadoes. The film explores the challenges of post storm recovery and features an interview with our founder, Dick Tutwiler. Watch the Film Here
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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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Insurers slashed Hurricane Ian payouts far below damage estimates, documents and insiders reveal - The Washington Post

We all acknowledge there are good and bad actors in every industry. Unfortunately, we see these deplorable activities firsthand when policyholders call us frustrated after trying to settle their claim. I hope the Florida Legislature acts alongside the Department of Insurance and regulators to put oversight in place that will place severe consequences on individuals or companies preventing policyholders from getting a fair claims settlement. This is the type of oversight needed that can only help to stem the litigation crisis. Fortunately, most of those I interact with in the insurance claims industry are trying to do right by the policyholder. Let’s give the policyholders the freedom to pick and choose what resources they require to get a fair settlement.

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The complexities of a property insurance claim are many. This is even more true with the variables that exist in claims for country clubs and resorts. Owners and managers are not only tasked with navigating a building damage claim and policy coverage issues, but they also have the monumental task of addressing, assessing, and seeking compensation for damages to business personal property, maintenance equipment, golf carts, golf course and grounds, supplies, saleable goods Inventory, food & beverage stock, debris removal, and costs incurred for engineers, architects, and auditors. Moreover, owners will be tasked with addressing and projecting intangible damages for items like business interruption, extra expense, lost sales revenue, and lost membership dues. For business managers not familiar with the insurance claims process this is a daunting task that takes away large chunks of time from their primary responsibilities to efficiently operate the business. Learn how Public Adjuster Mike Stabile put his expertise to work for this client and acheived a fair claim settlement. 

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Happy to help educate policyholders in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.

 

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Many people might be surprised that having an adjuster look at your claim is only the beginning of the insurance claim process. Remember, the field adjuster that inspected your property may not be an employee of the insurance company. They are typically independent adjusters on contract and typically are paid a set fee or percentage for each claim they handle. This is especially true during disaster situations Like Hurricane Sally when there are so many claims to adjust. Typically, there is a shortage of qualified adjusters and they are hard pressed to get to as many claims as possible. You should ask them what firm they are with when they come to inspect your property and note how thorough they are recording your damage and if they are “listening” to you. 

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Many business owners and homeowners who experienced damage from Hurricane Sally, are just now being allowed back into areas that were deemed too dangerous to enter. Our thoughts are with all businesses and families affected by Hurricane Sally and the brave first responders risking their safety to assist others. Based on damage reports and our own public adjuster staff who are monitoring the situation, the combination of wind, water and flood damage will create some complicated insurance claim disputes. And if property damage wasn’t enough, the long-term loss of power has added misery to the mix. To deal with these perils, it behooves property owners to keep their eye on the ball or in this case the money. High percentage hurricane deductibles are likely to be applied and many folks may be surprised that despite their wind or hurricane coverage, they may be out of pocket for mitigation and replacement costs due to lack of flood coverage or exclusions for water - sewer back-up.

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