Hurricane Ian – Two Years Later: Time is Running Out for Victims to File Claims

As Hurricane Helene approaches, we hope your family stays safe and that your property remains undamaged. Even if Helene doesn’t make landfall in your area, regions outside the forecast cone could still experience strong winds, embedded tornados, heavy rain, and storm surge. It’s important to secure your property and stay tuned to local advisories.However, while Helene grabs attention, Floridians affected by Hurricane Ian face another urgent concern—time is running out to file or reopen claims for damages from this devastating storm.

Final Call: Hurricane Ian Claims Deadline Approaching

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm on September 28, 2022. As we mark the two-year anniversary, it’s crucial for policyholders to remember that the deadline to file or reopen claims related to Ian is rapidly approaching. The final day to submit a Hurricane Ian claim is September 28, 2024. After this date, no new or reopened claims can be filed, meaning you may lose your right to recover compensation for property damages caused by Ian.

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When disaster strikes, such as the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma, businesses are often left grappling with significant damage including property, inventory, and business interruption. For many, these damages can lead to crippling financial burdens, especially if they are not properly compensated by their insurance providers. In such situations, the role of a licensed professional public insurance adjuster can be pivotal. 
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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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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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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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Every day, clients ask questions about the claims adjusting process. Recently, a client and retired home builder affected by Hurricane Ian asked me, how much insurance company adjusters make? I probed, “Why do you ask?” The response, “My insurance company has sent 5 different people to inspect my roof damage and the amount they're paying these people is probably more than the cost to replace my roof!”
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Hurricane Ian is producing all kinds of flood claim issues and conflicts with wind related water damage. National Flood seems to be responding well in some cases but others are frustrated and confused. We just received a $100K advance for one of our clients and we’ve seen some issuing $15K advance for contents and others $30K for buildings but with mortgage company names included.   We believe National Flood will waive the Proof of Loss requirement so look for an extension to the time frame. Also be very patient see what the City of Cape Coral is saying about homes flooded and built before 1981.
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Here is what we are seeing and advice on how property owners can handle and avoid potential problems with their flood and wind insurance claims.  As tremendous losses continue to mount, many recovering from Hurricane Ian are realizing their insurance companies are not paying policy limits for flood and wind claims, as reported by the Cape Coral Breeze in an article on October 14, 2022. Officials told a crowd of several dozen to stay persistent in working with National Flood insurance companies on getting reimbursement and compensation for work to repair homes, while other owners we have spoken to have already received denial letters. 
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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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