Listening to the weather wonks, it sure looks like Winter Storm Juno may be one for the record books. It may also be a notable one for the insurance industry with all the expected claims from water losses due to frozen pipe breaks, collapsed roofs due to heavy snow loads, and most unfortunately fires from faulty heating appliances and improper use of space heaters. Policyholders in New England, New York and New Jersey need to take notice.
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I want to thank Florida Public Adjuster Michael Platts for penning this excellent commentary. 

By Michael W. Platts

I have recently been involved in three cases which bring up a very interesting yet disturbing trend. All three are relatively small insurance claims. In each case, the insurance carriers have chosen to deny these claims without (from my perspective) performing a fair, impartial, proper and thorough investigation.

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The first thing many homeowners do when they experience a property loss is to dust off their insurance policy to see if they are covered. Quickly, they realize the complicated language property insurance policies can contain. It’s important to understand that the dynamics of a property loss are inseparable from the policy language when determining coverage. Even professionals can find interpreting policy language challenging. 
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Just wanted to give the readers of our blog a heads-up that if you have not already done so, register now for the 2015 Windstorm Conference.  We are back in New Orleans again for Windstorms 16^th Annual Conference and as I recall from our last conference in New Orleans (pre Hurricane Katrina) New Orleans was a great venue with lots to do and there is always a lot to learn from the faculty who will be traveling from all over the country for this premier property insurance claim education event.

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In part 2 of our year in review, we learned from an Orlando couple that even the simplest property claim can quickly become complicated. We also got lots of reads on understanding what proof of loss is all about. Superstorm Sandy even reared its head again after we settled a 2 year battle to recover a fair settlement for a client. Life as a Public Insurance Adjuster never gets boring. Enjoy the rest of our popular claim posts.    

Got something you’d like us to write about next year? Let us know. A safe and Happy New Year to all!

Couple has Advice for Those Who Have Even the Simplest Insurance Claim

Proof of Loss Property Insurance Claim Requirements in Florida

Sandy Flood Claims Denied – Public Adjuster Wins Reversal 2 Years Later

Click to read more of the best posts of the year

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While this is the time of year to look back and count all our blessings, I thought we would share some of our most popular blogs of the year in case you missed them. How time flies! Do you remember the Polar Vortex and serious pipe burst claims of early 2014? How about the tropical storm that hit the Florida Panhandle and the terrible flooding it caused? In each one of these weather events, there is always something for property owners and even the most experienced public adjusters to learn about how to better handle insurance claims. Thanks to all our guest bloggers and fine public adjuster staff that shared their knowledge and contributed blogs this year.

A safe an happy holiday to all!

Broken Water Pipes from the Big Freeze “Polar Vortex” What a National Mess!

Policyholder Question: Frozen Pipe Burst Claim Dispute - Is it Time to Hire a Public Adjuster?

Ice Dams Frozen Gutters – Their Baaaack!  

Click to read more of the best posts of the year...

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We recently handled a property claim involving a serious electrical fire in the home of a Clearwater Largo, FL family that caused significant fire, water, and smoke damage to the building and personal property. After being hired, the homeowner told us of a situation that is sadly becoming a recurring theme when fires occur. What we are referring to are the restoration contractors and public adjuster chasers who offer their services by bombarding the homeowners with confusing information and high pressure sales tactics.
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But first some background.  Steve Scott is a Gainesville, Florida attorney I have known for a number of years, which goes back to our first meeting when he called me to help him with a fire loss in his home. Following the successful adjustment and settlement of his claim, Steve and I became friends and that relationship has evolved over the years to the point that I get calls or emails from Steve on issues he has or claims his clients need help on. He’s a smart guy, has some strong opinions and will get your brain going! So I thoroughly enjoy our discussions.  What started our most recent conversation and debate was an email I received from Steve asking my opinion on a Florida Third District Court of appeals case Dynamic Public Adjusters vs. Henry Rodriguez  he had just read. This case came out in late November and was a turkey that was served cold to one side as you will read.
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Year after year, statistics indicate that fires peak between Thanksgiving and Christmas. As the chart below shows tree fires are a big contributor. As public adjusters, we see firsthand how a house fire and the ensuing insurance claim can ruin a holiday well past the New Year! We urge everyone to pay extra attention in the kitchen, around fires and with holiday decorations. Double check your smoke detectors and take special care this year while you enjoy the holidays.

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The end of November brings two significant events. The first is a full court press for the start of the holiday season and the second is the end of the official Atlantic hurricane season. Regarding the former let’s hope it is a good one. Things are looking good as the U.S. stock market continues its upward trajectory and despite reports from the financial sector that 25% of some of the world’s largest economies are in a recession, (some even facing deflation) the U.S. economy continues to grow with the additional good news of little threat of inflation for the homeland. And love those falling fuel prices! 
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