Licensed Public Adjusters often hold the keys to resolution — yet far too often, they’re the last line of defense for policyholders simply trying to level the playing field. When TPAs and licensed field adjusters are instructed not to write estimates unless explicitly authorized — while quiet exceptions are made for select insiders — we’re…
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…
It’s been about 1 month since Winter Storm Uri unleashed a frozen fury leaving millions of Texans in the dark to survive deadly frigid temperatures and up to $130 Billion in estimated damages. The record cold triggered mass power outages crippling The Lone Star State’s largest cities from Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Austin, El Paso…
In 2011, investigative reporter, Ms. Paige St. John of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune won a Pulitzer Prize for her investigative reporting that produced multiple news articles examining Florida’s murky property insurance system vital to Florida’s property owners. Ms. St. John provided helpful data for consumers to evaluate their insurance company’s (and the industry) reliability, sustainability, and ultimately uncovered how State…
Not surprisingly, CFO Jimmy Patronis’s statement to the press has caused a lot of interest especially from the media, some of whom were in attendance when his comments were made. Following both print and internet articles of the CFO’s opinion, I have gotten a number of calls from various media folks across the state asking me to…
The Tampa Bay Times published an article in their editorial page this past week titled, “Stop Giving Hurricane Victims the Run Around” which in my humble opinion is well worth the time to read. For the most part I could not agree more with this commentary as we have seen this “run around” for years. Clearly history…
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…
The following is an insurance claim question we answered for a policyholder through the United Policyholders Ask an Expert Forum. Q. I live in Florida and have had an extensive water damage/mold claim that I hired a public adjuster to handle. The insurance company invoked appraisal and the out-of-state umpire determined that mold was accountable for $15,000…
Those who experienced any type of water intrusion from the recent Tampa Bay rain and flooding may experience mold infiltration. When claims are delayed and repairs put on hold it can become a real problem as mold can grow unseen for months and create a serious health hazard. In the past, mold damage claims were covered…
Q. How can we make sure our insurance company is moving ahead with our repairs, etc? Right now, everything seems to be on hold until they can get a joint inspection with our contractor’s insurance company. Our house has been sitting for over a week with no heat, no electricity, etc., while we wait for this…