If you received a letter from your home insurance provider that it will be ceasing to extend your coverage, you are not the only one. As a result of dramatic financial declines in the insurance sector around the state, thousands of households are in a similar scenario. Insurance analysts believe that insurance lawsuits due to…Continued
Smart home technology has become prominent in many homes, making them potentially safer, apart from common privacy concerns. More linked than ever, sensors and smoke detectors are theoretically stopping a condition from being worse or tragic. What smart home technologies are capable of, insurance firms have noted. The technology assists with reducing the chances that…Continued
During the insurance claim process, an adjuster will likely pay a visit to the home, so it’s worth knowing what to expect. Depending on the severity of the damage, the adjuster will spend a few to multiple hours inspecting the house. They need to be as detailed as possible. If you happen upon something that…Continued
Home insurance inspections differ from a normal home inspection as the latter is typically for your peace of mind. You will want to be confident, for example, that the house has no significant structural defects, such as faulty wiring. On the other hand, a home insurance inspection helps the insurance provider to gauge the repair…Continued
There is the insurance deductible and then there is what’s called the hurricane deductible. The latter is a somewhat recent tool with several differences from that of a standard home insurance policy. As the name implies, these deductibles are intended to address hurricane damage and they represent a percentage of the value of your home.…Continued
Insurance scams are not uncommon yet homeowners often fall for them. Many of these scams begin with a person claiming to be a licensed contractor approaching your doorstep following a storm offering to fix home damages for an unusually low fee or they may say that they will deal directly with the insurance company. A…Continued
The 2020 storm season has been an active one and has included close calls like Hurricane Isaias which came dangerously close to South Florida before shifting direction. As more storms arise, it’s important to be prepared when it comes to home insurance. That also means avoiding common pitfalls that may end up being costly. Strongly…Continued
Florida has dodged any major storms and will hopefully continue to do so for the rest of the year. However, should one decide to visit South Florida, would you know the steps to take if you need to file a claim with your insurance provider? You may wish to start by determining if flooding, wind,…Continued
The latest set of storms spared South Florida but in the event one does hit, it’s likely your phone will be integral in staying connected. As with any piece of electronics, it will rely on power. How can you optimize the use of the battery so it lasts as long as possible? Use the power-saving…Continued
This year’s Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be a busy one. The NOAA’s forecast reveals that throughout the months of June to November there are 13-19 named storms, 6-10 of those storms have potential to become hurricanes with 74 mile winds, and 3-6 of those have the potential of developing into 3,4 or 5…Continued
Hurricane season runs from June to November. The damage these natural disasters can cause brings hysteria to the public, even more so now while we are going through a pandemic. Securing your home before a hurricane is important to prevent further damages and losses. Trees can be hazardous during a hurricane. High winds can cause…Continued
Most homeowners think that they should only contact their insurance company for major issues such as storm damage, a fire, or leaks. They may believe that if the issue isn’t of a certain magnitude, it’s not worth a call. Considering you’re probably paying a lot of money for your policy, it’s worth giving it a…Continued
Florida homeowners are already known for paying some of the highest premiums in the country, and that is once again being reinforced with some recent data being released by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) and the Insurance Information Institute. Florida managed to earn second place as the state with the highest premiums, bested…Continued
It’s easy to confuse hazard insurance and homeowners’ insurance. Despite its name, hazard is not an entirely separate policy, it’s a component of a homeowner’s policy. It’s the part that will take care of replacing the structure and contents of a home should a natural disaster occur. The remainder of the homeowners’ insurance will protect…Continued
Hurricane season has arrived, and it can cause property damage as well as disrupt businesses. It is important that you are prepared for a worst-case scenario, and there is no better time than now before the threat is looming. If you wait until a hurricane watch or threat is issued it may be too late…Continued
Homeowners across the state of Florida pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country and according to a recent Sun-Sentinel article, the prices will soon get worse. Premiums are expected to see a considerable uptick as insurance companies try to grapple with the cost of providing coverage needed following the devastating effects of…Continued
Among the many reasons why it’s so important to know your insurance policy is because there is only so much governments will do for you in the event your home suffers extensive damage due to a storm. FEMA, for example, may provide disaster grants that don’t require repayment. However, the amount provided by these grants…Continued
With hurricane season in full swing and weather analysts predicting an above-average number of storms, you may wish to start preparing in case a major storm does decide to make its way to South Florida. The following tips may seem familiar but are worth highlighting, especially for first-time homeowners that have yet to experience the…Continued
The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the way people go about their daily lives. With hurricane season on the horizon and forecasts predicting an above-average season, it’s likely going to be much different. A Sun-Sentinel article presents a few scenarios that may occur as a result of the coronavirus. For example, power outages may take…Continued
On June 1, hurricane season officially. As we’ve discussed in the past, now is when you should be taking a close look at your insurance policy. Do you understand all of the terms? Are you aware of what is and isn’t covered? An article on Florida Today presents some valid points about why it’s so…Continued
As Florida makes some small strides in selectively re-opening, the looming arrival of hurricane season remains. State officials are now brainstorming on what should be done should COVID-19 linger into the start of the storm season. As of this writing, over 35,000 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed. When a hurricane is heading for the…Continued
An appeal panel is asking Florida’s highest court to determine if homeowners’ insurance policyholders need to employ a pair of experts to investigate property-damage claims rejected by their insurance providers as opposed to a single public adjuster who may also act as a disinterested appraiser. The Third District Court of Appeal rejected State Farm Florida…Continued
As is the case with many homeowners, the best asset you have is likely your house. Protecting it will be high on the agenda. Plus, nearly every mortgage lender has requirements in place mandating that homeowners purchase home insurance. That makes sense: Even if your home suffers catastrophic damage, your lender needs to get repaid.…Continued
Hurricane season starts in less than two months, which highlights the value of knowing what to do should a hurricane decide to target South Florida. Instead of discussing what steps homeowners should take, let’s discuss those that they shouldn’t take. Refrain from waiting. When a big storm causes damage to several properties, insurance companies may…Continued
We collect a lot of personal belongings as the years go by, and some of it may be worth more than a person may realize. You’ll want to ensure you have the right personal property insurance to help cover the property in case it gets lost, gets stolen, or is destroyed. It may also be…Continued
A CNBC article tells the story of a homeowner whose property sustained damage following a tornado. Though the home was only damaged externally, he found out that his homeowners’ insurance policy did not cover all of the damage. While the policy terms provided the coverage to replace the roof entirely, the siding of the home…Continued
Do you have an insurance policy with Anchor Property and Casualty Insurance Co. or Homeowners Choice Property and Casualty Insurance Co.? If so, you may be among the thousands of homeowners forced to switch to a new insurer once the spring season arrives. According to a CBS Miami article, Anchor’s financial stability rating was downgraded.…Continued
The road to purchasing a new insurance policy for your home isn’t always as straightforward as it should ideally be. In some cases, it may be necessary to have an inspection done, depending on the insurance company. Furthermore, options are vast when it comes to choosing an inspector, potentially adding to the complications. Based on…Continued
If you’re among the many Florida homeowners that are not required to have flood insurance, your home’s status may soon change. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is re-evaluating its South Florida flood risk zones. These maps have remained in effect in 2017 and they dictate whether you have the option of purchasing flood insurance…Continued
Homeowners insurance in Florida is a major expense and depending on several factors, your insurance premium may be higher. There are ways you can potentially bring down rates, but many factors are circumstances beyond your control. Let’s take the age and construction of your home, for instance. Depending on the type of construction and when…Continued
We’re approaching the end of the first month of 2020, have you done your annual check-up yet? Similar to how doctors recommend you visit them each year to make sure the body is running in good shape, your home and your insurance policy deserve some attention. For starters, if you haven’t already done so, now…Continued
You’ve decided to buy a Florida home in 2020 and one of the first things you’ll be doing is making sure the home you’re interested in undergoes inspection. This is a smart move as it can potentially reveal issues that may make you think twice about purchasing. For example, maybe the home has a history…Continued
It’s a new year and that means many people may be thinking about becoming first-time homeowners in 2020. Homeownership can be a rewarding milestone but it’s also one that comes with potential costs that need to be taken into account, alongside mortgage payments. A major difference between a homeowner and renting is that there is…Continued
Will you be renting a home or apartment in 2020? The landlord may require purchasing renters insurance. Having a solid foundation of what this insurance is all about can save you from major losses if a disaster happens to strike. Damage to the property is protected by homeowners insurance. A standard policy would protect the…Continued
Privacy concerns aside, smart home technology goes a long way in making homes safer. Cameras and smoke detectors are more connected to ever, potentially preventing a situation from becoming worse or disastrous. Insurance companies have noticed what smart home technology. Thanks to modern cameras and cutting-edge sensors, this technology can help with reducing the odds…Continued
When Florida passed assignment of benefits (AOB) reform back in July, it came as great news to insurance companies. The head of Citizens Property Insurance Corp has states he’s noticed a difference. In the meantime, most Citizens policyholders may see premium relief from the new law as the post-AOB overhaul rate of the insurer is…Continued
Some good news has emerged for Floridians with flood insurance or those will be obtaining flood insurance soon. A potential overhaul of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) intended to change the way NFIP charges policyholders to adapt to climate change has been delayed for a year after some input from Congress. The original plans…Continued
Homeowners insurance is usually designed to help restore or replace your home and property if some insured risks, such as fire or robbery, harm them. If a guest is injured in your house, and you unintentionally harm the property of another party, most homeowner policies also provide liability coverage. The homeowners’ insurance personal liability section…Continued
At its essence, a homeowner’s insurance policy is designed to protect you from the unexpected. However, insurers are still looking to make money. Hence, when it’s time to file a claim, they may attempt to give you what’s called a “lowball” offer, with the hopes the offer is accepted and property repairs can proceed with…Continued
Modern security systems feature robust technology designed to keep your home, family, and belongings safe. Many homeowners’ insurance policies also give discounts if you have a security and/or alarm system installed in your home. However, make sure you talk to your insurer or agent as there may be restrictions on what they consider to be…Continued
Numerous South Floridians filed insurance claims due to damage from Hurricane Dorian, even though the storm never made landfall in Florida. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, close to 4,000 insurance claims were submitted, with over 900 of those coming from Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade County. Most of these claims appear to…Continued
While many of us view pets are four-legged members of the family, it’s worth remembering that these are animals which, if scared or agitated, can become aggressive and possibly bite someone. With the holiday season just around the corner, you’re probably going to have more people over; make sure you’re protecting yourself from…Continued
October is here which means this month we’ll be celebrating Halloween. The day remains popular as children and adults alike dress up in costume. However, Halloween is also notorious for the havoc it can cause. The use of rotten eggs or “egging”, for example, is a common tradition that may cause damage to a home.…Continued
The damage caused by Hurricane Andrew back in 1992 forced builders and lawmakers to implement stricter building so homes and buildings throughout South Florida could tolerate Category 5 winds. Following the storms of 2004 and 2005, Florida Power & Light also upgraded its system to withstand winds up to 145 mph after Hurricane Wilma knocked…Continued
When’s the last time you checked whether your home is located in a flood zone? Flood maps in Miami were recently tweaked, which means Miami’s changes and amendments to flood maps and related ordinances will bring about major changes. The properties on the revised maps are now situated in special flood hazard areas. This means…Continued
Now that Hurricane Dorian has come and gone, it’s a good time to make preparations in case there is another storm looming in the tropics. Being prepared can make a world of difference when you’re scrambling to take care of any damage caused by a storm. One thing you can start doing right now is…Continued
Hurricane Dorian managed to steer mostly clear of South Florida, sparing it from some potentially catastrophic damage. However, hurricane season isn’t officially over until the end of November. In the event a hurricane does pay a visit to South Florida, would you know what steps to take to file an insurance claim? One of…Continued
The roof is a major part of your home’s infrastructure, and it factors heavily in how the home will survive a major storm or how hot it may become during the warmer seasons. This only reinforces how important it is to carefully consider whether it should simply be repaired or if it needs to be…Continued
The latest updates on Hurricane Dorian suggest the storm may turn into a category three before it makes landfall in Florida. If you haven’t already done so, time is running out to prepare for the storm as stores in South Florida are quickly running out of supplies like bottled water, and lines become endlessly long.…Continued
Mother Nature has remained mostly dormant when it comes to sending hurricanes towards South Florida, and hopefully, it will stay that way. Besides having your emergency preparedness kit ready in the event a major storm hits, it’s also important to think about the four-legged members of the family. When it comes to priority, pets, unfortunately,…Continued
As hurricane season continues, chances are you’ll be using your phone as a means of staying connected in the event a storm does indeed wreak havoc and cause power outages. Just like any other electronic device, even your phone will eventually require power to charge its battery. How do you maximize the battery usage to…Continued
We’ve talked a lot about the steps to take prior to the arrival of a hurricane, but what should you do if it does hit? Do you know how to protect yourself and your family during and after the major storm has passed? Let’s examine a few tips. During a hurricane, you want to make…Continued
It’s August and so far, South Florida has managed to dodge any major storms like a hurricane. However, smaller storms have been occurring on an almost daily basis, which means homes are still susceptible to damage albeit at a smaller degree. As a homeowner, would you know how to proceed if something were to happen?…Continued
Have you put together your hurricane preparedness kit yet? We previously mentioned the importance of having things like cash on hand in the event you need money and are unable to use an ATM due to a lack of electricity. Your family is just as important. Let’s say you live with an elderly individual. Depending…Continued
Citizens Property Insurance Corp. policyholders living in Palm Beach and Broward County won’t be seeing any reductions when it comes to their insurance rate. The last resort insurer recently received the OK from Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation to raise rates for the thousands of customers with a multiperil residential policy. These rates will be…Continued
With Barry officially being named a tropical storm, it’s worth keeping in mind the damage a storm can cost. While lives are the priority, it’s also important to take into account your property. Do you know what a standard policy does and doesn’t cover? A standard homeowners policy will protect four primary things: your dwelling…Continued
The month of July begins next week and there are several laws that will be going into effect, many of them related to insurance. Perhaps the most notable of these is HB 7065 which will focus on overhauling assignment of benefits (AOB). Among the provisions expected in HB 7065, it will limit one-way attorney’s fees…Continued
South Florida homeowners insured with Citizens Property Insurance are receiving some welcome news after the insurer announced it will be re-evaluating its decision to hike rates as it originally intended. Instead of raising rates by just over eight percent, the last-resort insurer will now be scaling back by raising residential premiums by 4.7 percent. Over…Continued
Now that hurricane season is here, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer is looking to assist Floridians with taking the important and necessary steps to prepare their home as well as their finances should a disaster occur. Appropriately dubbed Prepare Florida, the initiative includes a breadth of resources and information for homeowners regarding all things related to…Continued
Hurricane season is here and although forecasters appear to be suggesting a slightly below average season, history has shown that just one storm regardless of the category can result in millions of dollars in damage. Now is the time to start making preparations while Mother Nature remains calm. One easy way to start preparing…Continued
When most people think of a meteorologist, they think of the people frequently seen on newscasts. These are the people that can tell you what kind of weather to expect and when this weather will occur. And then there are forensic meteorologists, which do everything a regular meteorologist does but they also have the experience…Continued
In our previous blog, we mentioned the monumental Florida insurance reform bill which is expected to address the ongoing issue of assignment of benefits (AOB). The bill was recently passed by the Florida Senate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has already expressed that he intends to support and sign the bill, further clearing the way…Continued
A pair of homeowners lost their jury award when the jury found that the homeowners made misrepresentations regarding an insurance claim, resulting in the insurance policy being voided. Back in 2009, the homeowners were dealing with issues regarding their kitchen drain. A plumber came to the home and took care of the drain line but…Continued
Earlier this month, a Florida federal district court made it clear that insureds pursuing a lawsuit under a standard flood insurance policy (SFIP) that was issued via the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are not entitled to receive attorneys’ fees based on Florida law or interest on their claim, nor are they entitled to a…Continued
Today is the day. The Florida House will likely give the OK to a bill that would overhaul the insurance practice commonly known “assignment of benefits” (AOB). Known as HB 7095, the House began evaluating the bill yesterday, positioning it for a potential vote. AOB has remained a hotly debated and much-discussed topic during…Continued
Last month, a Florida court ruled that a homeowner whose property was damaged by Hurricane Irma would not be able to file suit against the insurance company where the mortgagee was the name listed under the policy as the insured and the homeowner was listed as the borrower. The homeowner sued his insurance…Continued
Hurricane season begins in less than two months which reinforces the importance of knowing what to do in the event a major storm strikes South Florida. As opposed to explaining what steps homeowners should take, let’s explore some that should not be taken. Don’t wait. When a major storm damages multiple homes, you can expect…Continued
A pair of unrelated bills that would affect assignment of benefits (AOB) processes for when property owners have to file a claim with their insurance company is receiving opposition from a Florida association. The group believes that SB 122 and HB 7065 do not adequately meet the needs of homeowners or contractors. Both…Continued
A news story was recently televised on WFLA News Channel 8 presenting some potentially alarming developments regarding insurance. Florida legislators may be paying closer attention to lawyers representing insurance companies, citing House Bill 751 and Senate Bill 1464. These bills appear to include language that would make it harder for policyholders to take action against…Continued
When Hurricane Michael caused significant damage to the Florida Panhandle last year, many homeowners received the unwelcome surprise that their insurance policy did not cover flood damage. To address this, a bill was introduced mandating that all new homeowners insurance policies must make it clear if they do not provide flood damage. The bill went…Continued
New homeowners that have a mortgage on their home must also have a homeowners insurance policy in place to protect their investment. For many homeowners that have paid off their mortgage, however, they are choosing not to continue with their insurance coverage, according to an NBC 6 Miami news story published last month. This can…Continued
More than two months into 2019 and the ramifications of Hurricane Irma are still being felt. The Sun-Sentinel is reporting that homeowners across South Florida may be in for insurance rate increases due to “creeping” loss increases as a result of the 2017 storm. According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, estimated insured losses…Continued
Purchasing a new homeowners insurance policy can turn into a Herculean effort. For many households, an inspection may be required, though these may vary among insurance companies. Additionally, there are various inspectors to choose from, further complicating the process. Depending on which insurance company you ultimately go with, the following are a few examples of…Continued
The subtropical depression Alberto that affected Florida this past Memorial Day weekend only serves to reinforce how important it is to take the time and ensure that your insurance policy reflects your needs and that it provides sufficient coverage for you and your family. . As the value of a property fluctuates, it’s important…Continued
Several groups including Florida lawmakers and the state’s Chamber of Commerce allege that a loophole in state law may be causing insurance bills to skyrocket, and it has a lot to do with the assignment of benefits (AOB). According to these groups which also include consumer watchdogs, homeowners often fail to fully comprehend what they’re…Continued
In case you missed the news, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. made headlines late last month when it announced its intentions to raise residential insurance rates by just over eight percent beginning in September. While its Board of Governors were not pleased with having to bump up rates, the blame for the rate hikes was placed…Continued
The government shutdown is leading to a host of problems. For one, numerous government employees are going without pay. Countless other federal services have also been put on something of an indefinite hiatus until the shutdown is resolved. In regards to insurance, this may also affect people that are seeking flood insurance. Before we elaborate,…Continued
It’s 2019 and efforts to tackle Florida’s assignment of benefits (AOB) issue continue. In a recent move, a new Senate Bill 122 has been proposed with the goal of overhauling the one-way attorney fee provision in the state’s current AOB law. With this bill, attorney fees would only be awarded to the policyholders that win…Continued
As a homeowner, there are aspects of having insurance that may remain mystifying. This may include understanding the policy terms and perhaps most notably, figuring out why it is that your policy becomes costlier each year. These increases often happen even if you’ve never once had to make an insurance claim. Why is that? The…Continued
Last month, the owner of a Florida-based roofing company was arrested after several homeowners were allegedly defrauded out of more than $45,000, according to an Insurance Journal article. Additionally, the roofing company was alleged to have worked without workers compensation insurance. It is alleged that the roofing company owner defrauded about six homeowners after requiring…Continued
Are you among the millions of households that are currently renting a Miami home or apartment? If you’re planning to rent in 2019, you may find that the home you’re staying in will require you to have renters insurance. Having a degree of understanding of what this insurance is all about can save you from…Continued
Some bad news for Citizens Insurance policyholders as we approach the beginning of 2019. Earlier this month, the last resort insurer decided to raise its residential insurance rates by just over eight percent. Policyholders can find some degree of relief in knowing that the rate hikes will not kick in until the fall season in…Continued
The holiday season is in full swing and December is here, which means countless homeowners will be putting up decorations to celebrate the holiday season. While all of the lights and decorations certainly look festive, they can also pose a safety risk and may cause thousands of dollars in damages. Use these tips so you…Continued
In the event of a natural disaster it’s important to take care of yourself and all your personal data. Your own life is priority over anything else, then you should worry about all your data and anything you want to protect. Having all your information, photographs, and other documents ready will make your transition into…Continued
South Florida was thankfully spared the wrath of Hurricane Michael. The Florida Panhandle, on the other hand, wasn’t so lucky. While we were spared over here, it’s worth remembering the steps homeowners should and should not take in the event a major storm does wreak havoc like Irma did last year. Keep your damaged items.…Continued
A little over a month has passed since Hurricane Michael rampaged through the Florida Panhandle as a powerful Category 4 storm. A month since causing its extensive damage, Florida is still dealing with a rise in losses as recovery efforts continue. Hurricane Michael is the most powerful storm of its kind to ever hit the…Continued
In a perfect world, a meeting from an insurance adjuster is one that most homeowners would look forward to. But with so many adjusters attempting to reduce what the insurance company has to pay out, it’s understandable if the homeowner feels nervous. While not all adjusters are bad, they have a job to do and…Continued
With billions of dollars in insurance claims being reported and even more coming in due to Hurricane Michael, are Florida homeowners facing rate hikes? According to a WTVT FOX 13 article, the jury is out on whether this will happen. Even though there are fewer than two months remaining before we welcome 2019, there are…Continued
In most cases, an insurance company will require homeowners to submit a form called Proof of Loss should their home sustain damages. This document is typically one page and it requests certain information from the policyholder such as the time and date the loss occurred, what kind of loss the policyholder is claiming, and the…Continued
As the Florida Panhandle continues with its recovery efforts following the effects of Hurricane Michael, state officials are reminding homeowners the importance of making sure they hire only contractors that are licensed to take care of any roof repairs or replacement that may be necessary. During such times, it is not uncommon for scammers and…Continued
The aftermath of Hurricane Michael and its rampage through the Florida Panhandle reinforces just how damaging a major storm can be and how important it is to take preventative measures. Thankfully, a storm like last year’s Hurricane Irma did not pass through South Florida, yet homeowners should be aware of items that deserve their attention,…Continued
Panama City has remained one of Florida’s most popular vacation spots but after Hurricane Michael, it’s turned into something of an insurance fiasco. Hundreds of Panama City vacationers are seeking answers as they wait for their vacation or temporary homes to receive much-needed repairs. In one example, a longtime Panama City renter returned to her…Continued
Hurricane Michael has already left a trail of massive damage, especially in cities like Mexico Beach. With hurricane season still in full swing, homeowners should remember what to do in the event another storm decides to visit Florida. A “tip” that you may have read on the Internet is to use the dishwasher to safeguard…Continued
As we mentioned in a previous blog, hurricane season isn’t over until the end of next month, and the fact that Hurricane Michael is now a Category 2 storm on its way to Florida’s Gulf Coast serves as a reminder that hurricanes can still happen. While it’s too late to make any changes to an…Continued
In news that may come across as surprising, private market insurers are broadening the options available to homeowners in Florida, a strong indicator that the insurance market is in good shape. Nowadays, homeowners have a greater number of perks when it comes to coverage such as optional coverage for high-end items, bundling homeowner and flood…Continued
Last resort insurer Citizens Property Insurance has amassed close to $2 billion in losses due to the effects of Hurricane Irma, and it has handled well over 70,500 claims. Despite the large numbers and Irma losses, its Chief Financial Officer reassures that Citizens’ financial picture is “incredibly strong”. There’s still about two months before we…Continued
From strong winds, to floods and debris all over the place hurricanes are considered one of the most devastating natural disasters. So, how long do hurricanes last and how can you prepare for them? Lets begin with how they form. Hurricanes are cyclones that reach 39 to 73 mph from which they are considered tropical storms and they…Continued
As litigation continues regarding the assignment of benefits (AOB), insurers scored a win after Florida’s Fourth District Court of Appeal (DCA) ruled earlier this month that an insurer’s anti-assignment provision was not prohibited. Despite the ruling, the decision is expected to eventually escalate to the Florida Supreme Court. The DCA ruled that a homeowner’s insurance…Continued
While the Carolinas deal with the looming threat of Hurricane Florence, Florida is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma a year after the storm caused billions of dollars worth of damage. Florida courts are still seeing an influx of lawsuits involving homeowners filing suit against their insurance company. In fact, over 2,000 lawsuits…Continued
A Florida Appeals Court recently made the news after allowing assignment of benefits (AOB) restrictions regarding homeowners insurance policies. The news comes as hurricane season has ramped up with the arrival of storms like Gordon and Florence. The case involved a pair of homeowners (husband and wife) who signed a contract with a water restoration…Continued
With Tropical Storm Gordon edging close to Florida, it is important to remember that a major storm can still make landfall, even if less than a month remains until the end of the summer season. For new homeowners that are evaluating purchasing a brand new homeowners insurance policy, it is also important to know that…Continued
The more you know about homeowner’s insurance and how it works, the better off you’ll be in the event your home suffers damage. If you’re considering homeowner’s insurance, there are a couple of things you should know so that you have a greater understanding and are better able to deal with your insurance company. For…Continued
There are people who rent apartments and others who own a house. One thing is for certain: whether it is renting an apartment or buying a house, each one is considered one’s home. There are plenty of things to consider when renting or buying; however, having your home insured is key in both scenarios. …Continued
After a storm, many homeowners with coverage find out the hard way that the amount of coverage is inadequate to cover the extent of damage. On the other hand, they may also learn that the damage is not enough to reach the deductible. Homeowners often fail to look over their policy to see what is…Continued
According to an article published earlier this week on the website Florida Record, a pair of homeowners based in Oakland Park have filed suit against an insurance company, alleging the insurance contract has been breached. Their complaint was filed last month and alleges that the insurer wrongfully refused to pay the covered losses to the…Continued
According to an analytics firm, about three of every five homes in the country do not have sufficient insurance coverage, in some cases as much as twenty percent less than the home’s value. Are you among these people? Would you have about $50,000 readily available to rebuild your home if it had a replacement hovering…Continued
An article published earlier this month on the website Florida Record discusses a pair of homeowners pursuing legal action against their insurance for allegedly breaching an insurance contract by failing to cover water damages. The home located in Clearwater had an existing homeowner’s insurance policy when it sustained water damage, which was considered a…Continued
Weather forecasters are predicting this hurricane season will be more active than usual. While we’re all hoping the season comes and goes without a major storm, it’s still important to plan ahead and be realistic about what could happen and what to do in the event a storm does hit. Know what steps to take…Continued
Citizens Property Insurance Corp. policyholders concerned about planned rate hike will have to wait a little longer after the insurer decided to hold off on determining its 2019 rates until December. If all goes according to plan, Citizens will implement an increase of 7.9 percent for all of its homeowner insurance policies across the state…Continued
It’s summertime, so we can expect two things: lots of construction, and lots of storms. Last year, Hurricane Irma rampaged through Miami and caused billions in damage. The construction from Irma is taking place almost everywhere. And with hurricane season on us again, we have to keep an eye out for more damaging hurricanes that…Continued
Sometimes, hurricane insurance doesn’t cover everything you need. If something exceeds your deductible, or you don’t have flood insurance, then you may end up paying a lot. But a new insurance product has appeared that will cover what traditional hurricane policies don’t. This new insurance product is called StormPeace, and it’s sold by a company…Continued
A Florida homeowner who was dealing with a sinkhole claim put his faith in his insurance company only to end up feeling as if the insurance company took advantage of him, according to a News Channel 8 article published last week. The claim was filed back in 2011 after the homeowner noticed his home was…Continued
Now that we’re in the outset of hurricane season, it is definitely worth noting a worrisome development in how storms travel. The pace at which they typically move is slowing to about ten percent, which creates more powerful and possibly deadly storms. Hurricane Harvey, which stalled over Texas last year, may not be an anomaly…Continued
Now that June is here, hurricane season is officially “in session”. If yesterday’s nasty storms in South Florida were any indication, it’s that Mother Nature is not a force to be taken lightly. Thunder and lightning are one thing but coupled with strong winds, they can do some serious damage. Even with that in mind,…Continued
The subtropical depression Alberto that affected Florida this past Memorial Day weekend only serves to reinforce how important it is to take the time and ensure that your insurance policy reflects your needs and that it provides sufficient coverage for you and your family. . As the value of a property fluctuates, it’s important…Continued
With the imminent arrival of hurricane season in just a few days, Florida homeowners may have some concerns about how ready the state is to handle the aftermath should another storm like last year’s Hurricane Irma make landfall. The Florida Hurricane Fund is a resource intended to assist private insurance…Continued
A recent Florida court ruling reinforces the importance of filing an insurance claim, knowing your rights, as well as what is and isn’t covered in your policy when your home suffers damage. The case involved homeowners who repaired damage in their home caused by water before filing a claim with their insurance company. The court…Continued
A Sun Sentinel article published last week discusses the sharp rise in lawsuits against property insurance companies during the first quarter of the year when compared to the numbers from 2017. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the largest number of these lawsuits were filed by home and property owners in Florida. More than 10,500 lawsuits were served to…Continued
Next month will signal the arrival of hurricane season and if last year was any indication, it will likely be another unpredictable storm season for South Florida, with the looming possibility of one actually hitting us (i.e.: Hurricane Irma). If you haven’t yet considered flood insurance, your time may be running out. As we’ve mentioned…Continued
After Hurricane Irma slammed Southwest Florida last fall, numerous residents and businesses were affected. As was common in the aftermath of a storm, damages needed to be assessed but it is very difficult to do so with all sorts of debris everywhere, as well as the factors of time and safety. Enter the use of…Continued
According to an Insurance Journal article, a well-known insurance rating agency recently announced that it will not downgrade any of the financial stability ratings (FSRs) of more than eleven Florida homeowners insurance companies due to the losses incurred because of major storms and last year’s assignment of benefits litigation. Despite this, there are still plenty…Continued
For those of you that are keeping tabs regarding Hurricane Irma and the damage it caused, a recent Herald Tribune article says claims have now reached close to $9 billion. Over 900,000 property homeowners have filed Irma claims due to losses caused by the storm, which made its way through Florida last year. While the…Continued
Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is once again generating headlines after approving several changes to its policy language aimed at tackling the expensive costs associated with non-weather water loss claims and the legal cases that have caused premiums to skyrocket. These changes will also cover issues that have emerged since the insurer implemented its Managed Repair…Continued
While the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season does not officially begin until June 1st, forecasters expect there to be slightly above-normal activity, particularly increased formation of storms in the Gulf of Mexico. What is a cause for concern is not so much the number of named storms making landfall in the southeast United States, but the…Continued
If you were hoping for a decrease in the cost of flood insurance, there is some disappointing news to report: As of the first of the month, premiums became more expensive, rising eight percent. The somewhat good news is most homeowners can expect to see their insurance increase by only five percent or less, according…Continued
With hurricane season looming, now is the time for Floridians to purchase flood insurance before storms begin to wreak havoc. In most cases, a homeowner will be required to wait a minimum of about thirty days before the flood insurance policy will go into effect. Homeowners should remember that the majority of insurance policies do…Continued
With the rising costs of homeowner’s insurance premiums, you may decide to seek out a more reasonably priced quote with a different provider. Your home ends up suffering extensive damage so you decide to file a claim only to be told some potentially upsetting news: the money you’ll be receiving reflects your home’s depreciated value…Continued
A recent Tampa Bay Times article discusses a case involving Florida’s last resort insurer Citizens Property Insurance. Back in 2007, residents of a Palm Harbor-based condominium began noticing signs of a potential sinkhole, such as cracking walls, doors not closing properly, and depressions inside of the units. Although claims were filed on many of the…Continued
Those hoping the Florida Legislature would do something about rising insurance costs and the assignment of benefits (AOB) situation may be disappointed to find out that they’ll need to wait until 2019. According to a recent Sun Sentinel article, the legislative session came to an end this past weekend, leaving the much-debated topic of insurance…Continued
Heritage Property & Casualty is one of the largest insurance companies in the state of Florida. If you’re a homeowner with a Heritage policy or someone who intends to purchase one through the insurer, you may be in for a surprise. According to a recent Sun Sentinel article, the insurer intends to increase rates for…Continued
Water damage and mold, leaky roofs, these are just a few examples of the issues homeowners are still dealing with nearly three months into 2018 as they wait for their Hurricane Irma insurance claims to be processed. According to an article featured on the website WINK News, homeowners are grappling with a situation where their…Continued
One of the worst things that can happen to a homeowner after their home has suffered storm damage is realizing their insurance policy does not cover a certain amount of damage. A recent article published in Florida Politics discusses something that’s being done to address this situation. It’s often stressed the importance of actually reading…Continued
Filing for bankruptcy is time consuming and it involves a significant amount of paperwork, not to mention the emotional toll and stress involved. For anyone filing for Chapter 7 for the first time, it’s important to know the right forms and necessary steps. Begin by doing an assessment of your finances and examining closely why…Continued
Have you ever heard of “assignment of benefits”? Private insurance companies are putting in requests to the state to approve two important policy revisions aimed at reducing losses from this practice. Last month, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation gave Citizens Property Insurance Corporation the okay to limit costs involving emergency repairs after a loss…Continued
