Upcoming Changes for Citizens Insurance Policyholders
The Florida legislature created Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (“Citizens”) in August of 2002 to provide property insurance for Florida property owners who cannot find coverage from a private carrier. Although established as a last resort, Citizens is currently the largest private insurer in the state. This is partly due to other private companies raising their … Read more
What Is A Flood Policy, And Why Should I Get One?
Flooding is the most damaging natural disaster in the country. FEMA reports roughly 25% of all flood claims come from moderate to low-risk areas. Flood risks are higher in Florida because of the state’s frequency of storms and proximity to water. Just one inch of flood water can cause over $25,000 worth of damage to … Read more
Insurance Companies Unleashed to Harm Policyholders With No Consequences Following New Legislation
Earlier this week, Florida lawmakers from the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously voted to strip policyholders of their ability to hold unruly insurance companies accountable. It is no secret that Florida is experiencing an insurance crisis, with six insurance companies going bankrupt in 2022 alone, and many other insurance companies pulling out of … Read more
What is an Assignment of Benefits?
An assignment of benefits (“AOB”) is a signed agreement that transfers an insured’s claim rights – either partially or in full – from their insurance policy to a third-party. A signed AOB grants third parties, such as water or mold remediation companies, the right to file a claim against your insurance company in order to … Read more
Can Homeowners Record Insurance Company Adjusters’ Inspections?
Can Insurance Adjusters be Recorded During Home Inspections? On June 1, 2022,the Fourth District Court of Appeal of Florida in West Palm Beach held in favor of recording an insurance adjuster’s inspection at the insureds’ home. This decision may provide homeowners and public adjusters with a little peace of mind regarding property inspections of insurance … Read more
FEMA Extends Hurricane Ian’s Proof of Loss Deadline
What is a Proof Of Loss? A Proof of Loss (“POL”) is a legal document signed and notarized by a policyholder when requesting a certain amount of money from their insurance company. Filing a POL is required by homeowners’ insurance companies and must be provided within sixty (60) days of being requested by the insurance … Read more
What Is an EUO and Why Is It Important to Sit for One When Requested?
What is an EUO? An examination under oath, commonly referred to as an “EUO,” is a formal proceeding conducted by insurance companies to obtain relevant information about an insurance claim. First, the insured is placed under oath, meaning they legally swear the answers provided are truthful, under penalty of perjury. Next, after the insured is placed … Read more
My Homeowners Insurance Claim Was Denied. What Should I Do Next?
Dealing with the aftermath of property loss can be stressful. Opening an insurance claim on your own can be a tedious process, especially if the insurance company denies your claim. Nevertheless, you timely reported the loss, provided the requested documentation, and complied with scheduled inspections. So why was your claim denied? Why Insurance Companies Deny … Read more
What is an Insurance Bad Faith Claim in Florida?
Insurance companies have a duty to treat policyholders fairly and with good intentions. In fact, they are bound by Florida Statute 624.155. After all, insurance policies are meant to indemnify policyholders against specific losses. Despite this duty, insurance companies often act in bad faith. Insurance companies are ultimately for-profit businesses. Therefore, they may act unfairly … Read more
