Dealing with insurance claims can be a tumultuous journey for many commercial and residential homeowners. While some choose to handle claims on their own, many have discovered the invaluable assistance of attorneys specializing in insurance claims. If you’re on the fence, this article delves deep into why having a professional by your side can be a game-changer.   The Compelling Reasons to Use an Attorney for Your Insurance Claim For Property Damage:   Expertise and Experience: Attorneys that handle insurance claims come with a wealth of experience. They understand the intricacies ..read more

Florida is known for its extreme weather, but most people associate the state with its intense hurricanes, not other storms. That’s why people around the state were caught by surprise when eight total tornadoes were reported at the end of April.  Seven of the tornadoes came from one massive storm system on April 27th, 2023, including one described as “extremely dangerous.” They ravaged the Panhandle area. Another hit Palm Beach Gardens, half a state away, on April 29th. Winds from this twister exceeded 100 mph and destroyed homes and businesses throughout the city.  Tornadoes are not ..read more

After the passage of the comprehensive tort reforms to Florida’s insurance laws in March, it has become clear that major changes are coming to the state’s property insurance market. While the statutes passed primarily focus on preventing fraud by insured parties, state legislators have not ignored the actions of insurers.  On March 24th, 2023, the same day as the passage and immediate implementation of HB 837, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed that the state’s Insurance Regulation Office had opened an investigation into alleged fraud performed by multiple insurers. This investigatio ..read more

On March 24th, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 837 into law, effective immediately. After several special sessions, this new bill was pushed through the Florida Legislature to address the state’s ongoing insurance crisis. However, instead of making it easier for insurance policyholders to receive coverage for their claims, the bill primarily focuses on protecting insurers. HB 837 updates Florida’s regulations regarding bad faith insurance claims. Under the bill, the average policyholder may find it significantly more difficult to pursue claims when the insurance comp ..read more

Have you filed an insurance claim only to receive a denial or a shockingly low settlement offer because of “pre-existing damage?” You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Florida property owners have justified insurance claims underpaid or denied because their insurers claim the problems facing their property existed before the event that triggered the claim.  If that sounds familiar, you still have options for pursuing the compensation you need to repair your property. The first step is to understand how pre-existing damage is handled by most insurance policies. Is Pre-Existing Damage ..read more

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which works with local insurers to provide covered communities with flood insurance. As such, FEMA is responsible for setting many of the rules and regulations for flood insurance programs nationwide.  One of the most important rules the agency has set is known as the “50% Rule.” This rule can significantly impact people whose properties have been damaged by standing water. If you live in Florida or along the Texas coast, understanding the 50% rule is critical to ensuring you’re ready to fi ..read more

There’s never a good time for an emergency to happen. Whether you’re a homeowner or have a commercial property, the last thing you want to deal with is some kind of severe damage that needs urgent repairs. Unfortunately, you can expect some accident or natural disaster to hit your property at least every couple of years. When this happens, it’s critical to understand how to get your property repaired as quickly as possible without ruining your finances. The problem many people face is that receiving a fair payout from their insurance company can take weeks or months. What are you supposed to d ..read more

Hurricane Ian has put flood damage in the national spotlight. Many major cities in Florida saw storm surges over six feet, and inland flooding remained widespread long after the hurricane moved on. Some neighborhoods remain almost inaccessible due to flood waters more than two weeks later.  All of this standing water is incredibly destructive to homes and businesses. Without insurance coverage, it may be financially devastating. That’s why the National Flood Insurance Program exists. Here’s what the program does, how it works, and how you can get your claim covered if your property is dam ..read more

Properties in Florida face some of the most severe weather in the country. While hurricanes, high winds, and storm surges are the most common threats, other types of storms are also frequent. In particular, property owners in Florida occasionally have to contend with hailstorms, with individual hailstones that exceed an inch in diameter.  While severe hail is usually more localized than other Florida weather threats, it is no less devastating. If your property has been damaged by hail, you can likely file a claim with your insurance company. Here’s what you need to know about the risks ha ..read more

One of the most important steps in filing a property insurance claim is having the damage appraised. In a perfect world, this would be simple. An unbiased professional would come to your location, review the damage, and give you an objective and accurate appraisal of the costs of the necessary repairs. Unfortunately for homeowners, that isn’t always what happens.  The problem is that most insurance adjusters – the people responsible for assessing the damage to a property – are hired and paid by insurers. Whether they are independent or work full-time for an insurer, they are likely to fee ..read more