Hurricanes brewing as season approaches end
Posted on August 30th, 2010
Today Earl is announced as developing into a hurricane. Last week Danielle became the fourth named storm in the Atlantic. Danielle’s threat to South Florida did not actualize, but we’ve all noticed an increasingly dreary atmosphere and rain storms. The reporting was aggressive and left people thinking it was time to take in the patio furniture. Here’s a quick excerpt from a storm watch:
“The storm is currently out in the Atlantic, more than 850 miles west of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands, according to catastrophe modeler Risk Management Solutions (RMS). The NHC said the storm is moving west-northwest across the Atlantic at around 16 miles per hour and there is no immediate threat to land.” - http://www.property-casualty.com/News/2010/8/Pages/Danielle-Becomes-Fourth-Named-Atlantic-Storm-Threat-To-Land-Unknown.aspx
Earl is building, but it’s threat to South Florida is unknown. We’ll continue to watch the status and post updates and links to keep you informed.
http://www.property-casualty.com/News/2010/8/Pages/Earl-Becomes-Second-Major-Hurricane-Threatens-Virgin-Islands.aspx – Here’s a recent report regarding the development:
The Atlantic storm Earl has become the second major hurricane of the season, and it is expected to continue gaining strength as it heads toward the northern Virgin Islands.
Earl is currently a Category 3 storm with maximum sustained winds of 120 miles per hour. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) said low wind shear and warm water ahead of Earl “appears conducive for additional strengthening during the next few days.”
Its future threat to the U.S. East Coast is still unknown, the NHC said, noting, “This is a good time to remind everyone that NHC average track forecast errors are 200 to 300 miles at days four and five. Given this uncertainty, it is too soon to determine what portion of the U.S. East Coast might see direct impacts from Earl.”
Tags: hurricane danielle, hurricane earl
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Be careful who you hire
Posted on August 26th, 2010
Insurance companies often present preferred vendors to inspect your home, plumbing, roofing, etc. These vendors are often paid by the insurance companies and in many cases it can work against you.
A recent blog posting explains this with some more detail, here’s a clip from the article:
“These vendors help the insurance company control your claim damages. These vendors report their finding thru reports and estimates, etc directly to your insurance company. Removing and eliminating the homeowner from being a part of their own claim. Often, the homeowner cannot get a copy of his report, unless the vendor is told by the company adjuster to release it to the homeowner. Does this seem right? You the homeowner cannot get a copy of your own damages reports?”
Read the full article - http://www.floridainsuranceclaim.com/insurance-help/insurance-company-vendors-don’t-work-for-the-homeowner/
Stay informed and speak with us today to know what should be done.
Tags: insurance company vendors
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Don’t rush, there are options
Posted on August 9th, 2010
When in doubt ask, call us today – 305.467.5645
Take one step at a time, regardless if filing a insurance claim in Ft. Lauderdale, Sunrise, Palm Beach, Boca Raton or even Minnesota as discussed in an article below. We don’t service Minnesota, but for all you needs in South Florida we’re ready to help. Remember to call our Public Adjuster services in Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and the surrounding areas of Dade and Broward County.
Insurance claims can get confusing and typically surround damage to your property that can be equally as stressful. There are great resources to online that can guide homeowners through the process, but nothing replaces a face to face consultation. However, we recently found a few tips that can be very useful in the event you have property damage.
Typically, your insurance provider will attempt to resolve the matter directly with the policyholder. Remember there can always be other options when your insurance company presents a possible solution.
This article’s sub heading says it best…
Commerce department, public adjusters step in
When there’s a dispute with the insurance company over storm damage, there are options
This article by Rachelle Klemme, Wadena Pioneer Journal explains the scenario really well about how important patience is in when involved in the claim process. Here are a few tips:
• Review the specific terms of the insurance policy. For example, some policies do not cover the undamaged part of the property or tree removal if the tree did not damage the structure itself.
• Ask questions and find out if you and the insurance company interpret your policy differently. Get it in writing.
• Document the relevant details and communications and appeal to your agent and insurance claims executive. Ask for a second inspection by a different adjuster.
• Negotiate for a fair settlement — don’t just rush to take the first offer if it does not meet your expectations.
• Ask for an appraisal of the loss. Three people will appraise the loss: one chosen by you, one chosen by the company, and a third chosen mutually.
Read the full article - http://www.wadenapj.com/event/article/id/19468/
Tags: insurance claim tips, Public Adjusters
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Tropical Storm Our Way
Posted on July 22nd, 2010
Miami’s CBS4 Reports
Tropical Depression number three has formed in the Bahamas and with its formation comes tropical storm warnings and watches. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the Florida east coast from Golden Beach southward including the entire Florida Keys and Florida Bay and along the west coast of Florida northward to Bonita Beach.
Read full article – http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/07/22/ap/national/main6702562.shtm
FIRST STAY SAFE AND PROTECT YOURSELF, FAMILY, AND HOME.
SECOND – REMEMBER TO CALL US IF YOU NEED HELP WITH A CLAIM
Tags: tropical strom
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Miami Ranked #1
Posted on July 20th, 2010
There’s excitement around Miami’s new basketball lineup for the Heat being ranked number. This isn’t the number one ranking weather.com placed on South Florida. Weather.com ranks Miami as the number in the Top Five Hurricane Vulnerable and Overdue Cities - http://www.weather.com/outlook/weather-news/news/articles/top5-most-vulnerable-overdue-hurricane-cities_2010-07-14?page=6
“Despite a long history of major hurricanes striking southern portions of Florida, metropolitan Fort Lauderdale and Broward County, and the nearby city of Miami along with many of its suburbs in Miami-Dade County, have gone for decades without experiencing the direct impacts from a very damaging hurricane. At the same time, the population has soared and building has boomed in an area where essentially every person and structure resides within 20 miles of the coastline.”
This is frightening to read and it’s being reported about all over, here’s where to find it mentioned on the Miami New Times - http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2010/07/miami_ranked_first_for_cities.php
We cannot prevent a Hurricane, but we can prepare and plan for what happens if and when it hits. Give a ring today and I’ll explain how I can help you prepare.
Tags: hurricane, miami
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Steps to Filing an Insurance Claim
Posted on July 7th, 2010
The process of filing an insurance claim can be very confusing, especially during the first time you file a claim. We’ve done our best to layout a few essential steps in the Florida insurance claim process – read more steps in filing an insurance claim in Florida. These steps are very relevant to those in many areas around South Florida – this includes Boca Raton and West Palm Beach. The Boca Raton and West Palm Beach communities have been searching online for public adjusters in Boca Raton or public adjusters in West Palm Beach. Really the focus should be on a public adjuster that understands the South Florida communities and insurance claim process regardless of the location the resident is filing their claim. This is true for homeowners in the surrounding Dade and Broward areas. Hope the links and information is helpful to all of our readers.
Here’s a few useful links to keep handy and research for yourself:
Florida Department of Financial Services: www.fldfs.com
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation: www.floir.com
Florida Market Assistance Program (can help people find insurance companies): www.fmap.org
Consumer Federation of America: www.consumerfed.org
National Association of Insurance Commissioners (has a link to help people look up complaints/financial data on their insurer): www.naic.org
Insurance Information Institute: www.iii.org
These links and others can also be found on the Sun Sentinel website. They have a great story gallery on the Florida homeowner insurance crisis. We’re excited about bringing these resources to our readership. It’s important that consumers / homeowners understand how to navigate the insurance claim process in Florida. We recommend that time be spent to learn about the insurance claim process before a disaster hits – it’s a lot easier and there’s time to get your questions answered.
Florida Insurance Claim Process:
STEP 1: PRE-LOSS PREPARATION
Ironically, the claims process begins long before the actual loss. In order to get properly and timely compensated in the event of an Insurance Claim, it is important to take the following precautionary steps: have a copy of your ENTIRE policy readily available, understand the types and amounts of coverage you have, film a video and take numerous pictures of the interior and exterior of your home and an inventory list of all of the items of personal property that you have in your home. Remember; keep this list, video and pictures outside of your home.
STEP 2: LOSS MITIGATION & DAMAGE CONTROL
One a loss occurs, whether it is water damage, fire, flooding, hurricane, vandalism or otherwise; you should make every effort to mitigate damages and salvage whatever you can. This includes, but is not limited to, using tarps, create ventilation, contact remediation companies and safeguarding your valuables.
STEP 3: CONTACT A PUBLIC ADJUSTER
Contact Your Public Adjuster to facilitate with the claims filing and handling processes. At some point, you will need to provide your adjuster with all of the above listed documentation so that the claim can be handled professionally and settled in a timely manner.
STEP 4: FILING THE CLAIM
Although it is always recommended to hire a Public Adjuster, many people do not. If a Public Adjuster is involved, it is strongly recommended that the Public Adjuster actually call in the claim information. The information you will be asked when filing the claim will include: Type of Loss, Date of Loss, Loss Location and questions regarding what you have done since the loss to mitigate damages. It is important not to provide too much detail or information in the form of an opinion as whatever you state can be used against you. There are many policy exclusions and limitations that Insured’s are not familiar with and your statements are checked against those exclusions and limitations so that the Insurance Company can deny or limit coverage.
STEP 5: THE PROPERTY INSPECTION
Typically, within 72 hours of the loss, the Insurance Company will send out an “independent adjuster” to evaluate the damages, assess coverage and make recommendations to the Insurance Company. The only thing “independent” about these adjusters is their title. They are hired by the Insurance Company to represent the interests of the Insurance Company – they are not there to advocate for you. This is primarily why you need a Public Adjuster – to represent your interests and advocate for you.
At this inspection, the adjuster will ask many questions, look at the damage, take measurements and photographs and write up some notes to include in his estimate. DO NOT assume that just because he is doing these things the claim will be paid. Usually, the adjuster has no authority and is simply there to gather facts and information for the Insurance Company so that they can determine coverage. Normally, they use this information to claim some exclusion such as long term damage or wear and tear. Be very careful what you do and say with this independent adjuster.
more steps - Florida insurance claim process
Tags: filing insurance claim
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Condo Insurance Change July 1
Posted on June 24th, 2010
Radey Thomas Yon & Clark is an AV-rated firm located in Tallahassee, Florida. On their website, the firm hosts a blog that updates the public with relevant legal information, with a focus on insurance and employment issues. Recently there was an update posted by Travis Miller on the topic of Condo Insurance law and changes that will take place beginning July 1, 2010 – related mostly to Chapter Law 2010-174. We all recognize that South Florida is home to many condos in Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Plantation, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Aventura, Hallandale, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach, and the surrounding areas, this makes changes to condominium associations and unit owners’ policies particularly relevant to residents in our area.
Mr. Miller points out three essential areas of change: Loss Assessment Coverage, Adequate “Property” Insurance, Unit Owners’ Coverage.
Loss Assessment Coverage:
“…The statute continues existing law by requiring unit owners’ policies to provide at least $2000 in property loss assessment coverage.”
Adequate “Property” Insurance:
“…A reference to determining the “full insurable value” of condominium property every three years is being updated to require the “replacement cost” to be determined every three years.”
Unit Owners’ Coverage:
“…Under existing law, the association policy excludes personal property within the unit or limited common areas, and floor, wall, and ceiling coverings, electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, water filters, built-in cabinets and countertops, and window treatments including curtains, drapes, blinds, hardware and similar window treatment components. The new law clarifies these items are the insurance responsibility of the unit owner to the extent they are within the boundaries of the unit and serve only the unit.”
Read Mr. Miller’s full blog post for a few more changes regarding unit owner’s coverage. There are several other areas that are vital for South Florida condo owners, in Broward and Dade, to understand. Rami Boaziz, Public Adjuster, will guide you through this process and make sure you understand the new changes taking place.
Tags: Condo Insurance
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Weather Watch
Posted on June 15th, 2010
The summer is definitely here and the weather will be hot and rainy, what a surprise for Florida. Hurricanes are likely in the forecast this summer. In order to stay up to date with the weather forecast we recently added a current and forecast section in our sidebar. This was done upon popular demand. If there are any other helpful tips and news we can add, please let us know.
If we do enter the line of a Hurricane, we’ll up date you immediately and have all the tracking information you need.
Tags: Weather
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Governor Crist vetos Property Insurance Bill
Posted on June 3rd, 2010
The Florida real estate market is a hot topic that is always relevant in our communities. Recently, Governor Crist vetoed a property insurance reform bill, there were pros and cons to the bill. Ultimately, the bill was vetoed in the consumers’ best interest. There are always several sides to a claim, but the State should value the side of the residents in their communities. Insurance claims are complex and each requires specific time to evaluate the full extent of the damage.
Here’s a few paragraphs from a recent article on this matter – read the full article – Florida Property Insurance
William Stander, assistant vice president and regional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers of America (PCI), said in a statement that the group was “disappointed” by the veto of “common-sense solutions” to protect consumers and control costs.
“This legislation would have been a step toward bringing private marketplace solutions to Florida,” Stander said. “Without the bill, we continue to confront the problem of a huge and growing financial risk that Floridians face from the next storm.”
The bill included provisions to make it an unfair and deceptive trade practice for public adjusters to make misleading statements; set caps on public adjusters’ fees; created a website for consumers to shop and buy coverage; and set requirements for properties being repaired so future storms would not cause as much damage.
“While we are disappointed that these provisions did not become law, we recognize that many of us want the same thing: a healthy, stable and competitive insurance market that delivers economic security and peace of mind to consumers. We are all in this together,” Stander said.
Tags: Add new tag, proberty insurance bill
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Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost
Posted on May 27th, 2010
Let’s speak one on one: Rami Boaziz 305.467.5645
Knowing the details is very important to any insurance claim. These policies are complex and so is the claim process, a public adjuster will simplify the matter giving you a clear understanding. One of the most common questions is the bottomline when it comes to how payout is determined. A hot topic on this point is the differences between actual cash value vs. replacement cost.
The actual cash value is a formula that calculates the difference between purchase price and depreciation. Replacement value points to the cost of replacing an item of similar likeness in today’s market. This type of difference can mean a lot when it comes to money you receive. Your public adjuster will help guide you through this detail and determine if a policy change might be necessary or how recovery should be calculated based on your specific claim.
You can read more about Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost or call Rami Boaziz 305.467.5645 and ask your questions directly.
Tags: actual cash value, replacement cost
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