FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Manny's number one goal is for you to have all the information you need to protect your home when damage occurs.
Here are some frequently asked questions about home insurance claims answered. If you have a more specific question related to your home insurance claim or your insurance policy, reach out to Manny today.
Remember - what the homeowner's insurance company doesn't want you to know is that we don't get paid unless you do. To have an attorney work on your home insurance claim costs you nothing out-of-pocket and we fight to ensure you get the maximum recovery from your insurance company.
WHY WOULDN'T I JUST GO THROUGH MY INSURANCE COMPANY?
In a perfect world, your insurance company should adjust each and every claim with the homeowner fairly. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world and insurance companies have been notorious for putting their own interests ahead of their insureds' interest. Many claims are wrongfully denied or underpaid.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A CLAIM?
If you have purchased insurance for your home, that policy will layout what damage is and isn't covered.
Most policies are written in such a way that a trained professional eye is needed to understand them. They can look and read like a foreign language to some people.
DO I NEED A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?
No. In fact, a public adjuster does not have the ability to file a lawsuit on your behalf. The Florida Statutes are written in such a way that allows for a homeowner to hire an attorney (at no cost to the homeowner) to fight for their rights under their policy. Insurance companies can be liable to pay for your attorney's fees under statute, so if you have an attorney on your claim, then the insurance company may take steps to issue proper payment before our fees start to build-up. It is a leverage that cannot be used by a public adjuster.
WHAT IS THE INSURANCE COMPANY RESPONSIBLE FOR?
It depends on your policy. There are several types of homeowner's insurance policies. The most common policy is a HO-3 policy. HO-3 policies often provide insurance coverage in the event of an unforeseen circumstance, including damage from fire, lightning, wind, theft, or certain events causing water damage. However, every policy is different and each claim needs to be reviewed by a trained eye before making a determination on whether your claim will be covered or not.
HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?
Generally, under Florida Statute, an insurance company has 90 days from the date of reporting the loss to issue a coverage determination for your claim.
Once a coverage determination is made, however, you really need a crystal ball to determine how much time each claim will make. If an insurance company fails to make a coverage determination for your claim within 90 days from reporting the loss, a licensed Florida attorney can then file a lawsuit for coverage of your claim.