Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters

11/01/2024

Same rules apply in Florida:

“It is important for property owners to know that if a disagreement with their insurance company arises over the cost and scope of repairs, the homeowner or a licensed public adjuster, not the contractor doing the work, needs to communicate and negotiate with their insurance company,” the division said.

While contractors may provide damage reports and repair estimates to both the homeowner and the insurer, they are not permitted to negotiate or act on the homeowner’s behalf, continued the division.

A Des Moines-based roofing company with locations in the Corridor has reached a consent order with the Iowa Insurance Division following a June

11/01/2024

11/01/2024

As of Thursday, Oct. 31, Florida insurers had reported more than 266,800 claims from Milton. Some 169,660 of those have been closed without payment, according to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation.

The office and some claims adjusters have reported that much of the damage from Milton is from storm surge and flooding, which is not covered by most property insurance policies. And the value of many wind claims have turned out to be below homeowners’ deductible levels.

Florida's Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, a state-created layer of reinsurance, expects to pay out about $4.6 billion to help cover insurers' losses in

10/31/2024

If you need a proof of loss form for flood, visit the Merlin Law Group blog for deadline details and the form. Remember there has been a 120 extension to submit proof of loss forms.

October 31, 2024 The current version of the National Flood Insurance Program Proof of Loss for Building and Contents is available at the below link. THIS FORM IS ONLY

10/31/2024

“The main impact storms will have, honestly, is businesses picking up and leaving the area,” Ladd said. “Policyholders in Florida are getting the first taste of how little coverage and how little support there will be.”

Following catastrophic losses caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, local companies’ expectations are colliding with the reality of insurance coverage in an unfriendly market.

10/31/2024

Up to 50%. Models are in solid agreement we see development near the Yucatan in about a week. From there, we're back to the dartboard. 🎯 Any direction still on the table. Lots of shear and cooler water will probably keep it in check (somewhat) if it enters the Gulf. Still it's "stalking turtle" mode through the weekend. 🐢

10/30/2024

🎃🕸️ Beware…insurance policy exclusions might just be the real Halloween fright!

🕸️🎃 As you dive into the spooky season, make sure your insurance policy isn’t hiding any ghastly surprises. 👻 These “exclusions” can come back to haunt you if you’re not careful. But fear not— FAPIA member public adjusters are here to help you face these ghostly clauses head-on. 🧛🕯️

Don’t let your claim get tricked! 🎃 Reach out today to ensure your policy has all the treats you deserve. 🍬✨

Learn more at https://www.fapia.net/verify-licensees.html

10/30/2024

"We didn't even know this was happening," Emily Redey of West Palm Beach said about the letter, which said her homeowners insurance was switching to Monarch Insurance. "I don't know what else to do. I don't where to go. We're struggling financially."

Citizens Insurance has moved more policyholders off its books, and within the last week has lowered its policy numbers by more than 200,000.

10/29/2024

This is unreal:

More than 100 people were arrested late last week in storm-ravaged Pinellas County, Florida, charged with looting homes and working as unlicensed

10/28/2024

Are you a policyholder looking to navigate the insurance claim process? Our latest article breaks down everything you need to know, from filing your claim to understanding the timeline and what to expect along the way. Don't let confusion hold you back—get informed and empower yourself!

Check it out now!

Find a Public Adjuster

10/26/2024

Unfortunately, it's a good recommendation for everyone to have a dash cam in their car to help avoid insurance fraud.

Police say the crash was designed to get insurance money, but also eventually makes the victim's insurance more expensive.

10/26/2024

Andrew Kasten, a licensed insurance agent and president of Creative Financial Property & Casualty Group, LLC in Coral Springs, said he's noticed it's becoming more of an issue as insurance companies are reaching out to their clients with more than bills, taking a proactive role in making sure that homes are in good repair. "Insurance companies are looking for any way they can to cancel a policy," Kasten said.

A few days could make all the difference for keeping your property insurance policy, if your policy was about to expire, or get canceled

10/25/2024

Looking to team up with other public adjusters? On the search for a new job opportunity? Have a position to fill at your firm? Post it on the FAPIA Job Board for great exposure to your target market!

Exclusive job opportunities tailored for public adjusters and first party attorneys. This resource helps you find the perfect fit in the public adjusting industry.

10/25/2024

Did You Know?

626.854 15, (a) The insurer may not exclude the public adjuster from its in-person meetings with the insured. The insurer shall meet or communicate with the public adjuster in an effort to reach agreement as to the scope of the covered loss under the insurance policy. The public adjuster shall meet or communicate with the insurer in an effort to reach agreement as to the scope of the covered loss under the insurance policy.

(b) A public adjuster may not restrict or prevent an insurer, company employee adjuster, independent adjuster, attorney, investigator, or other person acting on behalf of the insurer from having reasonable access at reasonable times to any insured or claimant or to the insured property that is the subject of a claim.

10/25/2024

When you apply for disaster assistance, we evaluate your specific situation to determine what different types of assistance you are eligible for.

Each disaster application is reviewed separately & is based on your specific situation.

Learn more: fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/eligibility

10/24/2024

FAPIA JOB BOARD IS LIVE! Visit the new FAPIA Job Board to post jobs, or seek job opportunities in the public adjusting community. This is a free service for FAPIA members! Check it out

Exclusive job opportunities tailored for public adjusters and first party attorneys. This resource helps you find the perfect fit in the public adjusting industry.

10/24/2024

Wow! Tons of new members are joining FAPIA to make sure they get the latest educational and regulatory compliance tools! You can expect your member kits in the mail in the next few days. We are preparing at least 50 more. Thank you to the public adjusting community for recognizing the value of unity and for your continued support! Get in on it - if you're not a member, what are you waiting for? https://www.fapia.net/apply.html

10/23/2024

Phillips, the longtime adjuster, recommends finding one through the organization for which he once served as president, the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters. The members there have pledged to follow a code of ethics, he said.

Getting the funds to repair hurricane damage means evaluating what the wind has brought. Here are some key considerations.

10/23/2024

The Battle Lines Are Drawn

On one side stand the insurance companies, backed by millions in campaign contributions and protected by politicians who serve their interests. On the other side are homeowners, families, and businesses fighting for fair treatment and full compensation for their losses. The insurance industry continues to manipulate damage estimates, delay legitimate claims, hide behind complex policy language approved by insurance regulators, and use political influence to avoid accountability.

October 23, 2024 While Jimmy Patronis and Governor DeSantis trumpet their latest emergency rule as consumer protection following the CBS 60 Minutes Expose noted in CBS 60

10/23/2024

Las Vegas Claim - it's happening everywhere :(😳😢

A national insurance company refuses to pay the insurance claim of an 82-year-old woman whose home in Las Vegas caught fire and burned to the ground in July 2023, destroying 70% of it and the majority of her possessions inside, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

10/23/2024

Homeowners hit hard by storm damage are losing patience trying to get repairs done as soon as possible and now code enforcement is out threatening stop work orders so savings continue for policyholders with federal flood insurance.

Brian Leggett moved to his dream retirement home in St. Pete Beach four days before Hurricane Helene. He says the government shouldn’t tell him he can’t repair his private property.

Everyone hurt wants their homes back the way they were. But experts say patience serves everyone in the long run.

10/22/2024

626.112 License and appointment required; agents, customer representatives, adjusters, insurance agencies, service representatives, managing general agents, insurance adjusting firms.—

(1)(a) No person may be, act as, or advertise or hold himself or herself out to be an insurance agent, insurance adjuster, or customer representative unless he or she is currently licensed by the department and appointed by an appropriate appointing entity or person.

(10) Any person who knowingly transacts insurance or otherwise engages in insurance activities in this state without a license in violation of this section or who knowingly aids or abets an unlicensed person in transacting insurance or otherwise engaging in insurance activities in this state without a license commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

Check any adjuster you're working with - including the insurance company adjusters to make sure they're licensed and appointed at www.beclaimsmart.com

10/21/2024

COUNTERPOINT:

We are disappointed but unsurprised that an insurance industry lobbyist would mischaracterize an emergency order meant to stop insurance abuses as a "rule

10/21/2024

POINT:

The issuance of Florida's Emergency Rule 69BER24-4, in response to hurricanes like Milton, represents a significant shift in regulating public adjusters