Merlin Law Group’s Warning on New Florida Insurance Law

October 29, 2024

Insurance Carriers Develop New Delay Tactic in Florida

Florida’s latest insurance law puts policyholders at a distinct disadvantage. In a revealing article, Chip Merlin breaks down how this legislation leaves people stranded in paperwork while insurers get to take their sweet time. The crux? Florida policyholders must now file a complete “proof-of-loss statement” before insurers even start investigating a claim—essentially setting the process back by weeks or even months. This kind of red tape makes it crucial to have a skilled public adjuster on your side, and that’s exactly where Premier Claims comes in.

Proof-of-Loss Statement

A Proof-of-Loss Statement is a formal document that a policyholder submits to their insurance carrier detailing the extent of their loss, the specific damages, and often the estimated costs of repairs or replacement. It’s essentially a sworn statement affirming the loss details and is usually accompanied by supporting documents like receipts, photos, and repair estimates.

Why It’s Important: Completing a proof-of-loss statement can be time-consuming, as it requires gathering detailed information about the loss. Many people facing a natural disaster have lost their properties in their entirety—making this process very difficult.

Why Wait When You Need Help Now?

In the rest of the country, filing a “notice of loss” kickstarts an investigation immediately. Florida now leaves policyholders on the hook to gather all documentation and submit it before their insurance carrier will lift a finger. For many, this task is daunting and time-consuming—exactly the kind of situation public adjusters at Premier Claims are trained to handle. We don’t just help with the paperwork; we get the process moving for you.

Notice of Loss

A Notice of Loss is a simpler, initial notification the policyholder gives to their insurer, alerting them that a loss has occurred. Unlike the proof-of-loss, this notice doesn’t require a full breakdown of damages or costs but simply informs the insurance carrier there’s a claimable event. Typically, a notice of loss is all that’s needed to begin the insurance carrier’s investigative process.

Why It’s Important: A notice of loss speeds up the response time from insurers, prompting them to start the investigation. However, under Florida’s new law, insurers only have to start their investigation after a completed proof-of-loss statement, not a notice of loss. This difference can lead to significant delays!

Loopholes and Delays—Get Around Your Carriers Roadblocks

The new law doesn’t even specify when insurers need to generate a damage estimate; it only has to be shared once “generated.” This vague wording is a gift to insurance carriers, allowing them to delay and complicate claims further. Premier Claims knows how to hold insurance carriers accountable. Our team can work directly with your carrier; we aim to keep your claim from getting lost in the shuffle. Not only can we help with prompt proof-of-loss submissions, but we can also guide you through the entire claims process. We have a fully equipped team ready to assist you from start to finish!

Public Adjusters Are Your Secret Weapon

At Premier Claims, our role is simple: we advocate for you. In an insurance system that seems increasingly titled against policyholders, we’re here to level the playing field. With the guidance and expertise of a dedicated public adjuster, we’ll help you meet these heightened documentation requirements swiftly, saving you precious time when you need it most.

When lawmakers set up barriers, Premier Claims steps up. We understand the complexities, manage the paperwork, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Don’t let these new rules sideline your recovery. Want to learn more about how this law may affect you? Check out Chip Merlin’s, from Merlin Law Group, full article here: One Example of How Florida’s Politicians Harmed Florida Policyholders By Passing Insurance Lobby Laws.

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