If there is a dispute between the insurance company and the insured, one way to resolve it without litigation is to use state mediation. In some situations, the insured has the right to request mediation if he or she is not satisfied with the amount offered by the insurance company. If you do not make headway pursuing this process, you need to hire a Fort Lauderdale Property Claim Lawyer.
The state of Florida provides mediation for some categories of insurance claims. In state mediation, a neutral third party (the mediator) licensed by the state of Florida meets with the insurance company representative and the claimant to try to agree. Mediation is not legally binding, and the parties can rescind any settlement made within 3 days if the check was not cashed. The mediator does not make a final decision but helps the parties resolve their dispute. However, a policyholder will often go into mediation without adequate preparation or training, while the insurance company’s representative comes with professional experience in mediation and negotiation.
Navigating Hurricane Property Claims in Florida
Hurricanes in Florida can cause severe and costly damage to homes and properties. Despite having valid insurance policies, homeowners often face challenges when filing claims with insurance companies. These companies may delay or undervalue claims to save money. The Florida Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights protects property owners, stipulating that insurance companies must acknowledge the initial submission of a claim within 14 days, notify the claimant of their decision within 30 days of a written request, and decide about the claim within 90 days. Violating these rights could lead to fines and other civil penalties against the insurance company.
Insurance coverage for hurricane damage varies depending on the specific policy. While Florida does not require homeowners to carry hurricane insurance, it is advisable to do so. Coverage could account for damage to the home’s interior or exterior, vehicle damage, reimbursement for hotel and food costs if the home is unlivable, removal of wreckage and debris around the home, and replacement of damaged personal possessions. However, it’s important to note that hurricane insurance is different from flood insurance, a distinction that can complicate claims since flooding often occurs during hurricanes.
Insurance companies employ various tactics to save money, including providing contradicting information, asking claimants to give recorded statements, frequently changing representatives, and even attempting to access claimants’ social media profiles. It’s crucial for claimants to be aware of these tactics and to consider seeking legal assistance to ensure their rights are protected. For instance, the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can assist homeowners in filing claims, fighting back when insurance companies undervalue claims, and ensuring claimants receive the compensation they deserve.
If you are a public adjuster needing legal assistance with a client’s state mediation, the Anidjar & Levine, P.A. law firm can help. In difficult cases, retaining an attorney is crucial in guiding your client through the mediation process, helping them understand and prepare for the mediation, and attending the mediation itself if the client requests. The attorneys at Anidjar & Levine, P.A. have years of experience helping public adjusters and their clients recover the maximum compensation possible. We thoroughly know about Florida insurance law and employ a full team of lawyers, investigators, and legal experts to handle our cases. Your initial consultation with us is absolutely free. There is no cost, no obligation and no hidden fees – we don’t get paid unless you get paid. We are dedicated to achieving the best results possible for you and your clients.
To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced South Florida state mediation attorney, please contact Anidjar & Levine, P.A. by calling 800-747-3733 or fill out and submit our online “Contact Us” form.
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