Hurricane Michael Victims Need to Exercise Their Rights and Protect Their Property From Self-serving Insurance Carriers
MIAMI, Oct. 24, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Insurance companies face enormous financial liabilities when a disaster strikes such as Hurricane Michael, and there's a natural tendency for insurers to attempt to limit their costs. One common tactic is to launch outreach and advertising campaigns advising homeowners to wait for the insurance company's adjuster to visit the property and tell the homeowner what actions to take, which vendors to use for emergency work and repairs, and what the payment will be. Unfortunately, such advice is frequently skewed to the insurance company's benefit:
"Trusting your insurance company to repair your home is kind of like leaving a shark to watch your fish tank. You can guess who they're looking out for!"
- Russel Lazega, Attorney, Lazega Law, Florida Advocates
In many cases, the result is unacceptably slow response to necessary emergency services to secure properties from continued leaks and water intrusion, sub-par and inefficient work such as poorly installed roof tarps, or incomplete water restoration and mold remediation. This can promote damage to the property as well as possible health hazards.
Homeowners should not be afraid to sign an assignment of benefits (AOB) that allows experienced and knowledgeable companies to deal directly with insurance carriers to ensure that all services and repairs are properly and fully performed. Typically, insurance companies dislike dealing with qualified contractors as opposed to property owners because they know they can low-ball claims more easily when dealing with inexperienced and often desperate consumers.
"AOB's are an equalizer for consumers who suffer damage to their property by allowing contractors who know the true cost of repairs to deal directly with insurance companies. The healthcare industry uses AOB's in almost every instance of medical care--a home or business owner should enjoy the same rights and protection."
--State Senator Gary Farmer, Attorney and Consumer Advocate
It makes more sense for property owners to allow fast-responding qualified and licensed vendors to perform emergency work such as roof tarping, water removal and dryouts, as well as mold and bacteria inspection. Many local Florida companies are highly experienced and will even bill everything directly to the insurance carrier--so there's no out-of-pocket expense to the homeowner. Contact Healthy Homes Council at (800) 985-1772 for referrals to licensed providers.
Instead of relying on an adjuster from the insurance carrier who will work in favor of the insurance company, homeowners should also quickly seek the assistance of a Public Insurance Adjuster or an attorney. These professionals act on the behalf of the property owner, making sure that all damage is properly documented and that the owner receives the maximum insurance benefit:
"Public Adjusters level the playing field for the policyholders. Public Adjusters are a necessary safety net for the policyholders and consumers."
--Jimmy Farach, President, Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA)
Only deal with licensed companies and be careful of scams. But, by the same token, homeowners should not be misled by insurance carriers! Homeowners should feel free to seek out and obtain the emergency services they need to stabilize the effects of a storm as well as the assistance of a Public Insurance Adjuster or an attorney acting in their interest.
SOURCE Healthy Homes Council
