 There have been several bills filed in the House and Senate that would certainly weaken legislation meant to help consumers be treated fairly and honestly.
As our insurance premiums keep rising, we continue to be covered for less and less. As I wrote in my last blog post, how could this happen and where is the accountability? Why are insurance companies never held accountable for their bad behavior for delays and non-payment of covered claims? I always thought that when we pay our insurance premiums, we would be covered should we sustain damage to our property. This is not happening and our legislators who were elected by us, to protect us, are not doing so. They are only protecting big insurance companies. How is this Ethical? A recent story was published in The Washington Post slamming insurance companies for slashing Hurricane Ian payouts far below damage estimates when their own adjusters wrote larger estimates. One adjuster said his stomach dropped when he saw his estimate drastically whittled down with entire portions removed. See news story by NBC2. As a true consumer advocate, I have witnessed this unconscionable behavior by insurance companies when they remove covered damages the field adjuster and I agree is damaged. Last week, news media exploded when our former President came out against Gov. DeSantis for the “Worst Insurance Scam in the Entire Country by bailing out insurance companies and leaving Florida homeowners not able to repair their damaged homes”. Sadly, he is not wrong. Published reports state that Gov. DeSantis received more than $3 million dollars in donations from Insurance company executives and agents. CFO Patronis, who regulates these same companies, received almost $2 million. It is also truly mind boggling to me how our legislators are not standing up for consumer rights but are, instead, trying to remove your rights. More Protections Taken Away In a special session called by Gov. DeSantis in December 2022, a very important protection in place for countless years was taken away from every consumer in Florida. If you had a dispute with your insurance company and they did not pay enough for your damage and they delayed or denied your claim, you had the option to file a lawsuit against them, and your attorney fees would be covered by the carrier. Not any longer. Even while insurance company executives were taking big bonuses and collecting large salaries, they were also delaying, underpaying, and denying valid claims, and complaining to legislators that attorneys and public adjusters are the root of the problem and that they are losing money. Legislators Can Right The Wrong Big insurance companies want to blame everyone for their losses, yet they never point the finger at themselves for their poor claims management, claim delays and nonpayment of covered insurance claims. Florida legislators can do something about it by holding insurance companies accountable and stop ignoring their bad behavior and how poorly they treat consumers. They should give back the consumer protections we have lost and start protecting us the way they used to. Protect Your Rights The bills filed contain more restrictions that will limit your access to help if you choose to get help. This should be your choice, not the choice of legislators or big insurance companies. Your voice matters - call your legislators today in opposition of HB 1185 and SB 1398. Click here to locate your legislator.
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 We are all consumers, we pay our insurance and we expect that the legislators that were elected by us, their constituents, would protect us and not big insurance! This is not happening, and anti-consumer bills HB 1185 & SB 1398 filed last week are far from protecting consumers. Our insurance premiums continue to increase year after year, but our coverage keeps eroding, and we are covered for less and less. Big insurance companies want to blame everyone for their losses, yet they never point the finger at themselves for their poor claims management, claim delays and nonpayment of covered insurance claims. What Is Going On? Legislators want to take more of your rights away should you have a property damage insurance claim and want to restrict your ability to get help when you need it most. From the language in these bills, I believe they expect you to determine and document all your damages in critical times without the help of a public adjuster. Shouldn’t that be your choice and not theirs? Could you imagine having to get on your own roof and prove it was damaged? Why Is This Allowed? Yesterday, I called all our legislators and left messages asking them to oppose these bills and explained a current claim where my elderly client sustained tornado damage to her property and needed my help throughout the claim process. Her roof is irreparable, the damage is extensive, and the tile is no longer available amongst other damages to her home. We provided the insurance company with a full report from a local contractor with proof confirming this and demanded they pay to replace her roof. Although the insurance company asked for this report, they continued to ignore the findings and requested additional roof inspections by local roofers. Due to the continued delays and additional inspections, which confirmed what we had already confirmed, her insurance company went out of business before a payment for the roof replacement could be issued. However, during the process of delaying and underpaying their policyholder’s claims, the insurance company executives still received exorbitant bonuses all while under the watchful eye of the Office of Insurance Regulation. How could this happen? Accountability Why aren’t insurance companies held accountable for their bad behavior? Why are the numerous consumer complaints filed with leadership being ignored? After all, our very own CFO said on television he would help, call him first. Yet, there is no help because they are tragically understaffed, nor will they get on your roof or fight with your insurance company on your behalf. Time and time again we see there is no action against insurance companies – proof as my above client’s complaint still has gone unanswered. There have been very minimal complaints about public adjusters, I can count them on one hand, in comparison to the numerous complaints against insurance companies. Protect Your Rights Public Adjusters in Florida are already highly regulated more than any other state. These bills contain more restrictions that will limit your access to help if you choose to get help. As consumers, small business owners, and true consumer advocates for 17 years, we have always put our client's needs before our own. We work tirelessly to prepare and submit claim packages, conduct all inspections with your insurance company and negotiate fair and proper claim settlements for you, our clients. What Can You Do? The time is now, we need your help. Please contact our legislators in opposition to these bills. Just click the link below to access their contact information. If you have any questions about these bills, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss them with you.
 You've probably heard the term "public adjuster," but do you actually know what a public adjuster does? A Florida Public Adjuster is licensed and regulated by the state.
Public adjusters are insurance experts that work exclusively for policyholders to provide insurance adjusting services. Our team at Reliant Insurance Adjusters have over 76 years of combined experience that make them the go-to experts for your insurance appraisal and claim needs. Meet Karen Schiffmiller Karen made the move from New York to the sunny state of Florida almost 30 years ago. She has even more years of combined legal and public adjusting experience than that! In fact, over a period of 37 years, Karen has worked and gained specialized knowledge that gives her the ability to understand insurance policies, and more importantly, the rights of policyholders. As a proud co-owner of Reliant Insurance Adjusters, Karen's fortitude and tenacity enable her to effectively represent her clients by securing all the compensation to which they are legally entitled. She explains all the options under their policy and assists her clients in understanding the challenging insurance claim process. Qualifications Karen has many certifications and qualifications, and her experience includes adjusting insurance claim losses for residential and commercial property owners caused by water damage, hurricane, fire, flood, sinkhole claims, and more. For insurance claim disputes, Karen is a Certified Property Insurance Appraiser & Umpire (CPAU). She is a member of the Windstorm Insurance Network and the Insurance Appraisal & Umpire Association (IAUA). Karen is a Past President and proud member of the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA). Additionally, Karen offers USPAP compliant assessments and values and appraises personal property, including furniture, antiques, and collectibles. Interests and Hobbies Karen is passionate about giving back to the community and is the President of the FAPIA Foundation. She volunteers and raises money for people in need within local communities. In addition to community, family is very important to Karen. She values quality time with her family and friends and she loves keeping physically fit so that she can continue to provide excellent service to her clients in her sometimes physically demanding role of “professional roof climber.” Karen’s “WHY” You have probably heard many people talk about their "purpose" or "motivation," the driving force behind the daily pursuit of their goals and aspirations. For Karen, that is and always will be, to help others. “Helping our clients through the difficult and complex claim process is my passion. When I see how insurance companies do not comply with their own policies nor pay claims properly, it makes me work that much harder for our clients to ensure their rights are protected and their claims are fully paid.” What Makes Karen Schiffmiller Different? Karen has an uncanny ability to see the big picture and understands how important the timeliness and detailed manner in which she delivers her expertise can be to her clients. Karen believes that creating customer satisfaction is as much about building trust and developing relationships as it is about the actual service itself. She prides herself on taking a client’s problem and making it her own while delivering the solution with the same level of attention and care. Karen and the team at Reliant Insurance Adjusters are dedicated insurance adjusters, appraisers, and umpires who bring professionalism and expertise to the table and will bring final resolution to your disputed claims. If you have any questions regarding our services or if you need assistance filing a claim, reopening and underpaid or denied claim, please contact Reliant Insurance Adjusters today.  Did you know that the qualified team at Reliant Insurance Adjusters have over 76 years of experience between them? Not every insurance adjuster has the knowledge, skills, or certifications to provide you with the best services possible. But Scott Scovin covers all those bases and more!
Meet Scott Scovin Scott moved to Florida in 2005 with a wealth of experience in areas that made him especially well-suited for the profession of public insurance adjusting. He previously owned several businesses which made him a natural fit as co-owner of Reliant Insurance adjusters. Scott previously owned a disaster restoration business that specialized in professionally cleaning homes and businesses that had been damaged from fire, flood, and smoke. He was a preferred vendor for various Connecticut insurance companies who trusted his work and expertise. Scott was the owner of a business that was dedicated to cleaning contaminated air duct systems, which are frequently impacted in water and fire losses. He earned his certification as an indoor air quality specialist during his time as owner of this business. He also previously owned and ran a consignment store that specialized in antique furniture and collectibles. So naturally, it was an organic step that Scott would be involved in appraisals. Scott performs USPAP compliant assessments of personal property such as furniture, antiques, and collectibles in addition to his work as a Public Insurance Adjuster. Qualifications Scott is a Certified Property Insurance Appraiser & Umpire (CPAU) for insurance claim disputes. He is a member of Insurance Appraisal & Umpire Association (IAUA) and the Windstorm Insurance Network. He is also a proud member of the Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA) and is a licensed FAA drone pilot in the state of Florida and is Matterport® Certified. Scott has over 40 years of experience in handling property damage insurance claims, and his varied experience within the industry is an asset to the clients he serves today. His qualifications and certifications are many, but he prides himself on treating every claim as if it were his own. Interests and Hobbies Scott enjoys volunteering as a Eucharistic Minister & Lector at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Deerfield Beach, Florida. He gets immense joy from taking care of rescue cats, but don’t let that softer side of his personality fool you – Scott never turns down an opportunity to attend a great rock concert as he has been a drummer for 45 years. As he would tell you, he is famous in his own garage. Scott’s “Why” You’ve likely heard people talk about their “Why,” that thing that gets them out of bed each day to pursue their dreams. For Scott, that is helping his clients navigate the difficult claims process and protecting their rights under their insurance policies. Claims are complicated and Scott has the ability to make the complexity simple for his clients. What Makes Scott Scovin Different? Reputation and fairness are everything to Scott, and in addition to being your choice for public insurance adjusting, Scott can also act as appraiser or umpire through the appraisal process to bring final resolution to disputed claims. He understands the importance of being up to date in the areas of communication and technology, and Scott believes in always using the best resources and tools for his clients. Scott and the team at Reliant Insurance Adjusters are dedicated to providing the professionalism, knowledge, and experience needed to get you the best possible settlement of your claim. If you need assistance filing a claim, reopening an underpaid or denied claim, or just have questions, please contact Reliant Insurance Adjusters today.  After a significant hurricane or weather-related tragedy, opportunists and fraudsters seem to come out of the woodwork to prosper off the vulnerable situation property owners may find themselves in.
In the hectic, chaotic days that follow any storm, dishonest contractors, repair businesses, and service-related representatives prosper with promises of cheap repairs, emergency grant money, or claims of altruistic intentions. During these vulnerable moments, it is more important than ever that property owners be aware of unlicensed individuals who may show up at the door with lofty claims. Avoid Home Improvement Scams Be cautious when any salesperson or self-proclaimed expert appears at your door uninvited. Many scammers prey on unsuspecting and vulnerable property owners by going door to door. Home improvement scams often flourish in the wake of disasters, especially after violent storms such as hurricanes and tornados. However, they “prowl” at all times of year in the hopes of making a quick buck off of property owners. Scammers know concerned owners will spend money to improve a problem with their property. The claims made by any unsolicited contractors, or any offers that seem too good to be true, should be given a second look. Here are some suggestions for protecting yourself. Take Precautions When Giving Vital Information Never divulge your policy number, coverage information, or any other private information to individuals or businesses unless you have thoroughly investigated the contractor and are prepared to sign a contract after doing your due diligence about the company. Verify Licensing and Credentials Be sure to check with your insurer, prior to contracting for services, to confirm your coverage and policy requirements. Hire only licensed specialists with a good reputation and acquire itemized estimates for bids or repairs.
Choosing a Contractor Choose the person who will work on your property carefully by doing your homework. Selecting a contractor with a recognized physical address, Google reviews, and a current phone number is an important base to cover. Take the step of seeking out customer testimonials or referrals to ensure the contractor has a quality reputation. The best course of action is to obtain quotes from multiple contractors before having any work done on your home. Get the proposals in writing, and make sure the details of the services to be provided are clear. Carefully Examine Contracts The majority of home improvement and repair work is done under contract. In fact, for their own protection, reputable companies typically demand contracts. A well-written contract should also safeguard the property owner. Verify that the written contract contains all the “promises” made to you. Insist on a formal contract that details the work to be done by the contractor, including when it will begin, and when it is estimated to be completed. Make sure the contract specifies the cost of special orders and materials and contains everything the contractor or salesperson promised. Be Wary of Lofty Claims of Savings Anyone who approaches you without your permission or claims to be able to perform repairs at a reduced cost should be suspect. Contractors who demand big deposits or upfront payments should be avoided. Never make checks payable to a person or to "Cash," but rather to a company. This request would be a huge red flag you shouldn’t ignore. Just say “No” to individuals who tell you to avoid getting permits to save money. Most repairs require a permit, which ensures adherence to building codes and rules, and an inspection of the finished work might be necessary to complete a permit. Hire a Public Adjuster to Help Public adjusters may be hired by policyholders to help them with their insurance claims. Even though the majority are trustworthy, after a disaster, unlicensed individuals claiming to be public adjusters may also attempt to take advantage of property owners. Partner with a reputable company such as Reliant Insurance Adjusters to ensure that your best interests at a property owner are their priority. If you have any questions about your claim or you need to file an insurance claim, contact Reliant Insurance Adjusters today.  In December, Florida Legislators held a special session during which they passed a new bill that was signed into law in an attempt to stabilize Florida's troubled property insurance industry.
Unfortunately for Florida policyholders, it falls far short of its intended purpose, it is not so consumer friendly and ultimately favors the insurance industry. The legislation raises many issues and questions, making it even more important that you have a qualified public adjuster on your side to obtain a proper insurance claim settlement. What was the Intended Purpose? According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida homeowners, who already pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the nation, have witnessed average rate increases of 33%, with some receiving quotes for increases of up to 10 times their current premiums. In light of statistics showing that Florida accounts for 7% of all property insurance claims but 74% of all property insurance litigation, the legislature responded with changes outlined in the bill. What Changes Can be Expected? Property insurers have long argued that litigation encourages cost increases and that so-called "one-way attorney fees" are to blame. The new legislation takes away one-way attorney fees, which mandated that insurance company’s cover the legal costs of policyholders who prevail in their insurance claims. Unfavorable Changes for Policyholders:
What You Need to Know Before Selecting a Policy with Binding Mandatory Arbitration:
Policyholders Insured with Citizens Property Insurance Will See Increases Citizens Property Insurance will now require that all their policyholders carry flood insurance. If you receive a comparable coverage offer from a private insurance carrier, even if the coverage is more costly, you will not be eligible for coverage with Citizens at renewal. If you own property and it is not your primary residence, your insurance rates will increase. Some Favorable Changes for Policyholders:
Unbeknownst to many policyholders, these contractors were filing lawsuits against insurance companies to recover payment under their AOB. This certainly increased the amount of lawsuits that were filed when there was a claim dispute, and this only resulted in higher premiums for policyholders. Hire a Public Adjuster to Help The revisions contained in the bill are an overcorrection that strips homeowners of their rights and leaves property owners at the mercy of their insurance company. Now more than ever, policyholders need a reputable partner like Reliant Insurance Adjusters to ensure your rights are protected and get you the claim settlement you deserve.  During this time of year, most people take part in activities that have the potential to increase risk for your loved ones and your property. While most people are concentrating on spending time with friends and family, buying gifts, and organizing travel over the holidays, it's equally crucial to maintain the security and safety of your property during this potentially hectic time.
Indeed, the holiday season may be stressful, and the possibility of a fire, theft, or catastrophe only serves to heighten it. However, there are several measures you may take to reduce anxiety and gain peace of mind. How to Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays Here we share four suggestions to help you keep your home and property safe during the holiday season. #1 Keep Your Holiday Lights Off the Naughty List All those twinkling lights may put you in the holiday spirit, but they can also spark a fire. Use caution when purchasing the strings of lights for decorating and make sure they are flame-resistant. Prior to placing them on your tree, examine your older lights closely. Be prepared to replace any lights that have frayed wires, damaged sockets, or cords that are tightly coiled. When choosing electrical products, look for a certification mark like UL or ELT, and be cautious to avoid overloading extension cords. Keep all pets and children away from any electrically powered decorations or light strings. Switch holiday lights off when leaving your property or when going to bed each evening. #2 Take Precautions with Decorations and Holiday Trees Pulling out the treasured ornaments from your family archives may bring a smile to your face, but be aware that older decorations may have been painted with lead paint. If you have the slightest suspicion that lead paint could have been used, choose to treasure those ornaments in private. In addition to lead paint concerns, make certain that you only use ornaments that are nonflammable or fire-resistant. Also, avoid decorations that have sharp edges or are trip hazards if you have small children or elderly family members in your home. Additionally, moving parts or tiny parts are a choking hazard and should be kept away from young children. Keep any loose parts in a safe place. If you decide on an artificial tree, look for a “fire-resistant” label, and no matter the type, place your tree up high and away from any heating elements including portable heaters, radiators, and fireplaces. About one out of every six Christmas tree fires are caused by heat sources that are too close to the tree. Make sure to water live trees regularly and check to be sure there are no decorations blocking any entrances or exits to the home. #3 Keep Your Property Secure Criminals may be keeping an eye on your property while you are busy taking part in holiday activities. So, when leaving your house, take additional care to secure all of the doors and windows. It is recommended that you leave a TV on so that it appears that someone is home. Also, consider keeping your lamps on a timer so that they turn on when the sun goes down. Security cameras inside your property give you an extra sense of security, and it is best to also have exterior cameras placed in the front and rear of your property as well. Take care and do not blatantly display goods or gifts near windows where they can be easily seen. If you plan to be gone for an extended amount of time, ask someone to pick up your mail or newspapers so that it is not obvious that you are away from your property. It’s a good general idea to have a trusted friend or family member check on the property frequently while you are away. #4 Ensure Your Guests’ Safety Consider these safety suggestions as you get ready for visitors: As your guests fill your home over the holidays, be aware of the flow of traffic, the ease of access to all exit points, and any trip hazards that may exist throughout the entertaining areas. Remove all unnecessary items that may cause anyone to trip or be trapped in the home should the unthinkable occur. According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is the main cause of house fires in the United States. The kitchen is where two out of every five house fires begin, so make the choice to never leave the kitchen unattended when cooking is taking place. An Ounce of Prevention This holiday season, you can help safeguard your family and property by taking a few simple steps. A proactive safety strategy is worth its weight in eggnog around the holidays as it provides peace of mind. You'll feel more at ease attending holiday festivities knowing that you've taken precautions to protect your property and belongings. If you have any questions regarding keeping your property secure throughout the year, if you need assistance filing an insurance claim or would like a free policy review, contact Reliant Insurance Adjusters. We wish you a peaceful, safe and happy holiday.  Owning a property entails many responsibilities. In addition to the financial commitment of a mortgage, taxes, utilities, and insurance, there is also the duty of property maintenance. Whether you intend to sell your property or not, consistent and thorough maintenance is a crucial investment and can help save you money.
Many property owners are unaware that they must maintain their property as a condition of their home or business insurance policy. The majority of insurance policies specifically state that "neglect" or "failure to properly maintain the property" will cause problems if damage occurs. In simple terms, things that fail or break due to “neglect” are not covered by your insurance policy. Your property will have multiple areas that need maintenance for 2023, some of which may be obvious and others which are not. However, the majority of areas can be addressed with simple routine checks. With these consistent checks and maintenance, you can help prevent costly and frustrating issues from occurring. The Importance of Property Maintenance Routine, preventative, corrective, and cosmetic maintenance are all simple ways to manage the upkeep of your property. We have seen it all as public adjusters, and we are aware of the value and significance of property maintenance. Regular maintenance will decrease the likelihood that you will ever need to make an insurance claim. However, we are here to assist you if you ever find yourself in a position where you must make that decision. Here are five quick and inexpensive items to add to your maintenance checklist: #1 Maintain Trees and Large Shrubs You should cut off any loose branches and check the condition of the trees you have around your property before they have a chance to cause damage. Any trees that appear to be unstable, should have their trunks anchored to the ground or completely removed before that unexpected storm hits. In fact, if you own property in Florida, you probably realize how critical tree trimming is, especially before hurricane season. Although it might not be the most glamorous chore on your maintenance list, this straightforward task can help avoid hurricane debris damage as well as diminish the chance of pest problems. #2 Check Window Seals and Doors Your window seals can deteriorate just like any other component of your home. Every year, check the seals on your windows and doors. You can lessen the stress on your HVAC systems and lengthen their lifespan by making sure that every area of your property is properly sealed. This will also help prevent weather-driven rain from damaging your property through cracks or gaps in windows or doors. #3 Keep Your HVAC Systems Clean Maintaining your HVAC system is another crucial item for your 2023 maintenance checklist. It’s a good idea to have your HVAC system checked and cleaned twice a year while the lines should always be cleared, and the filter should be changed every one to two months. It is also a good idea to add fans in your kitchen and baths if you do not already have them installed. By doing so, you can lessen the likelihood of mold growth by reducing the amount of moisture that accumulates inside your home as well as contribute to good air flow for your HVAC system. #4 Check Plumbing and Drainage Systems Checking your plumbing and drainage systems is another important item to put on your maintenance checklist. Numerous factors, including roots and deposit buildup, can damage your plumbing, causing unexpected water damage at inconvenient times. Check for leaks on a regular basis under your kitchen sink cabinet and bathroom vanity cabinets. You may choose to partner with a qualified plumber to design a maintenance schedule if you need assistance with correctly maintaining your plumbing and drainage system. #5 Clean Refrigerator Coils At least once a year, cleaning refrigerator coils with a vacuum will help keep your refrigerator operating efficiently. You would simply remove the front panel and vacuum any dust, dirt, or pet hair as these coils are typically located at the bottom of the refrigerator where these elements like to collect. Consult your owner’s manual if you don't know where the coils on your specific unit are located. Property Maintenance and Prevention When it comes to upkeep and repairs, there are areas of a property that require more focus than others. Preventative measures and yearly maintenance will go a long way towards keeping your property safe and functioning properly. Making a yearly maintenance checklist is a preventative measure you can use to make sure your property is in tip-top shape. If you are unsure of which areas of your property need upkeep, you may want to engage a specialist to conduct a thorough assessment and identify any potential problems. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters we can assist you. Whether you need make a list of improvements, or document the current condition of your property before or after a loss. To find out how we can help, contact us for more information.  Thanksgiving is a festive time of year when homes are full of friends and family and activity is centered around the kitchen. Cooking and baking in preparation for the feast usually means kitchen countertops are covered in appliances and a smattering of ingredients, while ovens and microwaves are being put to good use. All of this activity may be joyful and exciting, but underneath are risks to your property that can be avoided with proper preparation.
Did you know that the National Fire Protection Association reports Thanksgiving as the number one day for home-cooking fires? Unfortunately, this means that property damage claims and injuries can result from unexpected accidents while cooking and preparing for Thanksgiving. As the holiday draws closer, we are sharing some ways you can avoid injury and property damage. Check Smoke Alarms It may seem obvious, but all too often, fires begin in homes where owners have let the maintenance on smoke alarms lapse. Or perhaps even worse, smoke alarms aren’t installed at all. For your family’s complete safety, you want to make sure you have a functioning smoke alarm in or near the kitchen, near every sleeping area, and on each level of your home. Make it a priority to check or replace batteries in all your smoke alarms at least once per year. Remove Fire Hazards In the spirit of the holidays, it’s easy to decorate with items that are fun and seasonal, but sometimes we forget that some of the items may create an unintentional fire hazard. Do a thorough review of the area near your stove and remove anything that could easily catch fire. This can include, but is not limited to, hand towels, plastic bags, wooden utensils, or hot pads and oven mitts. Turkey Fryers According to the U.S. Fire Department, more than 4,000 fires start on Thanksgiving Day. Using a deep fryer to cook turkeys results in about five fatalities, 50 injuries, and the cause of nearly $15 million in property damage each year. There are several things you can do to avoid a disastrous situation if you plan to use a deep fryer. Safety begins with your protection first. Wear a fire safe apron and use mitts that cover and protect your arms during the frying process. You want to avoid any bubbling hot oil or the heat from the fryer causing any harm to your clothing or body. If utilizing a fryer to cook your turkey outdoors, make sure to place the fryer away from any building or roof overhang, and cook the turkey in a well-ventilated location. This will prevent your property from catching fire in the event of a flareup. Make sure the oil is the proper temperature and consider utilizing a splash mat under your fryer in case of oil spillage during the frying process. Once you have finished cooking the turkey, it is important to always discard the oil and grease in sealed containers and dispose of it in the proper locations. Never discard oil or grease down your sink drains or toilets, as this can cause a blockage in your plumbing system. The result could then lead to water damage to your property from clogged plumbing lines. General Kitchen Safety Kitchen safety is important all year round. Follow these additional tips to ensure your next family gathering is safe:
By following these safety suggestions, you can make sure that you and your guests have a great Turkey Day while also keeping everyone safe year-round. Has Your Property Been Damaged? Has your property been damaged by fire, water, wind, or other causes? Our experienced public adjusters at Reliant Insurance Adjusters understand that filing a claim can be difficult and frustrating, especially during the holidays. We will handle the entire claim process for you. We create thorough damage estimates along with videos and photos, so you do not have to worry about taking on any of the work or stress that comes along with properly filing your insurance claim. Whether you have a new, underpaid or denied insurance claim, contact us to schedule an appointment.  In general, people tend to believe that insurance will always be available, yet insurance companies are businesses, and they are constantly assessing their risk just like any other business. They even reserve the right to revoke your policy.
Whether you own residential or commercial property, most people like to enjoy consistent coverage from the same provider for many years. It is always possible that coverage may be denied or cancelled for a myriad of reasons. Why Would Your Policy Be Cancelled? Insurance providers must ultimately make decisions that allow them to be profitable. They need to be able to evaluate risk and minimize loss, which may mean that if your covered property is posing too much risk or expense for them to continue coverage, your insurance company may cancel your policy. These are some basic explanations why your insurance coverage could be cancelled or non-renewed:
What Options Do You Have if You Receive a Non-Renewal Notice? If you receive a notice of cancellation of your coverage from your insurance provider, you still have some options available. You have a limited amount of time to secure new coverage. Insurance companies typically send non-renewal warnings at least 60 days before your policy expires. Find out if there is anything you can do to stop the non-renewal by getting in touch with your insurance agent. For example, if you take particular action to lower risk for your property, some insurers might decide to continue your coverage. You Should Evaluate Any Changes If you are planning to plead your case with your insurance provider, it can be worthwhile to evaluate any changes that have occurred and resulted in your cancellation. If you have made any improvements and upgrades to your property that can help you retain your insurance policy, it may be worthwhile to provide the evidence and documentation. Here are a few examples of how evaluating changes can be beneficial:
You Should Highlight the Value You Add as a Policyholder If you have been a long-standing policyholder with your insurer, remind them of your commitment to them and the years of trust you have placed in them as your provider. Go the extra mile in communicating the steps you have taken to improve upon their concerns and reiterate how much you value their service. Contact an Insurance Adjuster If you have a new, underpaid or denied property damage insurance claim, contact Reliant Insurance Adjusters to see how we can assist in the recovery of your property damage insurance claim. We also provide free insurance policy reviews so we can provide guidance to make sure your property has adequate insurance coverage. |
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March 2023
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