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Reliant Blog

Beware of Unlicensed Individuals Knocking on Your Door

1/23/2023

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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.
 
  • Ask the contractor for their name, license number, insurance certificate and bonding information, which can be verified online.​
  • Choose a contractor who has the appropriate license for the specific work you want done. For instance, only a qualified roofing contractor is permitted to carry out roof 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.

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The Unfavorable Insurance Industry Legislation Policyholders Need to Know About

1/10/2023

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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:
  • If you are in a dispute with your insurance company and must retain legal counsel, you will now have to absorb the full cost of your attorney fees, making it less likely that you will be left with enough of a settlement to repair your property
  • You now have 1 year, instead of 2 years, to file a property damage insurance claim
  • You now have 18 months, instead of 3 years, to file a supplemental property damage claim
  • Mandatory Binding Arbitration … this will now be offered within a policy to receive a premium discount
 
What You Need to Know Before Selecting a Policy with Binding Mandatory Arbitration:
  • Arbitration is a binding process to settle an insurance claim dispute.  Whether the decision by the arbitration panel is good, bad, or neutral for a policyholder, the results are binding, and your claim will be final
  • The premium discount offered for the mandatory binding arbitration endorsement should be a significant credit or discount to be worth surrendering certain rights under your insurance policy
  • You must also be notified in writing of all the rights you are surrendering for the premium discount
  • You must also be offered an optional policy that does not require you to partake in a mandatory binding 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:
  • Insurance companies now have 60 days, instead of 90 days, to pay or deny an insurance claim
  • Insurance companies now have 30 days, instead of 45 days, to conduct an inspection of your damaged property
  • Insurance companies now have 7 days, instead of 14 days, to begin the claim investigation process which includes communication via telephone, email, USPS mail or facsimile
  • Removal of Assignment of Benefits (AOB): the AOB allowed unlicensed or unscrupulous contractors to take over and assume your insurance claim benefits and payments.
 
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.
 
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    Karen Schiffmiller

    CALL US:
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    Reliantpa.com

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RELIANT INSURANCE ADJUSTERS LLC
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