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Additional Living Expenses (ALE) & Fair Rental Value – What is the difference?

10/22/2024

What is the difference between Additional Living Expenses, more commonly referred to in our industry as ALE, and Fair Rental Value in an insurance policy?

With the recent Tornado damage in Wellington Florida and the trail of destruction left behind, many property owners have lost use of their homes and will need temporary living arrangements.

Additional Living Expenses (ALE)
ALE in a homeowner's insurance policy is coverage that helps pay for extra expenses a homeowner may incur if their home is uninhabitable due to a covered loss.

The loss can be from catastrophic damage as discussed above, or a fire or water damage event. This coverage helps maintain your standard of living while your home is being repaired or rebuilt.

Examples of Covered ALE Expenses

Temporary housing (such as a hotel or rental home)
Increased food costs (if you're unable to cook and have to dine out more)
Laundry services
Additional transportation costs if you're further from work or school

ALE coverage usually applies until your home is repaired and livable again. The coverage amount and duration are defined in your policy.

Fair Rental Value
Fair Rental Value in a homeowner's insurance policy refers to coverage that compensates a homeowner for lost rental income if a part of their home, which was rented to others, becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.

This coverage typically helps replace the income the homeowner would have received if the tenant could still occupy the rental space, even while repairs are being made. It does not cover utilities or other expenses that the tenant would have paid. The amount and duration of coverage are typically capped by the terms of the policy.

In the event you need help with an insurance claim, Reliant Insurance Adjusters is here for you. Our team has the knowledge and experience to handle all types of insurance claims and we are here to protect our clients’ best interests.

Contact us today if you have any questions or need any guidance with your insurance policy or insurance claim.

Back-to-Back Hurricanes Hitting Florida

10/7/2024

Although Hurricane Season began June 1st, we have had more activity recently. Sadly, the west coast of Florida took a beating, as did other parts of the country.

Although many Floridians are still in recovery mode from Hurricane Helene, there is another looming threat from Hurricane Milton. This is a very serious and strong storm. Please stay safe!

Whether you own a residential or commercial property, or rent, you need to plan. Be prepared, and take any preventative measures to protect your property. Also, listen for mandatory evacuations in your area.

As we know, the storm can change at the last minute and jog more south or more north, and everyone needs to be prepared no matter what happens.

Inventory Your Property
Compile a list of all your personal belongings or business personal property together with photos or video showing the condition before any damage occurs.

Keep any important reports, documents, photos, and videos stored in cloud-based storage for easy access, as well as protect physical copies in plastic bins. Place computers and valuables in plastic bins and store them above flood level.

Make sure you have at least two weeks of medication, clothing, food, water, and pet supplies if you have pets. Your furry family members cannot help themselves, so you must prepare for them.

Prepare & Protect Your Property
Divert water away from your property by clearing your gutters, downspouts, and drains. This will help lessen the chances of water damage inside your property.

Protect your windows and doors with plywood if you do not have impact windows or storm shutters. With hurricane-force winds, there will always be flying debris.

Trim large trees and store outdoor furniture and items indoors. This will help protect the exterior of your property and not become flying debris.

Plan Your Evacuation Route
You should always plan your evacuation in the event you must leave. Evacuations are not just for those who reside on or near the coast. If you do evacuate, unplug all appliances and electronics and try to place them above ground level in case of flooding.

Familiarize yourself with nearby shelters and where you can board your pets. Make sure each person in your home knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

In the event you need help with an insurance claim, Reliant Insurance Adjusters is here for you. Our team has the knowledge and experience to handle all types of insurance claims.

Contact us if you have any questions or need any guidance.

National Fire Prevention Week

9/24/2024

With the extreme heat advisories we have had this summer in South Florida, specifically Boca Raton, I heard of several house fires that came close to spreading to neighboring homes in their communities.

The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) announced “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” as their official theme for Fire Prevention Week which begins October 6, 2024, and ends October 12, 2024.

The NFPA data shows that the majority of U.S. home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

In my previous blog Year-Round Fire Safety Tips, I specifically discuss smoke alarms and how often you should change the batteries if they are not hard-wired. I also discuss the placement of smoke alarms throughout your property, in addition to other safety tips.

Keeping Safe During A Fire
Fires can start in an instant and spread very quickly. It’s important to protect your family and keep them safe from harm. Below are some tips to keep you and your family safe:

As soon as you hear your smoke alarm or smell smoke – react immediately
Gather family members and pets
Exit through exterior doors
Protect your and your family from smoke inhalation
If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll on the ground
If you cannot get out, stay low to the ground to ward off smoke
If you have a two-story home, call for help from a second-story window
If you can, escape from a second-story window
Get away from the property as quickly as possible
Once you escape, conduct a head count
Call 911

Insurance Coverage and Policy Review
I cannot speak about this enough and will continue to repeat myself regularly! You need to review your policy and know your coverage. Don’t assume you are covered, make sure you are covered.

Here are some ways to evaluate if you have enough coverage for your home and personal property. If you had a fire and everything was destroyed, how much would it cost to replace?

For the building, this could include roof, windows, exterior doors, wood framing, stucco, gutters, electrical, plumbing, toilets, showers, tubs, sinks, plumbing fixtures, wood/tile/marble flooring, carpeting, cabinetry, countertops, shelving, drywall, insulation, baseboards, interior doors, door frames, paint, window treatments, air conditioning unit, duct system, registers, smoke alarms and more.

If you were able to turn your home upside down, think of all the items that would fall out. That is your personal property and contents. What would it cost to replace those belongings?

Being underinsured for your home or contents could cost you upwards of tens of thousands of dollars out of your pocket to rebuild and replace.

If you have any questions about your coverage, we have the knowledge and experience to help. If you have a new or underpaid property damage insurance claim, find out how we can help you. Call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here.

Lightning Strikes & Resulting Damage

9/10/2024

Did you know that Florida has 17 out of the top 30 cities for lightning and is the lightning capital of the United States?

Also known as the Lightning State, West Palm Beach, and Coral Springs are among those 17 cities in Florida for lightning.

Lightning strikes can cause significant damage in various ways that can result in property damage and the need to file an insurance claim.

Damage Caused By Lightening

Structural Damage: The intense heat and explosive force of a lightning strike can cause fires, shatter concrete, and damage roofs, chimneys, and walls.

Electrical Damage: Lightning can induce powerful surges in electrical systems, leading to the failure of electronic devices, electrical fires, and damage to wiring and circuit breakers.

Tree Damage: Trees struck by lightning can explode or be stripped of bark as the electric current is carried throughout the tree by its water-conducting sapwood below the bark, heating it up and instantaneously boiling the water. The resulting pressure from the steam can make the trunk or limbs burst.

Human and Animal Injury: Lightning strikes can cause severe burns, neurological damage, cardiac arrest, and even death. Indirect injuries can occur from falling debris or fires sparked by the strike.

Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for protecting life and property from lightning-related hazards.

Tips to Mitigate Before Lightning Strikes

Installing surge protectors in your home can help protect electronics. They can be installed at the main electrical panel and outlets.

Lightning rods are designed to protect a house or building from a direct lightning strike.

Tips For Lightning Safety

To keep you and your family safe during a severe thunderstorm, stay off corded phones, computers, and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity, and avoid water during a thunderstorm.

If you are outside with no shelter, stay clear of tall objects, and construction equipment such as scaffolding, ladders, and cranes, and avoid trees.

Whether you need help with a new, underpaid, or disputed insurance claim, Reliant Insurance Adjusters has the knowledge and experience to assist your needs. To find out how we can best help you, call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here.

Insurance Fraud - When You Shouldn’t File An Insurance Claim

8/20/2024

Being a property owner in Broward County, you are sometimes vulnerable to property damage and possibly the need to file an insurance claim.

Recently I received a call from a property owner describing water damage to his property in Parkland, Florida, specifically in his kitchen where the loss occurred.

He explained that he filed a claim three years prior for a similar plumbing leak, and was paid for his kitchen cabinets and the flooring. He did all the repairs except replace the flooring. He said the only new damage was to the flooring, not the cabinets.

When You Should Not File An Insurance Claim

My advice was not to file an insurance claim because he was already paid for flooring he did not replace. He said, “but this is a new leak”.

I explained that the flooring damage was not “new damage” and that he could not be paid twice for something he didn’t replace from the first claim, and that he would be committing insurance fraud if he filed the claim. He was silent and I suggested that he replace his floor with the money he previously received from the insurance company and call it a day.

The cost of Insurance Fraud is estimated to be more than $40 billion per year so this means the cost is placed on U.S. families in the form of increased insurance premiums.

3 Things Insurance Companies Look For

1. Past Claims - If you have submitted property damage claims in the past, the insurance company will review your claims history. If they notice patterns in the types of property damage claims you submit or how often you claim damage, this certainly raises a red flag.

2. Wider Claims History - As an extra precaution, insurance companies check data beyond their internal fraud detection systems. For example, some systems enable adjusters to match new claims to those that were part of earlier or multiple other claims. They can also reveal other red flags like Special Investigations Unit (SIU) activity.

3. Suspicious Loss Indicators – There are several Suspicious Loss Indicators that insurance companies watch for including:

Submitting handwritten receipts for repairs
Adding or increasing insurance coverage (home or auto) shortly before filing a claim
Financial distress, especially if you file a property damage claim shortly after the start of your policy
Altered documentation
Delays in reporting a claim

Although not every claim matching these criteria is fraudulent, insurance companies may still want to investigate further.

How Fraud Detection Works

There are several analytical tools available that alert insurance adjusters to potential cases of fraud based on varying Suspicious Loss Indicators. They may use Special Investigations Units, private detectives, and even social media for the detection of insurance fraud.

Was Your Insurance Claim Underpaid or Denied?

Has your insurance company underpaid or denied your claim? Your past claims with that insurance carrier, your wider claim history, or even having one of the Suspicious Loss Indicator boxes checked could be to blame.

Insurance claims are now, more than ever, a tedious and complex process. At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we can help you through the complicated claim process and help you recover from your loss.

Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Essential Roof Maintenance Tips

8/6/2024

Certain responsibilities come when you own property, whether it’s a home or a commercial building, you must take care of the property.

Maintaining your roof is crucial for extending its life and preventing costly repairs.

Here are some quick tips to help maintain your roof which will ensure that you have protected your property from damage.

Regular Inspections
Check your roof twice a year, especially after severe weather. Look for damage, missing shingles or tiles, leaks, and water pooling.

Clean Gutters
Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris to ensure proper drainage and prevent water damage.

Remove Debris
Clear leaves, branches, and other debris from your roof to avoid mold growth and water pooling, which can lead to property damage on the interior surfaces.

Trim Overhanging Branches
Cut and remove branches that hang over your roof to prevent damage from falling limbs.

Check for Moss or Algae
Use a safe solution to remove moss or algae, or hire a professional to clean your roof, which will help prevent damage to the roof surface.

Inspect Flashing
Ensure the flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and drains are secure and undamaged to prevent leaks.

Address Leaks Promptly
If you notice any signs of a leak to the interior of your property, such as water stains on the ceiling, have the roof inspected and repaired immediately to prevent further damage.

Hire Professionals
Always hire a licensed roofing contractor for roof inspections and repairs so the work is done correctly.

Regular maintenance can keep your roof in great condition and will help protect your property. Keep receipts and records of any maintenance and repairs to your property.

Whether you need help with a new, underpaid, or disputed insurance claim, Reliant Insurance Adjusters has the knowledge and experience to assist your needs. To find out how we can best help you, call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here.

Insurance Claim Disputes – Why You Need An Appraiser or Umpire

7/23/2024

When you have property damage and file an insurance claim, there will often be a disagreement on the damages, the repair method, or the dollar amount of the damages.

Whether you own commercial or residential property, it’s important to resolve the claim promptly and efficiently. One way to do that is through appraisal.

The appraisal process should be conducted in a professional and timely manner and can help avoid litigation and keep costs down for you and the insurance company.

Hiring An Insurance Claim Appraiser
When an insurance claim dispute arises and you cannot resolve the differences, some policies provide for an alternative dispute resolution such as appraisal. In that case, you will need to hire an experienced Appraiser to represent you during this process.

In order the ensure that your appraiser understands your claim, you will need to provide him/her with all the documentation you have in support of your claim. This will include damage photos, videos, estimates, and any repair invoices. Hiring a professional Appraiser with the knowledge and experience to handle your type of property damage claim is important. Would you hire a contractor to complete your taxes?

What To Expect During The Appraisal Process
The appraisal process will begin with the opposing appraiser for the insurance company, and your appraiser scheduling an inspection at your property. They will each present their documentation to support their position on your claim and view and discuss the damages and repairs during their inspection.

Once the inspection is completed, both appraisers will discuss the claim during a separate meeting or phone call and try to resolve the claim. If they are unable to do so, they will agree to request the services of an agreed-upon Umpire.

Insurance Claim Umpire
An insurance claim Umpire is an impartial 3rd party requested to assist in resolving the insurance claim dispute and provide an objective evaluation of the claim to facilitate a fair resolution of the claim. Besides being impartial, the umpire should not have too heavy a caseload, so a resolution of your claim can be reached in a timely manner.

Who Pays The Umpire?
The cost of the Umpire services is equally borne between the insurance company and the property owner. This way the cost is not a burden solely to one party.

Karen Schiffmiller and Scott Scovin both have their Certified Property Insurance Appraiser & Umpire (CPAU) designations. They have handled many appraisals throughout their careers and pride themselves on their honesty and integrity.

Whether you need help with a new, underpaid, or disputed insurance claim, we have the knowledge and experience. To find out how we can best serve you, call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here.

Summer Maintenance Tips For Your HVAC System

7/9/2024

Summer in South Florida has our temperatures souring at their highest and although it may be in the 90’s, with the heat index lately, it feels more like the 100’s.

Whether you own a commercial or residential property, it can be frustrating when the air conditioner fails while experiencing such hot weather.

Maintaining the HVAC unit(s) throughout the year will ensure your property is cool and comfortable during the sweltering summer months.

Maintaining Your HVAC System for Summer
Doing these preventative steps to your HVAC system means you’ll be set for the summer heat.

1. Change Your Filters Regularly
Clean air circulating throughout your property is important for the health and wellness of your HVAC system. The most efficient thing you can do to maintain your system is to clean or change your filters monthly.

Pet hair, dander, and debris can accumulate more quickly when you have pets or carpeting, and it is crucial to change your filters more regularly in these circumstances.

2. Schedule Annual Maintenance Checks
Scheduling regular maintenance checkups with a reputable air conditioner service company will also help to keep the unit performing at its best which will help the longevity of the unit.

3. Clear the Area Around the Interior Unit
Keep the interior air handler free from clutter to allow proper air circulation around the unit. This will help avoid condensation on the outside of the unit and avoid any potential mold growth. Check the unit regularly to make sure it is functioning efficiently and free from leaks.

4. Clean the Area Around the Outdoor Unit
Outdoor condenser units are just as important to maintain. Leaves, twigs, and debris can gather at the base. As part of your yearly maintenance, turn off your air conditioner and remove any debris near the base.

5. Maintain the Exterior of the Property
Inspect the exterior of your home regularly and be sure to repair and seal any cracks or holes in the walls, doors or windows. Your HVAC system needs to work harder when cool air escapes. Caulk and weather stripping are effective when applied correctly. This will also help to keep water from seeping into your home and avoid unnecessary water damage to your property.

6. Utilize Ceiling Fans
If you have ceiling fans throughout your property, they can be a great asset for your HVAC system. Ceiling fans are a great way to keep your thermostat a few degrees higher with continuous air flow supporting the unit.

Review Your Property Insurance Policy
Another important property maintenance tip you should not skip … Review your property insurance policy and make sure you have the proper coverage.

We can assist you, whether you need a pre-damage property inspection or help with a new or underpaid insurance claim. To find out how we can best serve you, call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here.

Soil Erosion & Water Damage – Are You Covered?

6/18/2024

In South Florida, there are certain times of the year when rains are heavy and constant. When you own a residential or commercial property, you have a responsibility to protect the property, and maintain it to prevent property damage.

Sudden and accidental events happen frequently, but if you maintain your property, the likelihood of damage occurring is lessened.

We received a call from a woman who had water damage in her master bedroom, closet, and another bedroom. She was unsure of where the water was coming from and needed help.

What’s Causing The Damage?
When we arrived, the homeowner showed us the damage. There were visible signs of water damage to the floors, baseboards, and walls. My infrared camera showed quite a bit of moisture in these areas.

The bathroom was located across the hall and away from these two rooms. There was no active leak or moisture, so we ruled out a plumbing leak.

We inspected the ceilings and found that there weren’t any water stains, nor did the camera pick up any moisture. The property owner confirmed that the damage they found was isolated to the lower portion of the rooms.

Investigate, Investigate, Investigate
The bedrooms are located at the rear of the home. We went outside to the back and side of the property and found quite a bit of soil erosion. The grass was also gone in those areas, exposing the foundation.

There was a drainage ditch at the rear of their property line, and we confirmed the water never rose high enough to enter their yard or come close to their home.

I looked up to the roof line and saw they did not have gutters on the sides or rear of their home. They owned the property for 10 years, so every time it rained, the water poured off the roof and pounded the ground below causing the grass and soil to wash away over time.

The ground in those areas is hardened, and there is no drainage, and the water could not soak into the ground. Rainwater then pooled at the foundation and seeped into their home.

Is The Damage Covered?
Although the property owner kept saying her home was flooded when it rained, soil erosion nor rain, is a covered cause of loss in her homeowner’s insurance policy, so the ensuing damages are not covered.

Had the damage been caused by an actual flood, her flood insurance would have covered the damage. Flood is a rising/flowing body of water that submerges land, and the water enters the property from the exterior.

Not all damage is covered in your insurance policy. You must read and understand your insurance coverage to make an informed decision on the right policy and coverage.

At Reliant Insurance Adjusters, we have the knowledge and expertise to handle any property damage insurance claim. If you have a new or underpaid insurance claim, we are here to help. Contact us today.

House Fires - They Can Be Avoided

6/4/2024

After a nice dinner out with their friends in Boynton Beach, Florida, our client arrived home to the sound of smoke alarms and a wall of smoke as they entered the home. They soon found a fire raging in the master bathroom and called 911.

Fires are hazardous and can cause significant damage quickly. They put off extreme heat and you can get severely burned trying to put a fire out on your own. To avoid serious injury or smoke inhalation, you should always call 911 and leave the job to trained professionals.

Accurate Information is Important
When you file a property damage insurance claim, it’s important to provide accurate information to your insurance company, and the fire investigator to help determine the cause of the fire.

When we met the fire investigator assigned to the claim, he interviewed our client. One of the questions he asked was if they use candles. Our client said his wife does occasionally when she relaxes in a bath. In addition to asking multiple questions, he asked if they have pets, and our client confirmed they have two cats.

We were with the inspector while he was going through the burnt debris in the bathroom. The bathroom countertop and vanity were severely fire damaged. There were remains of two candles on the countertop, an electric makeup mirror, and what we soon realized was charred jewelry.

He kept leaning toward the candles as the cause and thought the cats may have knocked one over. However, our client never lit the candles that day and had just come home from work and left for dinner. I informed the inspector of this information and pointed to the burned wire on what remained of the makeup mirror.

As he inspected the electrical cord, he noticed that part of it was caught in the vanity drawer of the burnt cabinet. He pulled the wire out of the drawer and showed us the wire was crushed by being caught in the drawer and this was the cause of the fire!

3 Simple Tips To Avoid A Fire

Unplug electric appliances, blow dryers, hair tools, and clothes irons when not in use.
Never leave lit candles unattended. Before you leave the room, make sure the flame is completely extinguished. You would be surprised how quickly a flame can reignite.
When cooking, keep surfaces free from all flammable objects that can quickly ignite.

Inventory Your Property
Make a list of all your personal belongings, together with photos or video so in the event you do have a fire or other type of loss, you can easily identify them and compile a list of your damaged property.

Know Your Insurance Coverage
Review your insurance policy to verify that your property is fully protected and covered for damage. Keep a copy of your policy in your email or cloud storage for easy access.

Reliant Insurance Adjusters is here for you. Our team has the knowledge and experience to handle all types of insurance claims. We also conduct Pre-Damage Inspections of your property and provide a detailed photo report for your records.

If you have a new or underpaid property damage insurance claim or need a pre-damage inspection report, we can help. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.

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RELIANT INSURANCE ADJUSTERS LLC
Karen Renée Schiffmiller Lic #P031839
Scott David Scovin Lic #P120375
Firm License #W805811

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7777 Glades Road, Suite 100
Boca Raton, FL 33434

561-288-6434

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