You pay your premiums so that when a storm, fire, theft or lawsuit hits, your business is protected. But after hurricane season, many Northeast Florida business owners find that their insurer delays, lowballs or flat-out denies a valid claim.
Common insurer tactics
Saying the damage was "pre-existing" or "wear and tear"
Requesting the same documents again and again
Offering a fraction of the repair estimate
Using narrow readings of policy exclusions
What Florida law allows
Florida law requires insurers to handle claims in good faith. Before filing a statutory bad-faith lawsuit, a policyholder generally must file a Civil Remedy Notice with the Florida Department of Financial Services and give the insurer 60 days to fix the problem. Done right, this can open the door to damages beyond the policy limits.
Steps to take now
Keep a written log of every call, email and adjuster visit
Get your own independent repair estimate
Request a certified copy of your policy
Don't sign a release or accept a "final" check without advice
The same trial team that took on Big Tobacco for the State of Florida fights insurers for Jacksonville businesses. We know how insurers build their defenses, and how to take them apart.
Have questions about your situation? Call Terrell Hogan Law at (904) 632-2424 for a free consultation. Trusted to fight the hard cases since 1974.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
