Insurance Companies are NOT your friends. Here’s what to do:
Despite how sweet and nice your insurance agent might be, no matter how kind the adjuster sounds on the phone, insurance companies often do not have your best interest at heart. Insurance companies make their money by collecting premiums, and not paying out. Even if your insurance company did pay out something, it’s usual not enough. – You have to remember that they are a business. They’re in this to make money. They’re not a charity.
Another thing to know is that insurance companies are regulated by state law and not some federal agency. That means that when your insurance company tries to pull a fast one on you, you can file a Civil Remedies Notice (CRN) with Florida’s Division of Consumer Services. CRNs are intended to be used by people who are beginning the process of filing suit against an insurance company, when they feel they have been hurt by specific actions of the insurer.
While the Florida Division of Consumer Services does not get involved in negotiations if the allegations described in the CRN are proven in litigation, a timely CRN will allow us to go after your insurance company for Bad Faith as prescribed under Florida Statute §624.155. The Florida Supreme Court defines “a claim for bad faith pursuant to §624.155(1)(b)(1) is founded upon the obligation of the insurer to pay when all conditions under the policy would require an insurer exercising good faith and fair dealing towards its insured to pay.” Cadle v. GEICO General Ins. Co., 838 F.3d 1113, 1124 (11th Cir. (Fla.) 2016)(quoting Vest v. Travelers Ins. Co., 753 So. 2d 1270, 1275 (Fla. 2000)). In other words, an insurance company is acting in bad faith when they knew or should have known they had to extend coverage, but decided not to.
This is why when you find yourself in a Homeowner’s insurance dispute you should contact the Cohen Law Group. We at the Cohen Law Group are the premier Property Insurance law firm in Florida. While other firms might moonlight in property insurance claims, we have whole teams of experienced attorneys dedicated to property insurance claims. We strive to ensure that our client’s properties are put in pre-loss condition.
This blog discusses general scenarios; and each policy, claim, and cases are different in their own respect. If you need assistance or have questions about an insurance claim, call one of our experienced attorneys for a free consultation. Call Cohen Law Group at 407-901-1598 to speak with an Attorney about your claim.
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