Storm Updates

HURRICANE IAN UPDATE #8
Sworn Proof of Loss Clarification
The information below was shared in our last client update.  Please note that not all insurers require a Sworn Proof of Loss.  One only needs to be submitted if the insurer requests it.  Insurers have not told our agency whether or not they are requiring a Sworn Proof of Loss.  We do know Frontline and NFIP flood insurers do (it is the same document your insurer sends you estimating your loss).  We have not been told by other insurers if they are requiring or not.

We apologize for any confusion or concern this may have caused.

SWORN PROOF OF LOSS

Standard language in a homeowner or wind insurance policy form states the Sworn Proof of Loss must be completed, signed and returned to the insurer within 60 days of receipt of the insurer’s request.  Note, this is NOT the Date of Loss (9/28/22). Clients who have not completed, signed and return the Sworn Proof of Loss to their insurer should do so as soon as possible, most definitely within 60 days of the date it was received from the insurer.    A copy of a misplaced Sworn Proof of Loss can be obtained from the adjuster or insurance company.

HEIDRICK & CO. WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

https://www.sanibelinsurance.com

https://www.facebook.com/SanibelInsurance

Members of the Sanibel Island Next Door app community,
can also see our updates.

Thank you for being a Heidrick & Co. Insurance client.
Have a Bountiful Thanksgiving!

Chris, Holli, Kim K., Kim W., Tami, Antoinette,
Paul, Jessica, MJ, Lisa, Giselle, Cameron,
Emily, Rebekah, Denn, James, Kevin and Jesse

HURRICANE IAN UPDATE #7
A Note from Chris Heidrick . . . 
Please let me start this update by saying thank you for your patience as we’ve worked together to recover from Hurricane Ian.  My intention was to send this update weeks earlier, but our phone and email volume has prevented me from doing so.

Overall, we are starting to see some progress with claims activity.  Insurance adjusters are out inspecting damage and many of us are now waiting to receive initial loss estimates.  Several steps of the process remain in our journey to a full recovery, as I’ll describe later in this update.

 

I want to say up front, however, how personally disappointed I am, in the lack of communication from most insurance companies.  My staff and I continue to receive a significant number of calls and emails from frustrated clients looking for updates. We share your frustration, with several of us experiencing this issue from the policyholder standpoint as well.  While Hurricane Ian created some unique challenges for insurers and insurance adjusters, this is no excuse for the insurers’ failure to provide transparency into the claim settlement process, acknowledge policyholder calls and emails and/or provide timely status updates and responses to questions.  Please know this lack of communication is not isolated to one or two insurance companies.  Rather, our clients are experiencing frustration with many insurance companies.  I am also hearing the same frustration from other insurance agency colleagues.  I have provided this feedback to executives at several insurers, and I will continue to do so long after all claims have been settled, in hopes the insurers will improve their communication in the future.

 

Below are updates on the most common questions we have received lately and those we anticipate in the coming weeks…

 

Loss Settlement Process

Generally, steps in the loss settlement process are:

1.      Claim is filed.  For most policyholders, this step is complete.

2.     Field Adjuster visits home to gather photos, measurements and data.  The Field Adjuster is usually an independent contractor, hired by the insurer, to be the eyes and ears of the Desk Adjuster.  The Field Adjuster usually does not have final authority, so whatever comments he/she may make to a policyholder while inspecting the loss is subject to approval of the Desk Adjuster or the insurance company.  Many policyholders have already seen or communicated with their Field Adjusters.  Most Field Adjusters should be done with their work within the next few weeks.

3.      Field Adjuster prepares report and submits to Desk Adjuster.  Field Adjusters are not all the same.  Some are harness-trained and specialize in roof inspections.  Others are not and may require a second professional to valuate roof damage.  The Field Adjuster will then compile all data into a report and prepare an initial estimate for the loss.  This estimate is based on the damage the adjuster can see and is calculated using industry standard, cost-estimating software.  Sometimes damage may be hidden, damage is missed and/or the cost data in the estimating software is inaccurate.  Any or all of these scenarios can lead to the need for a Supplemental Claim Payment (see the final step, below).  We often hear from policyholders who believe the initial loss estimate is a “low-ball offer.”  That’s unlikely, as the majority of Field Adjusters are independent contractors whose compensation is based on a percentage of the loss amount.  These Field Adjusters have no incentive to “low-ball” anyone and their compensation is NOT paid from the claims proceeds.  However, a Public Adjuster, hired by a policyholder, will assess a fee which will be paid from claim proceeds (not reimburseable by the insurer).

 

4.     Desk Adjuster reviews report and approves initial loss estimate.  This adjuster will ask the policyholder for additional information like a list of Contents lost (inlcuding value), receipts for an Additional Living Expense claim, a Sworn Proof of Loss (see below for this important requirement) and/or a recorded statement.  It can often take up to three weeks for the Field Adjuster to prepare his/her report and estimate, and another week or two for the Desk Adjuster to review.  For this reason, many policyholders currently feel abandoned, as they’ve had contact with a Field Adjuster, but have not received and any updates for several weeks. No question that better communication by the insurers would improve this process, but this delay is quite normal in the adjustment of catastrophe claims.  Note:  The Field Adjuster or Desk Adjuster may see a need to hire a structural engineer to inspect the home, which can extend the settlement process up to 60 days.

 

5.   Initial Loss Estimate is sent to policyholder with check for payment.  As mentioned above, this is an initial estimate.  Sometimes it may be accurate and complete.  In that case, the claim can be closed.  Other times, however, these estimates or payments are labeled as “final,” which is misleading.  They are not final and endorsing/cashing the initial check will not prohibit a policyholder from filing for, or receiving, a Supplemental Claim Payment.  Policyholders have one year from the Date of Loss (9/28/22) to file for supplemental payments on flood losses through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).  For homeowners/wind losses, Florida Statute allows policyholders up to two years from the Date of Loss to file for supplemental payments.

 

6.   Policyholder or his/her contractor may provide additional documentation to either the Field Adjuster or the Desk Adjuster to support a Supplemental Claim Payment.  This may happen multiple times over the course of the claim.  Detailed documentation is the key to a successful Supplemental Claim.  An estimate or invoice from a contractor, a phone call between a contractor and the adjuster, a report from an engineer hired by the policyholder, additional photos and receipts are all examples of detailed documentation that is needed for an insurer to process a Supplemental Claim.

SWORN PROOF OF LOSS

Standard language in a homeowner or wind insurance policy form states the Sworn Proof of Loss must be completed, signed and returned to the insurer within 60 days of receipt of the insurer’s request.  Note, this is NOT the Date of Loss (9/28/22). Clients who have not completed, signed and return the Sworn Proof of Loss to their insurer should do so as soon as possible, most definitely within 60 days of the date it was received from the insurer.    A copy of a misplaced Sworn Proof of Loss can be obtained from the adjuster or insurance company.

 

FEMA 50% Rule

We have received many questions regarding the 50% Rule.  This rule was established by FEMA, and adopted into the Florida Building Code.  It requires a structure, with damage exceeding 50% of the market value of the structure, to be brought up entirely to the most current building codes.  In practice, this could mean a home must be elevated or demolished and rebuilt.

Several local municipalities have clarified how the cost of the damage (the numerator in the fraction) and the market value of the structure (the denominator in the fraction) can be determined.  These methods can vary from one municipality to another, so only your local Building Official can determine if your home triggers the 50% rule.

 

Loss of Use (LOU) and Additional Living Expenses (ALE)

We have received many questions regarding Loss of Use coverage (also referred to as Additional Living Expense or Loss of Income/Rents)  Whether or not LOU/ALE is paid requires two things:  (1) The policy contract contains this coverage and (2) The policy covers the cause of loss that makes the home uninhabitable.

LOU/ALE is not offered on NFIP flood policies, but is included on most homeowner/wind policies. For this line of coverage to apply, the adjuster will need to determine that the home is uninhabitable due to the damage caused by wind.  It is highly unlikely that any policy that excludes coverage for wind will pay an LOU/ALE claim from Hurricane Ian. Most policies covering wind damage for structures located in areas in which property owners were prohibited from accessing their property will likely to pay up to two weeks of LOU/ALE under the Civil Authority provision.  Insurers will make the final determination as to whether or not this applies.  Policyholders should be sure keep all receipts and thorough documentation to support this claim.  For a Loss of Rents claim, the documentation required may inlcude contracts, leases and or rental receipts from previous years.

Policy Renewals

We recommend policyholders accept renewal offers from their current insurers and postpone “shopping” coverages until all repairs from Hurricane Ian are complete.

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued an Emergency Order requiring all insurers covering a personal-residential or commercial-residential structure damaged by Hurricanes Ian or Nicole to continue to cover those risks until at least 90 days after all repairs have been completed.  Moving to a new insurer removes the protection provided under the Emergency Order and can be detrimental if the new insurer’s inspection findings are problematic. For example, Bob is currently insured with ABC Insurance Company and moves to XYZ Insurance Company.  After binding the new coverage, XYZ Insurance Company inspects Bob’s home and finds something unacceptable to their guidelines or otherwise determines Bob’s home was not eligible for the coverage.  XYZ cancel’s Bob’s policy, leaving him without coverage.  Bob’s alternative could be a much higher premium, or more likley an inability to obtain replacement coverage at all.

Cancelling Coverage After a Loss

While it seems intuitive to immediately cancel insurance coverage after a total loss, prudence is required to avoid a costly mistake.  A policyholder should not even consider this option unless/until the insurer has declared the dwelling/building a total loss and paid him/her the policy limits.  If coverage is cancelled in anticipation of a total loss, and the insurance company disagrees, any new coverage will result in much higher premiums, or more likley, the inability to obtain replacement coverage.

 

Reducing Policy Limits After a Loss

Again, it may seem intuitive to do this, but this stratgegy could prove penny-wise and pound-foolish.  As stated earlier, an insurer must continue to provide a policyholder with coverage until repairs are complete.  As those repairs progress, the dwelling/building will be restored to the replacement cost, or likely even higher levels, than prior to the storm.  For this reason, many insurers will not agree to reduce Dwelling Limits.  If a company does agree, it will be the policyholder’s responsibility to increase those limits incrementally as the repairs move forward.

Buying or Selling Property

Other than the NFIP flood insurance companies, we are not aware of any insurance carrier willing to insure a home with an open claim and/or existing damage.  All claims on the home must be closed before new coverage can be obtained.  Even when the claims are closed, few, if any, insurers are willing to provide coverage for a dwelling/building with existing damage.

HEIDRICK & CO. WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKShttps://www.sanibelinsurance.com

https://www.facebook.com/SanibelInsurance

Members of the Sanibel Island Next Door app community,
can also see our updates.

Thank you for being a Heidrick & Co. Insurance client.
Have a Bountiful Thanksgiving!

Chris, Holli, Kim K., Kim W., Tami, Antoinette,
Paul, Jessica, MJ, Lisa, Giselle, Cameron,
Emily, Rebekah, Denn, James, Kevin and Jesse

HURRICANE IAN UPDATE #6
A Note from Chris Heidrick . . . 
Temporary Mailing Address: PO Box 61083, Fort Myers, FL 33906

Today is day 17 since Hurricane Ian changed our lives.

My team and I continue to work diligently to get all of your claims filed and respond to all of the questions we are receiving via phone and email.  We have added to our staff to help handle this volume.  That said, it is still taking us much longer to respond to these questions than we would like.  We respectfully ask for your continued patience.

Over the past week I have spoken with several insurance company CEOs and senior executives.  All recognize the delays some of you have experienced in being contacted by an adjuster, especially those of you with property on the barrier islands.  As insurers were prohibited from accessing the islands for approximately 10 days after the storm, and as access remains difficult, insurers have largely focused their resources on the mainland where they can access properties and serve more policyholders.  With the opening of the Sanibel Causeway a week from today, and the implementation of some innovative process by some insurers, I believe we will begin to see improvement over the next week or two.

It will take several weeks before adjusters will be able to make contact with all policyholders.  These timeframes are quite normal post-hurricane.  Please know that all insurers and adjusters are doing their best to make contact with you and inspect your losses as quickly as possible.

If you need an advance payment on your claim, you can visit one of the two Insurance Villages in our area:

Lakes Regional Library
15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Open 9am to 6pm

 

Port Charlotte Town Center Mall parking lot
1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Open 8am to 6pm

 

As of now, these Insurance Villages are scheduled to close on October 18.

 

Resources

The area’s resources continue to be taxed beyond their limits.  Restoration companies, contractors, hotels, etc. are hard to come by.  For that reason we are unable to assist with recommendations or referrals.

 

Loss of Use Coverage (LOU)

We have received many questions regarding Loss of Use coverage (also referred to as Additional Living Expense or Loss of Income).

Whether or not LOU is paid depends on whether you have the coverage and the cause of loss that makes the home uninhabitable.  LOU is not offered on NFIP flood policies.  LOU is included on most homeowner/wind policies, but to apply the adjuster will need to determine that the home is uninhabitable due to the damage caused by wind.

Most homeowner/wind policies in areas where property owners were prohibited from accessing their property. Insurers will be likely to pay up to two weeks of LOU under the Civil Authority provision.  Insurers will make the final determination as to whether or not this applies.  Keep all receipts and thorough documentation to support your claim.

 

Frontline Insurance

There has much discussion and frustration regarding Frontline Insurance.  Until yesterday, Frontline, like most other insurers, had not made contact with many of its policyholders…particularly many on Sanibel.  However, as of yesterday Frontline has chartered a barge to carry 24 adjusters per day, with e-bikes, to adjust Sanibel personal and commercial claims.

Even if the adjuster has not made telephone contact with you, they may inspect the exterior of your home and your roof (by drone) to expedite the claim settlement process.

 

Adjuster Access to Sanibel

As of October 6, claim adjusters can access and move about Sanibel independently, though lack of public boat transportation and lack of ground transportation has limited the ability for adjusters to see as many homes per day as normal.

If your adjuster does not know how to access Sanibel, the City has implemented a registration process.  That process can be found on the City’s website, www.mysanibel.com, under News and Announcements.

The City’s adjuster registration process only applies if an adjuster is not accompanied by a property owner with a Hurricane Pass or Florida drivers license with a Sanibel address.  If the adjuster is accompanied by a property credentialed resident, they do not need to register with the City.

 

Mitigation and Emergency Repairs

All insurance policies include language that requires property owners to take reasonable steps to protect the property from ongoing and continued damage.  The key word here is REASONABLE.

An insurer will not hold a policyholder accountable for damage while the City deems the island as unsafe and is discouraging visitors or while a property owner does not have reasonable access to their home.  Insurers also understand it may take time to identify a contractor or restoration company to make those emergency repairs…particularly at a time like this.

Some property owners may choose to undertake mitigation steps right away, particularly if there is minimal wind damage as homeowner/wind policies will not pay for mold damage resulting from flood.  Flood policies will pay for this damage, but limits on flood policies are often much lower than those on homeowner policies.  Only your adjuster/insurer can determine if emergency repairs will be covered.

If you do make emergency repairs, be sure to take lots of photos.  If you have coverage for Contents, it is best to not throw those items away until an adjuster can see them.  If you need to dispose of carpeting, keep a 3’ x 3’ piece of the carpet and the pad.  If you remove drywall, don’t remove more than 12” above the water line.

Be aware of and report price gouging.  Here is a link to the Florida Attorney General’s website providing additional information:  News Release – CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General Moody Warns Floridians of Price Gouging, Disaster Scams and Fraud in Aftermath of Hurricane Ian (myfloridalegal.com)

There is no need for property owners to incur expenses for their own photos, drone pictures or structural engineers.  Insurance companies will provide these services when the claims are adjusted.  Repairs should not exceed the minimum necessary to secure the home against further damage.

 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAKE LOTS OF PHOTOS BEFORE AND DURING ANY TEMPORARY REPAIRS AND KEEP ALL RECEIPTS.

 

FEMA 50% Rule

Homes that have damage in excess of 50% of the market value of the structure must be brought up to the most current building code.  This is a municipal and building code requirement, not an insurance requirement.  As such, your best resource to answer questions regarding the 50% rule is your local building official or your contractor.  Our office can only answer how a policy may respond, but cannot answer construction questions or whether or not your home may be subject to this rule.

Roof Tarps

If you have roof leaks as a result of Hurricane Ian, we encourage you to have it tarped. Insurers will cover reasonable expenses to mitigate further damage when there is a covered loss, subject to your deductible.  However, it is up to your insurer and adjuster to make all final coverage decisions.  This work can be done by a roofer or a remediation company.  As of yesterday, the City of Sanibel has received 1,600 tarps that are free to property owners, but you must find your own installer.  Another resource is the Army Corps of Engineers Operation Blue Roof (Operation Blue Roof (army.mil)).  Under this program, eligible homeowners can have their roof tarped for free, but must apply by October 23.

 

FEMA Disaster Assistance

Rep. Byron Donalds recommends that all property owners affected by Hurricane Ian apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance (www.disasterassistance.org).  Heidrick & Co. Insurance cannot assist you with this, but FEMA has resources to assist you.

 

Q&A with Jay Adams, Chief of Claims, Citizens

Heidrick & Co. was happy to help arrange for a visit to Sanibel’s daily briefing on October 5 from Jay Adams, Chief of Claims for Citizens.  Unfortunately the City stopped the Facebook Live feed before Jay began to speak but Holli Martin on our team had the forethought to record the presentation.  Please forgive the quality…the only equipment Holli had was her iPhone.

In this 36 minute presentation, Jay covers important topics such as the separation of wind vs. flood claims, the claim adjustment process and public adjusters.

https://youtu.be/6eC6Q3UMGZ0

One point Jay emphasizes is, NEVER SIGN AN ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS (AOB).  Doing so will cause you to lose all rights to negotiate and/or settle your claim, could result in extensive delays in claim settlement and could result in loss of your entire claim settlement.  BEWARE OF ANYONE WHO SAYS THEY CAN WAIVE OR COVER YOUR DEDUCTIBLE.  It is a red flag…and a felony.

 

Public Adjusters

Jay Adams points out that public adjusters are paid from the loss settlement proceeds (in other words, your money…not the insurers).  He asks you give the insurer a chance.  You can hire a Public Adjuster at any time.

We at Heidrick & Co. cannot recommend whether or not you hire a Public Adjuster.  It is your decision.  If you do hire a Public Adjuster, please send us a copy of the Letter of Representation.  From that point forward, all contact regarding your claim will need through the Public Adjuster.

Here is some information regarding Public Adjusters published by Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate.  public-adjuster-consumer-tips.pdf (myfloridacfo.com)

HEIDRICK & CO. WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKShttps://www.sanibelinsurance.com

https://www.facebook.com/SanibelInsurance

If you are a member of the Sanibel Island Next Door app community,
you can also see our updates there.

Thank you for being a Heidrick & Co. Insurance client.
STAY SAFE!

Chris, Holli, Kim K., Kim W., Tami, Antoinette,
Paul, Jessica, MJ, Lisa, Giselle, Cameron,
Emily, Rebekah, Denn, James, Kevin, Unique,
Kelly, Jesse & Larry

 

HURRICANE IAN UPDATE #5
The claims process.

A note from Chris Heidrick….

Today is day nine since Hurricane Ian changed our lives.  Early in my career I spent several months in the Miami area settling Hurricane Andrew claims.  This is far worse, and it will take some time to get all claims settled due to the incredible number of claims caused by Ian.

My team and I continue to work diligently to get all of your claims filed and respond to all of the questions we are receiving via phone and email.  We have added to our staff to help handle this volume.  We are working nights and weekends.  Some are only taking breaks to attend to their own hurricane losses and/or displacement.  That said, it is still taking us much longer to respond to these questions than we would like.  We respectfully ask for your patience.

Once claims are filed, you will be contacted by one or more insurance adjusters.  Each insurer uses different independent adjusters so you will likely have a different adjuster for each policy.

So far it appears the flood adjusters have been able to respond faster than the homeowner and/or wind adjusters.  It may take as long as two or three weeks for adjusters to make contact in some cases.

I have been in contact with executives at several insurers and adjusting firms.  They are doing their best to make contact with you and inspect your losses as quickly as possible.

If you need an advance payment on your claim, you can visit one of the two insurance villages in our area:

Lakes Regional Library
15290 Bass Road, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Open 9am to 6pm

 

Port Charlotte Town Center Mall parking lot
1441 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
Open 8am to 6pm

Claims Resources

The area’s resources are taxed beyond their limits.  Restoration companies, contractors, hotels, etc. are hard to come by.  For that reason we are unable to assist with recommendations or referrals.

 

Loss of Use (LOU) Coverage

We have received many questions regarding Loss of Use coverage (also referred to as Additional Living Expense or Loss of Income).

Whether or not LOU is paid depends on whether you have the coverage and the cause of loss that makes the home uninhabitable.  LOU is not offered on NFIP flood policies.  LOU is included on most homeowner and wind policies, but to apply, the adjuster will need to determine that the home is uninhabitable due to the damage caused by wind.

Most homeowner/wind policies will be likely to pay up to two weeks of LOU under the Civil Authority provision if the home cannot be used due to an order issued by a local government.  Insurers will make the final determination as to whether or not this applies.

 

Claims Adjuster Access to Sanibel

As of October 6, claim adjusters can access and move about Sanibel independently.  The City has implemented a registration process.  Details of this process can be found on the City’s website, www.mysanibel.com, under News and Announcements.

The City’s adjuster registration process only applies if an adjuster is not accompanied by a property owner with a Hurricane Pass or Florida drivers license with a Sanibel address.  If the adjuster is accompanied by a properly credentialed resident, he/she does not need to register with the City.

It is still difficult for adjusters to access Sanibel, as there is still no public transportation available.  The only access for adjusters are private boat charters, with a walk to properties not accessible by boat.

Some adjusters may not be familiar with the City’s requirements as they are out of the ordinary due to our island’s unique circumstances at the moment.  Some insurers may not send adjusters to Sanibel until the City determines it is safe to be on the island and lifts its recommendation against traveling to the island.  As the City progresses improving safety on the island, and transportation to and around the island, the claim adjusting process will improve significantly.

 

Mitigation and Emergency Repairs

All insurance policies include language that requires property owners to take reasonable steps to protect the property from ongoing and continued damage.  The key word here is REASONABLE.

An insurer will not hold a policyholder accountable for damage while the City deems the island as unsafe and is discouraging visitors.  The clock starts ticking once the City declares the island safe.  And then, insurers understand it may take time to identify a contractor or restoration company to make those emergency repairs…particularly at a time like this.

Some property owners may choose to undertake mitigation steps right away, particularly if there is minimal wind damage as homeowner/wind policies will not pay for mold damage resulting from flood.  Flood policies will pay for this damage, but limits on flood policies are often much lower than those on homeowner policies.

If you do make emergency repairs, be sure to take lots of photos.  If you have coverage for Contents (personal property), it is best to not throw those items away until an adjuster can see them.  If you need to dispose of carpeting, keep a 3’ x 3’ piece of the carpet and the pad.  If you remove drywall, don’t remove more than 12” above the water line.

Be aware of and report price gouging.  Below is the link to the Florida Attorney General’s website providing additional information.

http://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/BFF61653EC8A224E852588C6007100B5

There is no need for property owners to incur expenses for their own photos, drone pictures or structural engineers.  Insurance companies will provide these services when the claims are adjusted.  Repairs should not exceed the minimum necessary to secure the home against further damage.

 

FEMA Disaster Assistance

Earlier this week, Rep. Byron Donalds recommended that all property owners affected by Hurricane Ian apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance at https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

 

Heidrick & Co. Insurance staff is unable to assist you with this, but FEMA has resources to do so.

 

Q&A with Jay Adams, Chief of Claims, Citizens Property Insurance

Heidrick & Co. Insurance was happy to help arrange a visit from Jay Adams, Chief of Claims at Citizens, the state’s largest insurance company.  He attended the City’s daily briefing on October 5. Unfortunately, the City stopped the Facebook Live feed before Jay began to speak.  However, Holli Martin, from our agency, had the forethought to record the presentation.  Please forgive the quality…the only equipment Holli had was her iPhone.

In this 36-minute presentation, Jay covered important topics such as the separation of wind and flood claims, the claim adjustment process, public adjusters and more.  You can watch this discussion on our YouTube channel by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/6eC6Q3UMGZ0

One point Jay emphasizes is, NEVER SIGN AN ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS (AOB).  Doing so will cause you to lose all rights to negotiate and/or settle your claim.  It could also result in extensive delays in claim settlement and result in loss of your entire claim settlement.

BEWARE OF ANYONE WHO SAYS THEY CAN WAIVE OR COVER YOUR DEDUCTIBLE.  It is a red flag…and a felony.

 

Public Adjusters

Jay Adams also pointed out that public adjusters are paid from the loss settlement proceeds (in other words, your money…not the insurers).  He asks you give the insurer a chance to settle a claim to your satisfaction before hiring a Private Adjuster, which can be done at any time.

We at Heidrick & Co. Insurance cannot recommend whether or not you hire a Public Adjuster. It is soley your decision.  If you do hire a Public Adjuster, please send us a copy of the Letter of Representation.  From that point forward, all contact regarding your claim must channel through the Public Adjuster.

Here is some information regarding Public Adjusters published by Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate.  public-adjuster-consumer-tips.pdf (myfloridacfo.com)

HEIDRICK & CO. WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKShttps://www.sanibelinsurance.com

https://www.facebook.com/SanibelInsurance

If you are a member of the Sanibel Island Next Door app community,
you can also see our updates there.

Thank you for being a Heidrick & Co. Insurance client.
STAY SAFE!

Chris, Holli, Kim K., Kim W., Tami, Antoinette,
Paul, Jessica, MJ, Lisa, Giselle, Cameron, Amy,
Emily, Rebekah & Denn, James, Kevin, Unique and Kelly

 

HARTFORD FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY HOLDERS
We’ve Proactively Filed Claims for Barrier Island Clients

All of us here at Heidrick & Company pray that you and your families are safe. All of our staff has been accounted for and are working diligently to help each and every one of you.

In an effort to speed the loss settlement process, our staff has filed claims on every Hartford flood policy we have in force on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva Islands.  The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires confirmation of a flood loss before a claim can be opened.  Since we know these barrier islands were inundated with at least four feet of storm surge, Hartford agreed to open these claims in bulk.

If you have not already been contacted, you will be contacted shortly by an adjuster from Colonial Claims.  Colonial Claims is the largest flood insurance claim adjusting company in the US and will be handling all claim settlements for our policyholders with these three insurers.  Your flood adjuster will be able to provide you with guidance as to what to do and what not to do regarding clean up and dry out of your home.

If your home/structure is not located in the 33957, 33924 or 33931 zip codes (Sanibel, Captiva or Fort Myers Beach), and you have flood damage, please email us at [email protected] to report a flood claim.  You may also call the insurer to report your claim directly:

Hartford Flood – (800) 759-8656

HEIDRICK & CO. WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKShttps://www.sanibelinsurance.com

https://www.facebook.com/SanibelInsurance

If you are a member of the Sanibel Island Next Door app community,
you can also see our updates there.

Thank you for being a Heidrick & Co. Insurance client.
STAY SAFE!

Chris, Holli, Kim K., Kim W., Tami, Antoinette,
Paul, Jessica, MJ, Lisa, Giselle, Cameron, Amy,
Emily, Rebekah & Denn

 

 

WRIGHT FLOOD INSURANCE POLICY HOLDERS
We’ve Proactively Filed Claims for Barrier Island Clients

All of us here at Heidrick & Company pray that you and your families are safe. Thankfully, all of our staff has been accounted for and they are working diligently to help every one of you.

In an effort to speed up the loss settlement process, Heidrick & Co. Insurance has filed claims on every Wright Flood policy in force for homes and businesses on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva Islands.  The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires confirmation of a flood loss before a claim can be opened.  Since we know these barrier islands were inundated with at least four feet of storm surge, Wright Flood agreed to open these claims in bulk.

If you have not already been contacted, you will be contacted shortly by an adjuster from Colonial Claims.  Colonial Claims is the largest flood insurance claim adjusting company in the U.S. and will be handling all claim settlements for our policyholders with Wright Flood.  Please be sure to respond to any claims adjuster calls as soon as you are able.  Your flood adjuster will be able to provide you with guidance as to what to do and what not to do regarding clean up and dry out of your home.

If your home/structure is not located in the 33957, 33924 or 33931 zip codes (Sanibel, Captiva or Fort Myers Beach) and you have flood damage, please email us at [email protected] to report a flood claim.  You may also call Wright Flood to report your claim directly at (800) 725-9472.

HEIDRICK & CO. WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKShttps://www.sanibelinsurance.com

https://www.facebook.com/SanibelInsurance

If you are a member of the Sanibel Island Next Door app community,
you can also see our updates there.

Thank you for being a Heidrick & Co. Insurance client.
STAY SAFE!

Chris, Holli, Kim K., Kim W., Tami, Antoinette,
Paul, Jessica, MJ, Lisa, Giselle, Cameron, Amy,
Emily, Steve, Rebekah & Denn

POST-HURRICANE IAN UPDATE
The Start of a Long Recovery
September 29, 2022

Our hearts go out to the many affected by Hurricane Ian this week.  The images of SW Florida we’ve seen are terrifying and horrific, particularly those from the barrier islands.  Our staff is very concerned about one another, clients, neighbors, friends and relatives.

Much of SW Florida has experienced massive flooding…beyond anything we could have imagined just a few days ago.  When aerial images become available, we expect those images to be equally devastating.

Recent reports confirm the Sanibel Causeway is impassable – with at least one section of it completely missing!  McGregor Road leading up to it is crumpled.  It is unknown when Sanibel and Captiva will again be accessible by auto.

For now it is impossible for some of us to know exactly how our homes have been impacted.  Claims adjusters and restoration companies will not have access to the impacted properties on the barrier islands. Off-island roadways will need to be cleared before deemed safe for passage after all flood waters recede.

Because we expect the majority of our clients in SW Florida to have storm damage to claim, with much of that damage significant,  Heidrick & Co. has already begun to file claims…and will continue.  We are in talks with several insurers to determine an efficient way to file claims en-masse. We also expect that many clients will have both flood and wind claims.

While all of our staff members have the ability to work remotely, most remain without power and unable to communicate with us.  Several are trapped in condos and apartment buildings with flooded lower floors and parking lots.

Our phone system will open late today, albeit with a skeleton crew.   We will remain open over the weekend, but please know we may not be fully staffed for several days or more.  We will take as many calls and file as many claims as fast as we can during this time.

We will continue to send out communication as appropriate.

.Please Help Us Help You!

If you have non-urgent questions or service requests, we respectfully request you hold them until next week so we are able to focus on claims filing in the wake of the storm.

All insurance companies are closed for new business and coverage increases. We are not able to increase policy limits or make policy changes prior to the arrival of Hurricane Ian.  We do not expect insurance companies to reopen for these transactions until next week.

Filing Hurricane Ian Claims

After a storm we experience high call volume, so you may find it easier to file your claim directly with your insurance company.  You can find company claims phone numbers under the Storm Update section of our website:  https://www.sanibelinsurance.com.

If you prefer, you may also complete a Loss Notice, attached and available on our website (at the very end of the Storm Update section), and sent to us via email ([email protected]) or fax (888-767-1665).  If you have filed a claim by phone with an insurance company, the form is not needed.

Remember, insurance companies will prioritize claims response based on the severity of each.  Homes that are not livable will be prioritized over less-severe damage, such as screen enclosures or more minor issues.

Claim Filing Advice

If/when your property is accessible, you may minimize damage by contacting a restoration company to make emergency repairs to your home after the storm.  These companies can assist with drying out wet portions of your home and/or install roof tarps, board windows, etc.

PLEASE BE SURE YOU, YOUR HOME WATCH COMPANY AND/OR RESTORATION COMPANY TAKES MANY PHOTOS OF DAMAGE PRIOR TO ANY REPAIRS. 

  • NEVER sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB).  An AOB assigns all policy rights to any contractor working on your behalf.  This could enable a disreputable contractor to abuse the claim process and leave you powerless to resolve your claim!  Additionally, some insurance policies have exclusions to AOBs written into their policy forms.
  • NEVER agree to work with a public adjuster or contractor of any kind that promises to cover or pay for your deductible.  It is illegal and is a red flag that the person or company offering to do this for you is not reputable.
HEIDRICK & CO. WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

https://www.sanibelinsurance.com

https://www.facebook.com/SanibelInsurance

https://www.instagram.com/heidrickco.insurance

If you are a member of the Sanibel Island Next Door app community,
you can also see our updates there.

Thank you for being a Heidrick & Co. Insurance client.
STAY SAFE!

Chris, Holli, Kim K., Kim W., Tami, Antoinette,
Paul, Jessica, MJ, Lisa, Giselle, Cameron, Amy,
Emily, Steve, Rebekah & Denn

HURRICANE IAN UPDATE #3

Important Claim Filing Information

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA IS UNDER A HURRICANE WARNING

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS HAVE BEEN ORDERED
STORM SURGE POTENTIAL IS 8-12 FEET
PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PROTECT LIFE AND PROPERT

The forecast today, September 27, has taken a turn for the worse. Hurricane Ian is projected to pass dangerously close to Sanibel, Captiva and Estero islands Wednesday as a Category 4 Hurricane with maximum wind speeds of 130 mph or more.

  • Rain began in SW Florida earlier today and is expected to continue until at least late Wednesday.  Rainfall totals are projected at eight to 12 inches.
  • Tropical-storm-force winds (exceeding 39 mph) are projected to begin Wednesday morning and continue through that evening.  Sustained winds of 50 – 75 mph are likely for the barrier islands.  Wind speeds and timing can vary significantly with even small changes to the track of the storm.
  • Storm surge and flood is expected to coincide with Wednesday’s winds and could continue into Thursday.

Our Office Hours This Week

Our Sanibel office is closed. The office will reopen once it is safe to return and power is restored after the storm passes.

Given the likelihood of power outages, we do not anticipate being able to receive calls or respond to emails on Wednesday.  We hope to be back open, virtually, on Thursday or Friday, depending on the availability of power for our employees.

As long as we have power, we will also be working virtually this weekend to receive and file claims. We anticipate access to the islands to be restricted for several days after the storm.

Regretfully, Heidrick & Co. staff will not have the ability to inspect homes or businesses for possible damage.  Other sources of assistance may be a neighbor, home watch company or real estate agent.

Our staff will do everything in our power to get each and every claim filed promptly, facilitating communication with your insurance company and claim adjuster.

Please Help Us Help You!

If you have non-urgent questions or service requests, we respectfully request you hold them until next week so we are able to focus on claims filing in the wake of the storm.

All insurance companies are closed for new business and coverage increases. We are not able to increase policy limits or make policy changes prior to the arrival of Hurricane Ian.  We do not expect insurance companies to reopen for these transactions until next week.

Filing Hurricane Ian Claims

After a storm we experience high call volume, so you may find it easier to file your claim directly with your insurance company.  You can find company claims phone numbers under the Storm Update section of our website:  https://www.sanibelinsurance.com.

If you prefer, you may also complete a Loss Notice, also available on our website, and sent to us via email ([email protected]) or fax (888-767-1665).

Remember, insurance companies will prioritize claims response based on the severity of each.  Homes that are not livable will be prioritized over less-severe damage, such as screen enclosures or more minor issues.

Claim Filing Advice

You may minimize damage by contacting a restoration company to make emergency repairs to your home after the storm.  These companies can assist with drying out wet portions of your home and/or install roof tarps, board windows, etc.

PLEASE BE SURE YOU, YOUR HOME WATCH COMPANY AND/OR RESTORATION COMPANY TAKES MANY PHOTOS OF DAMAGE PRIOR TO ANY REPAIRS.  

PLEASE, PLEASE….NEVER sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB).  An AOB assigns all policy rights to any contractor working on your behalf.  This could enable a disreputable contractor to abuse the claim process and leave you powerless to resolve your claim!  Additionally, some insurance policies have exclusions to AOBs written into their policy forms.

HEIDRICK & CO. WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKShttps://www.sanibelinsurance.com

https://www.facebook.com/SanibelInsurance

https://www.instagram.com/heidrickco.insurance/

 

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES

https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes

https://www.leegov.com/hurricane

https://www.mysanibel.com

https://www.stateofflorida.com/articles/hurricane-preparedness-guide

https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare

Thank you for being a Heidrick & Co. Insurance client.
STAY SAFE!

Chris, Holli, Kim K., Kim W., Tami, Antoinette,
Paul, Jessica, MJ, Lisa, Giselle, Cameron, Amy,
Emily, Steve, Rebekah & Denn

Carrier Contact Numbers  – Carrier Claim Numbers

Property Loss Notice PDF – DOWNLOAD