FIVE WAYS WE CAN HELP YOU:
1) NEW CLAIMS: This is generally best for the Insured, as not only do we prevent some mistakes from occurring, but we also do most of the work in documenting and packaging your claim for maximum benefit. Many potential delays and “headaches” are thus prevented. If you suspect possible sinkhole damage, and we are retained early on in the process, before the insurance company denies your claim, our fee is lower than it would be otherwise. Generally, fewer problems and a faster conclusion results when we are involved early in the process. We have vast experience with the “ins and outs” of the insurance industry, and we often prevent the insurance company’s adjuster (or their “expert”) from taking an inaccurate position because of our input, knowledge, and presence. Obviously, once anyone takes a contrary position, it requires more “persuasion,” time, and evidence to change it.
2) PENDING CLAIMS: If your insurance company agrees that you have sustained sinkhole damage but you do not agree with their offer, we can review the situation and take over from that point. We would be paid only for additional money you receive over and above their offer. Almost without exception, we find additional coverage and damage. In fact, many properties should never even be repaired, as there is a high failure rate of grouting and other repair methods the insurance industry often tries to utilize. We will also renegotiate anything that was not fully and fairly allowed for.
3) CLAIM DENIED: If your claim has been denied and you believe your damage may be the result of sinkhole activity, we will review your entire file, along with all the geotechnical reports, and can recommend other methods of testing (or similar testing by another company) if there is reason to suspect the insurance company’s reports are flawed. Sometimes the very report an insurance company uses to deny a claim is flawed on its very face, thus not even requiring additional testing. What is done at this point may determine whether you are able to recover all expenses from the insurance company...assuming their reports are disproved. If, in fact, your damage is not a result of sinkhole, we will review your policy and look for other coverage it may contain.
4) RE-OPEN CLAIM OR SUPPLEMENTAL CLAIM: Florida has very good laws that usually allow you to reopen a claim if you were not fully compensated. We offer a “free claim audit.” If you were paid by your insurance company for sinkhole damage (or any other type of damage) and now realize or suspect that the payment and/or repair process they recommended is inefficient or inadequate, you generally have up to five years to reopen the claim. Our fee will be based only on the new money that is collected. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recently conducted a geologic and geotechnical assessment of prior sinkhole claims at the request of the Florida State Legislature. They found that nearly half of all sinkhole repairs were inadequate. Over time, it can only be higher than that as it is very difficult for anyone to permanently stabilize a sinkhole, which is by definition something unstable. There also may be significant damage and loss that was not paid for. Our “free claim audit” will try to uncover all areas for maximum recovery. If your insurance company did not do a proper job, you may be able to collect all expenses and other damages, providing you follow the necessary statutory provisions.
5) APPRAISAL: We are frequently retained as appraisers under the terms of your policy. This can be a literal “minefield” and must be engaged in carefully and cautiously. This is a process that you would not want to generally initiate. There are no real rules and extremely difficult to appeal.
