GALLAGHER REQUESTS DEADLINES FOR INSURERS
TO HANDLE STORM CLAIMS
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today asked state
regulators to develop an emergency rule directing insurance companies to speed
up their efforts to resolve hurricane claims, and setting specific deadlines for
companies and their adjusters to evaluate damage and start the claims process.
Gallagher said the rule should be brought to the Governor and Cabinet next
Tuesday, October 26, for approval.
Gallagher said firm deadlines are necessary based on numerous calls to the
department’s hurricane hotline at 1-800-22-STORM from storm victims who have yet
to see an adjuster or are waiting for an adjuster to return to do a damage
assessment.
“One of our top complaints continues to be delays working with a claims
adjuster,” said Gallagher, who oversees the Florida Department of Financial
Services. “Setting deadlines will help thousands of Floridians who are still
waiting to start the claims process.”
Gallagher has asked the Office of Insurance Regulation to develop a rule that would require insurance companies to take the following actions for consumers who have filed claims:
- Advance funds to all storm victims entitled to additional living expenses.
- Send adjusters to evaluate and assess damage.
- Make a settlement offer and work to resolve all claims.
"I have been out working to help storm victims recover from these back-to-back
catastrophes. We are listening to their concerns and we understand that getting
their insurance check is a necessary first step toward rebuilding their homes
and their lives,” said Gallagher.
Gallagher said a similar rule was implemented two months after Hurricane Andrew
made landfall in 1992.
The skyline for October is Daytona Beach,
photo courtesy of the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.