Responding to a few complaints that some insurance company adjusters may be
discouraging consumers from contacting the Department of Financial Services for
help with a complaint or with filing a hurricane claim, Florida’s Chief
Financial Officer Tom Gallagher today issued an industry warning that such
actions could result in license suspension or revocation.
"Although we have received a limited number of complaints, the nature of the
allegations are so serious I believe it warrants a public warning,” Gallagher
said. “I will not tolerate the rights of Florida’s citizens being impeded in
any way. Filing a complaint or request for the department’s help in no way
inhibits the ability of claims adjusters to settle claims with an insured, nor
does it delay or prolong the process unless someone is acting in bad faith.”
Some hurricane victims have reported that adjusters have warned that filing a
complaint with the department would slow the claims process. Adjusters engaging
in this activity may include insurance company adjusters, independent adjusters
or catastrophe adjusters.
Using threats or coercion to dissuade Floridians from filing a complaint with
the department violates the provisions of the Unfair Insurance Trade Practices
Act as well as the rules regulating the ethical conduct of adjusters. The
department can suspend or revoke the license of an adjuster who violates the
Insurance Code or department rule, or impose a fine of up to $3,500.
Consumers who need assistance filing a hurricane claim or want to file a
complaint should call 1-800-22-STORM (1-800-227-8676) or go to
www.MyFloridaCFO.com and click on “Report Insurance Fraud.”
The skyline for November is beautiful
downtown Lakeland in Polk County.