**Consumer Alert** CFO Jimmy Patronis Issues a Consumer Alert on Travel Insurance & Trip Cancellations
3/11/2020
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With more than 20 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Florida, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis today issued a consumer alert regarding travel insurance and important guidance for Floridians dealing with travel cancellations.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Spring break is fast approaching and no doubt many Florida families had vacations lined up that they may be reconsidering, or may be canceled due to the coronavirus. For any consumers that bought travel insurance for a pending trip, now is the time to review those policies and ask any questions you might have about your coverage. We want to make sure consumers aren’t caught off guard during this public health emergency.
“If anyone is having difficulty getting answers to questions about their travel insurance, give our Consumer Services Helpline a call. The Department of Financial Services licenses travel insurance agents and handles complaints against travel insurers, so we can help resolve issues you may have.
“Finally, consumers must take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from potential fraud. COVID-19 creates an environment where bad actors can look to defraud the public, so consumers should be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and report it immediately.”
Consumers can contact a specialist with CFO Patronis’ Insurance Consumer Helpline weekdays between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST at the statewide, toll-free number 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236). Out-of-State callers, please dial (850) 413-3089. For online consumer complaints, please visit www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers/needourhelp.htm.
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Spring break is fast approaching and no doubt many Florida families had vacations lined up that they may be reconsidering, or may be canceled due to the coronavirus. For any consumers that bought travel insurance for a pending trip, now is the time to review those policies and ask any questions you might have about your coverage. We want to make sure consumers aren’t caught off guard during this public health emergency.
“If anyone is having difficulty getting answers to questions about their travel insurance, give our Consumer Services Helpline a call. The Department of Financial Services licenses travel insurance agents and handles complaints against travel insurers, so we can help resolve issues you may have.
“Finally, consumers must take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from potential fraud. COVID-19 creates an environment where bad actors can look to defraud the public, so consumers should be on the lookout for any suspicious activity and report it immediately.”
Consumers can contact a specialist with CFO Patronis’ Insurance Consumer Helpline weekdays between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST at the statewide, toll-free number 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236). Out-of-State callers, please dial (850) 413-3089. For online consumer complaints, please visit www.myfloridacfo.com/Division/Consumers/needourhelp.htm.
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About CFO Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis is a statewide elected official and a member of Florida’s Cabinet who oversees the Department of Financial Services. CFO Patronis works each day to fight insurance fraud, support Florida’s firefighters, and ensure the state’s finances are stable to support economic growth in the state. Follow the activities of the Department on Facebook (FLDFS) and X (@FLDFS).