Wolf Public Adjusters

Why is your homeowners insurance so high?

https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/2023/Hedge-Paper-Ron-DeSantis_May2023.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0Fd-VGfLEHNc3JEYQgkqQzXobbsuf_-jtRTIL-gQWBBeOs3wNR6OB8ilQ_aem_KJkPHgBBaqETxoFrc2ef2g

Home insurance providers in Florida have denied more than 37,000 claims following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

According to data compiled by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FLIOR), as of October 23, 84.2 percent of claims relating to Milton and 68.2 percent of Helene claims are not yet complete, which will either result in a payment or the claim being denied.

Across a total of 359,391 claims made so far for both incidents, 37,796, or 10.5 percent, have resulted in no payment being made.

How many claims haven't been paid?
Hurricane Milton

As of October 23, there have been 237,231 claims made with Florida insurers. So far, 20,144 (8.5 percent) of all claims have been closed without payment, 16,946 of them were residential claims.
Hurricane Helene

For Hurricane Helene claims, 122,160 claims have been made across all policy types, In total, 17,652 (14.4 percent) have been closed with no payment made, and 13,895 of them were for homes.

Why are insurance claims denied?

Insurance claims can be denied for a number of reasons, including but not limited to insufficient information, missed premium payments, fraudulent claims, or missed filing deadlines. A closed claim without payment is a claim deemed not currently payable by the reporting insurer, FLOIR stipulates.

"There are a variety of reasons why a property insurance claim may be closed without payment," Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute, previously told Newsweek. "Most likely, these are primarily flood claims that are not covered by a standard property insurance, condo insurance or flood insurance policy. You need flood insurance to cover a flood claim."

Previous hurricanes

Previous major hurricanes Idalia and Ian both have a higher rate of claim denials than Milton and Helene. However, given that these took place in August 2023 and September 2022 respectively, the data offers a more complete picture of overall claims that were accepted and denied.

Of all 727,897 Hurricane Ian claims that have been closed, 198,028 were closed without payment (25 percent). For Idalia, of 18,926 closed claims, 7,383 (39 percent) have been denied so far.

Florida residents pay some of the highest home insurance rates in the U.S. According to Bankrate, the average insurance cost for a home valued at $300,000 in October 2024 is $5,527 per year—way higher than the rate for a home of the same value in neighboring Georgia ($2,071) and Alabama ($2,745). The average home insurance premium in Florida is $3,242 more expensive than the national average of $2,285.

Do you live in Florida and have had an insurance payment rejected?

Contact (FAPIA) Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters amd
Voice your opinion on your claim
https://www.voicesofpolicyholders.com

Voices of Policyholders What was your experience when you filed an insurance claim?

Come meet us at the hurricane expo.

I encourage who’s looking for contractors, lawyers, roofers, a public adjuster, or any business to repair their home to go attend the expos.

Everyone participating at the expo undergo a thorough vetting process. The expo, which is free and open to the public, offers the opportunity for face-to-face meetings with contractors, lawyers, roofers, public adjusters, fema reps and various other professionals. The expos provide homeowners with a sense of reassurance by minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of unscrupulous practices. See you there

Newly released claims data highlights the downturn in the insurance industry; over half of property claims in 2023 were denied by the carriers.
Recent changes to Florida’s insurance laws heavily favors insurers making it more critical than ever to rely on experienced insurance professionals when dealing with property damage.

Your home is your most important asset, trust us to protect you and your investment.

Don’t go at it alone.
(877)400-(WOLF)9653

With Back-to-Back Storms, Florida Now Facing Delays in Claims Adjusting With Hurricane Milton now expected to produce several hundred thousand wind-damage claims and with the storm coming so soon on the heels of Hurricane

Here are some live feed cams to keep up with the activity as Hurricane Milton heads our way.

Stay safe.

Clearwater Beach (4-in-one):
https://www.youtube.com/live/CWisr5zg3so?si=hf7-K0FDxoA8QQ8-

Clearwater Beach:
https://www.myclearwater.com/Visit-the-Beach/Watch-Live-Video-of-Clearwater-Beach

Sunshine Skyway Bridge [OFFLINE]:
https://www.iplivecams.com/live-cams/sunshine-skyway-bridge-hillsborough-county-florida-united-states/

Siesta Key Beach:
https://www.youtube.com/live/NLhxcyzXQxM?si=6YhkXHsoHVVXPbl4

St. Pete Downtown: Greystar East We**am
St. Petersburg, Florida:
https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-camera/?cam=STPBL

Port Tampa:
https://www.porttampawebcam.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFzb89leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHftUnKo-Ip8lBohdKvgKmqJ49iQf2DgdqO4cvX2pxTiGJ-mPrOUB9E-izA_aem_z5Q2B2Ok7m-QANMSrwPcSA

Gandy - Westshore Traffic Cams:
https://fl511.com/cctv?fbclid=IwY2xjawFzbvVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHUsvSlkXdblyJ-467VBlAXcDbo0SZPKRhlyn7QwT16Wqqvl5rdUHGNm_0g_aem_DMXx_4agbuexZkaufjTqvQ&start=0&length=10&filters%5B0%5D%5Bi%5D=3&filters%5B0%5D%5Bs%5D=Hillsborough&filters%5B1%5D%5Bi%5D=4&filters%5B1%5D%5Bs%5D=SR-600%2FGandy+Blvd&order%5Bi%5D=1&order%5Bdir%5D=asc

Downtown Tampa University of Tampa Hillsborough River Cam:
https://www.youtube.com/live/QvNWCIOaB4Y?si=Hrov0QedVxK5U-c4

Clearwater Beach Hilton:
https://www.fox13news.com/clearwater-beach-webcam

Sirata Beach Resort St. Pete Beach:
https://www.fox13news.com/st-pete-beach-webcam

Downtown Tampa:
https://www.fox13news.com/tampa-webcam-downtown

Bayshore Dr South Tampa (Brookdale):
https://www.fox13news.com/tampa-webcam-bayshore

USF College of Marine Science:
https://www.fox13news.com/st-petersburg-webcam-usf

Mahaffey Theater (Marina):
https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-camera/?cam=MAHAF

Armature Works:
https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-camera/?cam=TMPAM

Anna Maria City Pier:
https://www.fox13news.com/anna-maria-city-pier-live-webcam

Downtown Tampa: SkyTower East:
https://www.fox13news.com/tampa-webcam-skytower-east-view

Downtown Tampa: SkyTower West:
https://www.fox13news.com/tampa-webcam-skytower-west-view

Hudson Beach:
https://www.fox13news.com/hudson-webcam

Lido Key:
https://www.fox13news.com/plymouth-harbor-lido-key

Riverhouse Palmetto:
https://www.fox13news.com/the-riverhouse-palmetto

One Tampa City Center:
https://www.weatherbug.com/weather-camera/?cam=TMPCC

One Tampa City Center Weather Camera & We**am | WeatherBug See latest weather images from camera at One Tampa City Center, Tampa, Florida

They’re not on your side, they’re not your good neighbors and no, you are not in good hands.

Florida insurers deny nearly half of hurricane claims, ratings agency says Trend raises concerns for Helene and Milton victims

This is actually standard practice.

Florida insurers deny nearly half of hurricane claims, ratings agency says Trend raises concerns for Helene and Milton victims

If you’re on the path of the storm please evacuate. There’s no reward for sticking it out.

Be prepared, Stay ready

Before The Storm:

* Take photos of your property- Interior of Home, Exterior of Home, Roof, Pool and Pool Area, Fencing, Trees, Front Yard, Back Yard.
* If you are not able to take photos before a storm, collect the most recent photos you have taken of your property.
* Document belongings- with proper documentation, you may also be able to recover lost expenses for home contents, personal property, and other items. Here is a list of some items to consider keeping receipts for or appraising: Televisions, Furniture, Jewelry, Artwork, Appliances, Computers, Antiques, Beds, Decks, Other Electronic Equipment
* Know what is in your homeowner's insurance policy.
* Have records of your property's condition in the event that you need to file a claim with your insurance company.
* Review your mold coverage.
* Review your flood coverage. This is normally separate insurance policy.
* Ask your insurance agent about coverage for water damage, law and ordinance, debris removal, and additional living expenses.
* Check your hurricane deductible, it can be much higher than your regular deductible.
* Have a plan to move yourself and your family - especially those with special needs.
* Have a portable radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio on hand to monitor important information.
* Homeowners who depend on well water should draw an emergency supply.
* Get cash or travelers checks in case banks or ATMs are not operational.
* Ensure all your electronic/mobile devices are fully charged.
* Gather important documentation and place in waterproof container.
* Make arrangements for pets; emergency shelters may not let you bring your animals with you.
* Find out where the nearest shelter is located and the routes to get there.
* Fill your automobile(s) with gas or ensure your electric vehicle is charged.
If you have an emergency power source, learn how to use it properly.

After The Storm:

* When it is safe to do so, photograph your property’s: Interior, Exterior, and Roof
*Consult with us, we are experienced in handling insurance claims before giving any recorded statements or meeting with an insurance company adjuster assigned to the claim.
* Call the insurance carrier and timely report the claim.
* Homeowners should obtain an inspection by a qualified contractor and/or roofer to assess whether the hurricane force winds have damaged or diminished the roofing system and building envelope.
* Take photos and record the questions and answers when talking to insurance company adjusters.
* Make sure to keep track of the name and number of every person you talk to at your insurance company. Keep records of date, times, what was said and to whom.
* Check your Co-Insurance penalties.
* Make a copy of the insurance policy and keep it in a safe place.
* Check your policy coverages and sublimits.
* Just because water has not began to enter the structure does not mean that there is not damage to their property.
We have seen too many homeowner claims where an engineer is hired months after the storm and the engineer states the damage preexisted the hurricane.

(877)400-9653

New 10 Day Right of Recission
Oct 4, 2024

Please see below summary:

Effective July 1, 2024, Florida residential property owners can cancel a contract to repair or replace a roof without penalty or obligation within 10 days after signing the contract if the contract was signed during a state of emergency. To cancel the contract within the 10-day period during a state of emergency, the homeowner must send the notice of cancellation by certified mail with return receipt requested or other form of mailing that requires proof, at the address listed in the contract. A contractor who signs a contract for roof repair or replacement during a state of emergency must include in the contract or as an attachment notice to the homeowner of their right to cancel using specified language and formatting. Fl Stat 489.147(6)
The following language must be included in bold type of not less than 18 points, immediately before the space reserved for the signature of the residential property owner:
“You, the residential property owner, may cancel this contract without penalty or obligation within 10 days after the ex*****on of the contract or by the official start date, whichever comes first, because this contract was entered into during a state of emergency by the Governor. The official start date is the date on which work that includes the installation of materials that will be included in the final work on the roof commences, a final permit has been issued, or a temporary repair to the roof covering or roof system has been made in compliance with the Florida Building Code.”

FREE STARLINK FOR 30 DAYS! This is for areas affected by Helene. As more and more units show up, service will be complimentary for 30 days in the highlighted area on this map.

HEARTBREAKING… Helene’s death toll is now up to at least 132 total, with 29 in South Carolina. Thousands are still missing as search and rescue efforts continue. Please keep these families and people in your prayers.

Hurricane Help FL The Red Cross is here for you. Please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) - 24 hours a day - or find an open shelter.

☎️Save our number just in case you, a friend or a family member suffer any type of damage to your property, commercial, residential or marine claims
⠀
📸Don't forget to use your phone to take photos of your property before and after the storm.
☎️ (878)400-9653
⠀

If you are wondering as to why your homeowners claim got underpaid then you must watch this clip from 60 minutes.

Florida insurance carriers used altered hurricane damage reports, whistleblowers say Adjusters in Florida say insurance companies altered Hurricane Ian damage reports to underpay homeowners. Whistleblowers detail what they found.

For those effected by Hurricane Helene and are in need of access to personal hygiene care, showers, restrooms and laundry services, personal hygiene trailers will be temporarily available at 4054 Shoal Line Blvd, Hernando Beach, FL, 64607, beginning today, Sunday, September 29, 2024 and will remain open until further notice. For reference, this is where the old R Beach restaurant was located. Must bring your own soap, towels, laundry detergent, etc.

You can’t make this up.

Florida senator pushes to create new insurance company, after supporting insurer-friendly reforms Mahsa Saeidi Investigates.

Nature knows!

Florida Sales Tax Holiday – Save even more on emergency preparation items now through September 8th in-store and online!

Enjoy tax-free shopping on generators, flashlights, batteries, tarps, and more!