Florida’s insurance commissioner is telling people to use caution when signing agreements with companies repairing storm damage. Is he right?
Well, he’s not giving homeowners the full story. You should always review a contract. But assigning your insurance benefits to a third party is not the evil that the commissioner says it is.
Don’t be deterred by warnings that AOB abuse is raising your premium or that, as the commissioner said in an alert, “in some cases, unscrupulous contractors have left homeowners with unfinished repairs, liens against their homes and uncovered repair expenses.”
Practice the same good sense you use when choosing a car repair shop or any other vital service. Make sure the business is licensed, reputable and get references.
The reality is that insurance companies can offer or try to negotiate an amount less than what it takes to restore your home. You and the companies you hire clean up after a water incident and/or repair the damage to your home deserve the full amount allowed under your insurance policy.
When an insurer’s adjuster offers less than a fair settlement, know that Insurance Litigation Group, LLC (ILG) can help recover what is owed to the contractor. It will go to court to seek the full payment.
We are a leading boutique law firm consisting of professional, multilingual, experienced insurance litigation attorneys and legal assistants, servicing all of Florida. We know how to deal with insurance companies.
Our attorneys’ fees and most of our costs will be paid by the insurance company. ILG will not take a percentage of any settlement. The entire amount goes to the homeowner or in the case of an AOB claim, the contractor that did the work.
So, yes, read your insurance policy to learn what your responsibilities are following a loss, just as the commissioner says. But, no, don’t feel that you must contact your insurance company before you sign a document that contains an assignment-of-benefits clause. Do what’s best for you to stabilize your home after an incident and make the necessary repairs to bring your home back to its original condition. And, when you need legal help, call us.
