As Florida’s insurance marketing continues to shift, a new wave of scrutiny has emerged surrounding how insurers handle hurricane-related claims, especially when it comes to “concurrent causation.”
What is Concurrent Causation?
In the context of property insurance, concurrent causation refers to situations where a loss is caused by multiple factors, such as both wind and flood damage. Many homeowners may not realize that most standard property insurance policies cover wind damage but exclude flood damage. The tricky part comes when both forces work together to cause destruction.
Some insurance policies include what’s known as “anti-concurrent causation” clauses, which allow insurers to deny a claim if any excluded peril (like flooding) contributed to the loss — even if a covered peril (like wind) also played a role. This can leave homeowners frustrated and confused when they receive a denial or reduced payout.
Why Is This in the Spotlight?
Recently, Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky issued a strong reminder to insurers: concurrent causation cannot be used as an excuse to mishandle claims. With a rising number of consumer complaints about delayed or denied hurricane claims, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) is demanding more data from carriers and warning of consequences for improperly handled claims.
In particular, the OIR’s attention appears to focus on ensuring claims are fairly assessed and examining how insurers apply anti-concurrent causation clauses and whether those practices align with Florida law.
What Does This Mean for Policyholders?
For homeowners, this means there’s more regulatory oversight aimed at protecting them from unfair insurance claim denials. If you’ve experienced hurricane damage involving both wind and water, it’s crucial to understand your policy and how these clauses might affect your claim.
At Insurance Litigation Group (ILG), we’re committed to helping policyholders navigate these complexities. Whether you’re facing a denied claim, an underpayment, or delays in processing, our Florida property insurance attorneys work to make certain insurers uphold their responsibilities under the law.
Protect Yourself
- Review your insurance policy: Understand what perils are covered and how concurrent causation clauses might impact your claims.
- Document all damage thoroughly: After a storm, take photos and videos of all damage such as wind, water, and everything in between.
- Seek professional help: If your claim has been denied or underpaid, legal experts like ILG can review your case and advocate for a fair outcome.
With Florida’s insurance watchdogs sharpening their focus, now is the time for policyholders to stay informed and proactive. At ILG, we offer a FREE no-cost, initial onsite visit, inspection, and consultation to identify any storm-related damage, visible or hidden. If you have any questions about your hurricane damage claim, contact ILG today at 888-ILG-4254 (1-888-454-4254) for expert assistance with your property insurance needs.
