The first accomplishment I was able to cross off for my 2020 was my work on the Windstorm Insurance Network’s Annual Conference. As many of you know, Chip Merlin is a big fan of writing down goals so that you can execute them. At the end of January, together with defense attorney Illon Kantro, we celebrated as conference committee co-chairs when the 21st annual conference wrapped.
Continue Reading Get Ready for WIND 2021
It is time to register for the 21st Annual Windstorm Insurance Network Conference. If you are reading this blog post, consider yourself personally invited. I welcome you to register and attend this conference, as the planning has been near and dear to me for several months. Under President Rick Tutwiler, I was selected as the conference committee co-chair. Along with defense attorney Illon Kantro, my dedicated partner in this mission, we have enabled a slew of team members to help Mr. Tutwiler with all the details for this upcoming conference.
Continue Reading Time to Register for the 2020 Windstorm Insurance Conference
Chomp, Chomp!
Insurance Policies are designed to cover sudden and accidental loss and damage. Mary Wischusen, 77, believed that she had a suffered a sudden and accidental act of nature and that coverage would be afforded when a gator came crashing into her kitchen. This 11-foot alligator was not her domestic pet or a planned guest, but her insurance company has denied the claim.
Continue Reading Gator Coverage?
Chip Merlin posted about the Wear and Tear Exclusion just last month in Wear and Tear Exclusions Versus Depreciation For Resulting Damage To Worn and Torn Older Parts of a Structure. Explaining about wear and tear, Chip gave this example:
The judge made up his own example of ten old bolts giving way and then the rest of what the bolts failed to hold up, crashed and broke the rest of the old structure. The worn-out bolts may not be covered, but if you have the right ensuing loss provisions after the “wear and tear” clause, the rest of the loss is covered—even if the rest is old.
The older parts of the structure are the ensuing loss. They did not suffer a loss because they were worn out and broke. They suffered a loss because other parts of the structure broke from “wear and tear.” Those ensuing parts of the loss are depreciated on an actual cash value basis. If replaced, they are then valued at Replacement Cost.
Continue Reading Why is the Carrier so Quick to Argue the Wear and Tear Exclusion?
North Carolina was battered by Hurricane Florence last year and reports show very concerning issues of claims handling and low claim payments after the storm. Perhaps Hurricane Michael losses pulled adjusters out of North Carolina and for some insureds caused additional delays to their claims. North Carolina does have an option where you can advise the North Carolina Department of Insurance the details of your claim, but the system is not very user friendly—even the person answering the phone advised that the online version is hard to find on the website.
Continue Reading How to File A Complaint with the North Carolina Department of Insurance About Your Denying, Delaying and Bad Treating Insurance Company
Congress must periodically renew the NFIP’s statutory authority to operate. On Dec. 21, 2018, the President signed legislation passed by Congress that extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) authorization to May 31, 2019.
Continue Reading NFIP’s Future?
The Georgia Office of Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner has a simple online process for filing your complaint.
How the office responds to this Complaint may not be satisfying but it is important that a record is made of the insurance claims that are not properly handled.
Continue Reading How To File A Complaint With The Georgia Department of Insurance About Your Delaying, Denying and Bad Treating Insurance Company
In the wake of Hurricane Michael, some policyholders are starting to see a response from their insurance companies for their home and business losses. The extent and the magnitude of the damages that Hurricane Michael caused has been captured by some media outlets but down played by others. Many of those dealing directly with the destruction and the devastation are resilient and taking it one day at a time but had placed a sense of hope on the premium dollars they had spent paying for insurance coverage and have long awaited the insurance company’s response and action.
Continue Reading What Every Policyholder Has To Know About Their Hurricane Michael Loss
After a disaster, United Policyholders is always a good resource to review for policyholders and family members of those with a home or business affected by the hurricane. This non-profit organization has many programs and services that may guide you in the aftermath of a storm when stress levels are high, and you have many questions.
Continue Reading Hurricane Florence Online Resources Available from United Policyholders
North Carolina received another “F” from R Streets Institute’s 2018 Insurance Regulation Report Card. North Carolina finished 49th, with only Delaware getting a lower score. Louisiana and Massachusetts also received an “F”.
Continue Reading Hurricane Florence Insurance Claimants—You Have Claims Rights To Help You Get Paid Fast