If your home sustained damage during Hurricane Irma, recovering from the storm will likely involve dealing with your homeowner’s insurance or flood insurance carrier (or both). Unfortunately, the claims process is rarely as straightforward as it should be, and many South Florida homeowners struggle to secure coverage from their insurance companies in a timely manner. Read More

While Fort Lauderdale escaped the worst of Hurricane Irma, flooding and wind damage still caused widespread power outages, left roadways blocked with trees and debris, and caused flooding and wind damage to many local homes. While storm surge was among forecasters’ initial fears (and did lead to some damage along the coast), ultimately, it was homes further inland that experienced the most flooding, with homes on many low-lying streets being inundated with several feet of water. Read More

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Irma, many South Florida business owners breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Despite early forecasts, the storm largely spared Florida’s Atlantic coast; and, compared to the devastation in the Caribbean, Southwest Florida and the Florida Keys, what we experienced here in Broward County was relatively benign. Read More

In some circumstances, a dispute with your insurance company can seem like an inevitability. From the moment you file your claim, you get the run-around, your assertions of damage are met with skepticism, and it seems like there is nothing you can do to get your insurer to uphold the terms of your policy. Read More

When you file a property damage claim with your insurance company, you have to pay a portion of the cost to repair your home. This is known as your “deductible.” If your home suffers $20,000 worth of damage in a storm and you have a $500 deductible, your insurance company will pay $19,500 for necessary repairs resulting from the peril (assuming, of course, that your insurance company accepts liability and agrees to pay the full amount of your claim). Read More

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently increased its projections for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. The National Weather Company (which operates The Weather Channel and is owned by IBM) also recently increased its projections. These changes come as we approach the peak of the hurricane season, and as we begin to see news reports of tropical systems developing in the Atlantic Ocean. Read More

Whether you live on the beach or you own a rental property in Fort Lauderdale, obtaining and maintaining adequate homeowner’s insurance should be among your top financial priorities. Owning property near the water inherently involves some unique risk and liability-related considerations, and not having the insurance you need when you need it could have drastic consequences. Read More

Sinkholes are a persistent threat in Florida. Every year, we see several news stories about sinkholes, including one recent one where a woman discovered a large sinkhole just outside her front door.

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In Florida, while most homeowners’ insurance policies are considered “standard,” there are different standards for different types of properties. As a result, your coverage in the event of a hurricane or other accident will depend not only on the options you have chosen for your policy, but on the options that you were offered based upon the location, age and construction of your home. Read More

As we prepare for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season to reach full swing, it is important for homeowners to get ready. While this means stocking up on provisions and making any necessary home repairs, it also means getting ready to file a claim under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Read More