25 Years After Hurricane Andrew, Groups Discuss Insurance Concerns

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. (PRWEB) January 10, 2018

Florida Professional Law Group (FLPLG) teamed up with Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters Political Action Committee and others for FAPIAs program on legislative and other changes that may dramatically affect the rights of Florida property owners and lenders.

The event, "Hurricane Andrew, Insurance Advocacy 25 Years Later" was held at the HistoryMiami Museum, which featured the Hurricane Andrew Exhibit. Attendees got an opportunity to visit the extensive exhibit that was curated by Bryan Norcross, Executive Director of the Weather Channel and famous TV weatherman who helped South Floridians through the 1992 Hurricane Andrew.

The program included discussions on rate increases, reduced coverage and Citizens Property Insurance developments that may be detrimental to property owners along with the potential impact to an industry that has protected and represented property owners for 25 years since Hurricane Andrew.

Guest speakers included; the President of the Florida Bar, Michael Higer, Florida State Representative Sean Shaw, FAPIA's Lobby Team member Paul Handerhan, FAPIAs past President Don Phillips and event food and wine sponsor Marc Ben-Ezra of Florida Professional Law Group (FLPLG).

Citizen Property Insurance Company's policyholders may not be aware of the proposed policy changes that will restrict their ability to collect for damages on their insurance policies. New proposals would cap Citizen liability for water damages at $10,000 for policyholders who do not agree to use Citizens' managed repair program's approved contractors.

Critics claim that insurance companies like Citizens have taken advantage of policy holders by continuing to raise rates and improperly denying or underpaying claims that policy owners think should have been paid. Opponents think insurers cut corners and are very concerned about the quality of insurers' managed repair contractors.

Marc Ben-Ezra, FLPLG's Managing Attorney and program sponsor said, "Many colleagues in the industry have expressed deep concerns that insurance companies would like to change policy language to provide less coverage for homeowners and force them to use unfamiliar, unproven contractors to try to repair their homes. People's homes are important. Homeowners should be able to select the contractors that they know and trust to repair them."

FAPIAs past President, Don Phillips said, "Public adjusters for the Insuring Public supports elected officials and candidates who share our concerns on the insurance issues facing insured Floridians. We were delighted to present this very special event to provide the latest updates and insights into an industry that takes a stand to protect the rights of policyholders."

Florida Bar President, Michael Higer shared his Hurricane Andrew memories along with ethical concerns related to this field.

After a hurricane season that proved to be disastrous to many parts of Florida, how these insurance claim issues have been will continue to be treated have become even more important to property owners.

About Florida Professional Law Group, FLPLG

Florida Professional Law Group represents residential and commercial property owners and lenders to help recover the maximum amount they deserve under their insurance policies including for claims that have been denied or underpaid. For more information, call 954-284-0900 or visit http://www.flplg.com or http://www.facebook.com/FLPLG/.

About The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, FAPIA

The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (FAPIA) was founded in 1992 to protect residential and business policyholders in the wake of Hurricane Andrew. Today FAPIA consists of 400+ members committed to ensuring homeowners who suffer an insured loss receive full and fair compensation from their insurance carriers. FAPIA members are located throughout the state and commit to a strict code of ethics as well as continuing education requirements to ensure policyholders receive the best representation. FAPIA consists of licensed insurance professionals who use their expertise to advocate for the consumer. The association is working to grow and enhance the industry by improving laws and regulations that govern public adjusters and their services to policyholders. FAPIA's President is Don Phillips and Nancy Dominguez is the Managing Director. For more information, visit http://www.fapia.net.

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