Insureds insure their property against accidental direct physical losses, by purchasing Florida property insurance policies through state-regulated companies. Nearly all property insurance contracts are “all risk” policies, which means the loss or damage to the property is covered by insurance unless specifically excluded by the express terms of the policy.
Coverage Provided by Your “All Risk” Policy
Florida suffers from a plethora of natural forces, including hurricane or other "windstorm" losses, water intrusion, blasting activities from explosives, fire, sinkhole activity or other similar subsidence damage. Homes in Florida must be built to withstand these and many other perils, nearly all of which are covered by standard insurance policies. The most common disputes between insurance companies and their insureds begin with whether there is coverage. This determination usually requires the participation of engineers, general contractors or other scientific professionals.
The second category of disputes comes from confirmed or covered losses, but where there is a dispute regarding the amount of the damage or the proper method of repair. These issues are resolved either through litigation or appraisal. There are also state-sponsored alternative dispute methods, including the neutral evaluation program for sinkholes and pre-suit mediation. Insurance disputes regarding coverage or nature of damage and method of repair are common in individual homes, condominiums, apartments and commercial properties, all of which can be impacted by these perils.
For additional information on Florida insurance policy property disputes, please contact Corless Associates at 813-498-1623 or, toll free: 877-517-5595.
