On October 7, 2018, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 18-276 officially declaring a state of emergency in 26 counties including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, Washington, Bay, Jackson, Calhoun, Gulf, Gadsden, Liberty, Franklin, Leon, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Dixie, Columbia, Gilchrist, Levy, and Citrus counties in response to potential landfall from Tropical Storm Michael. On October 8, 2018, Governor Scott issued Executive Order 18-277 which recognized the then Tropical Storm Michael would likely strike the Florida panhandle as a Hurricane and extended the previous Executive Order to include Baker, Union, Bradford, Alachua, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties. (Source: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/SLT-BIZHUB18100810270.pdf).
Florida insurers are subject to various statutory/administrative requirements based on their status as either admitted carriers or surplus lines carriers. These statutes mandate that insurers act within certain timelines in the adjustment of claims.
Admitted carriers providing property insurance coverage are subject to the Florida Insurance Code, Chapter 627. Surplus Lines carriers providing property insurance coverage are subject to the Surplus Lines Law, within Chapter 626 (Ch. 626.913-626.937). Surplus Lines carriers are exempt from the provisions of Chapter 627, except when specifically stated in Chapter 627. Additionally, sections of Florida Administrative Code 69O-166 guide the claim adjustment process for both admitted and surplus lines carriers.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael, this non-exhaustive reference checklist may prove helpful in handling the property claims that will follow in the wake of the storm.
- Response to Notice – 14 calendar days to acknowledge claim or make payment. § 627.70131(1)(a). Such acknowledgement shall be responsive to the communication. If the written communication constitutes a notification of a claim, unless the acknowledgement reasonably advises the claimant that the claim appears not to be covered by the insurer, it shall provide necessary claim forms, and instructions, including an appropriate telephone number. Fla. Admin. Code Ann. r. 69O-166.024(2); Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(2).
- Start Sworn Proof of Loss (SPOL) Investigation – 10 working days to investigate SPOL. Unless otherwise provided by the policy of insurance or by statutes, such insurer shall within 10 working days of its receipt of proof of loss statements begin such investigation as is reasonably necessary, unless the failure to begin such investigation is caused by factors beyond the control of the insurer which reasonably prevent the commencement of such investigation. Fla. Admin. Code Ann. r. 69O-166.024(3); Fla. Stat. § 627.70131(3).
- Issue Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights – Within 14 days after receipt of an initial communication, any insurer issuing a personal lines residential property policy must provide the policyholder with a Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights. Fla. Stat. § 627.7142.
- Issuance of Reservation of Rights – Within 30 days after the insurer knew or should have known of a defense, issue a reservation of rights to the insured by certified mail. Fla. Stat. § 627.426(2).
- Confirmation of Coverage – Within 30 days of any written request after the policyholder has submitted a complete proof of loss statement, the insurer shall provide confirmation that the claim is covered in full, partially covered, denied, or shall provide a written statement that the claim is being investigated. Fla. Stat. § 627.7142.
Posted by Anaysa Gallardo Stutzman and Jonathan MacBride
