Congratulations to all the electoral candidates

Congratulations to all the electoral candidates

The end of an election cycle always presents a new opportunity for positive change. I pray that all the elected candidates remember who they are working for and try to work together to help both the property insurance policyholders and great State of Florida. The words of a great President come to mind: Let us not seek the Republican answer, or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.  – John F. Kennedy


Read More

Sandy Flood Claims Denied – Public Adjuster Wins Reversal 2 Years Later

Sandy Flood Claims Denied – Public Adjuster Wins Reversal 2 Years Later

Two years ago, on October 29, 2012 Super Storm Sandy came ashore just south of New York City causing significant flood damage to many buildings in the Financial District and in Battery Park City, New York.  Our firm was on the ground within 3 days post-storm, helping people prepare to file their Sandy insurance claims. We ended up opening an office in the area and stayed a good 6 months. Many of these high-end residential condominium buildings overlook the New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty, and skylines. Tutwiler & Associates Public Adjusters were retained to represent one of these tower communities.


Read More

Are October Hurricanes becoming the Norm? Hurricane Gonzalo Update & Business Interruption Insurance Primer

Are October Hurricanes becoming the Norm? Hurricane Gonzalo Update & Business Interruption Insurance Primer

Most in the Caribbean Islands were unprepared.  In fact, one emergency operations manager downplayed the storm over the radio so much that thousands were caught off guard as they did not take the necessary precautions to protect their properties from Hurricane Gonzalo.  It is rumored he will soon lose his job.  At the request of some clients, I flew into St. Maarten the day after the storm passed.


Read More

The Changing World of the Property Claims Appraisal Process – Florida Reform is Needed

Anyone who follows property insurance matters and especially reported court cases has no doubt picked up on a recurring theme of some courts in various jurisdictions and their decisions about the appraisal clause. Specifically the court’s interpretation of what can and cannot be undertaken by an appraisal panel has been under review and reformed. That is a good thing! These court decisions may have a significant impact on property policy disputes regarding the amount of the loss and damages from a coved loss and the process of the appraisal panels work in determining those criteria. 
Read More

Fire Insurance Claims and Contents Inventory – Be Prepared

Tutwiler & Associates Public Adjusters was retained this week following a devastating fire that occurred in Pinellas County, Florida.  The fire hit so close my home that I found myself scrambling to check all the smoke detectors in my house.  Fortunately, everyone in this home survived without injury, but the fire was so bad that it completely destroyed everything inside the home well beyond recognition.  Even worse, the property owner a brilliant young engineer did not have an inventory of his clothing, casual clothes, household furniture, tools in the garage, or expensive electronic items just to name a few.  Everything was literally burned to ashes!


Read More

A Few Thoughts for Fire Prevention Week

Smoke from fire is like an anesthetic.  Rather than awakening you, it will put you into a deep sleep.  And a little known fact is that most fire deaths occur during the night, with most perishing due to smoke inhalation, not fire. A recent fire in Tampa where a mother and daughter perished due to smoke in an otherwise minimal fire is a perfect example.

 


Read More

Property Insurance Claim Question: Law & Ordinance Coverage

Q.  What would be a reasonable estimate one could make for in adding this Ordinance or Law coverage?  I read your paper Law & Ordinance Coverage, Is it Illusionary? (very informative/readable and liked his coined term "Nature's Casino") this is what an insurance company attached to their policy application. I was laid off from work and am working with extremely limited funds.  If you could direct me to a resource or person who could answer my question it would be sincerely appreciated.
Read More

Severe Flood and Wind Damage Claims Pose Equal Threat to Bigger Hurricane Events

Given the severe localized flooding to parts of Southern and the east coast of Florida this past week due to heavy rains, it’s timely to point out that it only takes one storm to trigger a property insurance claim that can decimate your property value. It’s interesting to note a recent article that reviews worldwide property loss stats. While we haven’t had a large catastrophe event it points out that a larger group of smaller storms can still impact insurance rates and property values. Smaller losses, as we have seen in our practice, can still create time consuming claim complications. The time to identify your “claims team” is before you suffer your loss. Work with your insurance agent to fully understand the claims process. Then identify trusted public adjusters, restoration contractors, and yes even property insurance attorneys so you don’t fall upon the predatory few that will try to make a buck from your loss.  


Read More

Public Adjuster Gives Back to Local Community

Public Adjuster Gives Back to Local Community

As Public Adjusters, helping homeowners and businesses with their insurance claims is our business. But our firm has always believed in giving back to the local communities we serve. Congratulations to Public Adjuster, Michael Platts who recently presented copies of the Of The Declaration, Constitution and Bill of Rights to Mr. Perez, Social Studies teachers and Mr. Hart, Principal of Monroe Middle School. Thanks to Mike’s efforts, every 8th grader will now have a personal copy for their upcoming Constitutional Studies class. We’re proud of you Mike!


Read More
Filed Under: Tagged With:


"On Property" Insurance Claim Tips Blog

Tips and advice about how to properly file and protect your property damage insurance claim and get a fair settlement. We invite all readers to ask questions about their claim so our public adjusters can post answers for others to benefit. Insurance claim expert guest bloggers welcome to submit posts via our contact form.

Tags

Local Office

Tutwiler & Associates Public Adjusters, Inc.
Licensed Public Insurance Adjusters & Loss Consultants
Offices: Tampa, Orlando, Palm City, Ft. Myers, Florida; Dallas, TX; Pittsburgh, PA

Executive Office
4300 W. Cypress St.
Suite 780
Tampa, FL 33607
Phone: 813.287.8090
Toll Free: 800.321.4488

Licensed in Florida # W840088 &
Texas #1399706 plus 16 other states
and the Virgin Islands