The natural abundance of salt and moisture combined with the devastating power of Hurricane Irma produced a torrent of insurance claims. Florida law incentivizes hungry adjusters to get creative and a second wave of claims is coming. Public adjusters are prohibited from charging more than 10 percent of the insurance claim payment on claims based upon a declared emergency, for claims made during the first year after the declaration of the emergency. Once that year transpires, the permitted fee doubles.

The one year anniversary of Hurricane Irma recently passed and adjusters were ready. Homeowners are joining them in the fight to get coverage for storm damage. Futhermore, the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in 2018 is predicted to create comparable insurance claim patterns. At Chartwell, we encourage clients to contact us with questions about this issue.