Whether your business is large or small, we look at your insurance protection the same way!
We are a commercial insurance brokerage organization and have access to different insurance companies that offer a wide-range of products, services, and pricing.
We provide superior customer service, risk management and beyond! We take pride in what we do and represent various highly rated national and international insurance companies, allowing us to efficiently compare rates and coverage to ensure our clients receive the quality protection they deserve.
Comments: Comments Off on Water leaks are one of the leading causes of homeowners’ insurance claims, Our AKWA Technologies system does this for you automatically 24/7/365 whether you are at home or not, minimizing the damage caused…
Water Damage – The most common cause of loss for condo owners
WATER DAMAGE: THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF LOSS FOR CONDO OWNERS
From burst pipes to appliance leaks, to HVAC malfunctions and more, according to PURE’s claims data, water damage is the number one cause of loss among condo owners. In fact, more than 70% of condo claims reported to PURE have been the result of water damage. Although some instances are out of a condo owner’s control—like a toilet overflow originating from the unit above that allows water to leak through the ceiling to a PURE member’s condo below, or water backup from a building’s rooftop pool—the majority of claims can be prevented by taking proactive steps today to reduce the likelihood of water damage in the future.
Research and analysis conducted by our claims and risk management team uncovered some of the most frequent types of water losses experienced by PURE members and steps you can take to protect your condo and the other valuable belongings within it.
Appliance Malfunction When the water filtration system installed underneath a member’s sink failed overnight, water flowed throughout the kitchen and surrounding rooms for several hours until the member woke up the next morning. Luckily, the building was able to shut off the water and begin immediate remediation to prevent the damage from becoming even more severe but not before the marble tile flooring, kitchen cabinets, wall panels and drywall were extensively impacted. Damage was even caused to the neighbor’s unit below, resulting in more than $100,000 of damage. Home appliances with pipes or other fixtures that feed into a water line—including refrigerators, dish washers, ice makers, washing machines, toilets, HVAC systems and more—have the potential to malfunction, develop blockages or spring leaks that can lead to significant water damage. However, there are a number of inexpensive devices ranging from $50-$200 that can help detect or even prevent such an event from occurring.
To mitigate your risk, consider taking the following steps:
Install water leak detection sensors on individual appliances prone to water loss. These devices have the ability to detect and notify you of a water leak. In addition to sounding an alarm, Wi-Fi connected devices can notify you even when you’re away from home by sending an alert to your smartphone.
Automatic water shut off devices, go a step further by automatically turning off the water supply when a leak is detected to prevent further damage.
Install an HVAC safety switch or float switch on the water pan underneath your unit to automatically stop the system from operating when an overflow is detected. While your unit may have been equipped with a safety switch at the time of installation, older units are less likely to be equipped with these devices.
Install a drain pan beneath your washing machine to catch leaks due to washing machine overflow or hose failure. The drain pan, which slides underneath your washing machine and provides the first line of defense against leaks, is connected to a drainpipe to move water away from the area. Because drain pans are typically made of plastic or another composite material that may break or crack over time, it’s important to be observant of the drain pan’s condition and replace it periodically to be adequately protected.
Opt for braided metal supply lines. Ensure all appliances that are connecting to a water source are equipped with braided metal hoses which are far more resistant to leaks compared to standard rubber hoses. At about $10 each, this simple and inexpensive step can help to prevent a costly claim.
Prevent toilet blockages. To avoid a toilet overflow, consider the types of materials and quantity of products flushed. Note: ‘Flushable’ wipes should not be flushed and put into the sewage system.
Water leaks are one of the leading causes of homeowners’ insurance claims.
Leaks can occur on every level of your condominium from the penthouse to the ground floor common areas. Oftentimes they begin at your washing machine, water heater, toilets, sewer/sump pump, refrigerator, dishwasher, sinks, showers, HVAC system, and more insidiously when pipes start leaking in the walls. This makes water damage something most homeowners will experience in their lifetime.
Single unit water damage is troublesome enough – in a condominium environment, adjacent units and even units several levels below can be adversely affected.
Stopping the flow of water immediately is the key to mitigating the extent of the damage.
Comments: Comments Off on Scratch Removal Specialists is dedicated to providing the finest customer service and most cost-effective solutions for your glass restoration needs.
We take the scratches out of glass
As a trusted partner for over 22 years, Scratch Removal Specialists is dedicated to providing the finest customer service and most cost-effective solutions for your glass restoration needs.
Comments: Comments Off on Checklist to help you with Insurance, Things Change in your Family life! | SFPMA
Checklist to help you with Insurance, Things Change in your Family life!
Changes in your life or lifestyle mean you should update your auto, home and umbrella insurance coverage. You may find you can save money by dropping unneeded coverage (say, for a child who has left for college) or that you need extra insurance (say, for heirloom jewelry you’ve just inherited)
Renovations to your main home or a new building on your property (say, a gazebo) can mean you’re underinsured and need to increase the value of the structures coverage on your home policy. This is especially important if you’ve put in a lot of money into renovation, or expanded your square footage
You need a policy review if you’ve bought (or inherited) any jewelry, fine arts, furs or collectibles such as wines, instruments, coins, guns or cameras. These are items you may want to list separately, or it may be cheaper to include them under a “collectibles rider.” You also need revisions if your collectibles have appreciated in value.
It’s hard to believe, but people forget to take old cars off their policies when they trade in one car for another. If you have any motorized toys, such as all-terrain vehicles, boats, or jet skis, make sure that your underlying auto or home policies, as well as your umbrella, cover your use of these.
If your teenager starts driving or you let an au pair or nanny drive your car, you must add him or her to your policy. Before you buy a car specifically for this new driver’s use, check the impact on your premiums. Some carriers will let you assign a young driver to a clunker, while others assume a young driver is using most valuable car in your garage, making it cheaper not to add another car.
Your Kids Are Leaving Home
If your kids go to college out of town, call your auto insurer–they’ll still be on your policy, but the policy’s cost should go down. If they move out permanently, make sure to take them off your auto policy.
If you transfer ownership of your house, artwork, a car or any other asset into the name of a trust, limited liability company or family limited partnership, you need to add the entity as an additional insured on your policy. If you’ve transferred the home you live in to a trust for estate planning purposes, you want both your name and the name of the trust on the policy.
No matter what’s going on in your life, you should review your insurance coverage at least once a year. The easiest time to do this is when the renewal notices come. Your insurer (or agent) will notify you of changes or “amendments” to your policies, for better or worse. Read that new fine print, as it may mean you need to take action.
Check for loose or leaky gutters. Improper drainage can lead to water in the basement or crawl space. Make sure downspouts drain away from the foundation and are clear and free of debris.
Low areas in the yard or next to the foundation should be filled with compacted soil. Spring rains can cause yard flooding, which can lead to foundation flooding and damage. Also, when water pools in these low areas in summer, it creates a breeding ground for insects.
Use a screwdriver to probe the wood trim around windows, doors, railings and decks. Make repairs now before the spring rains do more damage to the exposed wood.
From the ground, examine roof shingles to see if any were lost or damaged during winter. If your home has an older roof covering, you may want to start a budget for replacement. The summer sun can really damage roof shingles. Shingles that are cracked, buckled or loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. Flashing around plumbing vents, skylights and chimneys need to be checked and repaired by a qualified roofer.
Examine the exterior of the chimney for signs of damage. Have the flue cleaned and inspected by a certified chimney sweep.
Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. All exterior slabs except pool decks should drain away from the home’s foundation. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. When weather permits, power-wash and then seal the concrete.
Remove firewood stored near the home. Firewood should be stored at least 18 inches off the ground at least 2 feet from the structure.
Check outside hose faucets for freeze damage. Turn the water on and place your thumb or finger over the opening. If you can stop the flow of water, it is likely the pipe inside the home is damaged and will need to be replaced. While you’re at it, check the garden hose for dry rot.
Have a qualified heating and cooling contractor clean and service the outside unit of the air conditioning system. Clean coils operate more efficiently, and an annual service call will keep the system working at peak performance levels. Change interior filters on a regular basis.
Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.
DID YOU KNOW? Your homeowner’s insurance policy doesn’t cover flood damage. That requires a separate flood policy. Your homeowner’s policy could, however, cover other damage that is water related.
You visit your doctor for a yearly checkup… why wouldn’t you do the same with your insurance agent? An annual review of your insurance policies is recommended because your financial situation can change year to year. A review doesn’t have to be time consuming like most people think. If you haven’t been getting a yearly review, it makes sense to start now. There is little to be gained by carrying the wrong types or amounts of insurance and so much, potentially, to be lost!
We’re open and ready to help you get the most out of your insurance claim. As we continue to follow COVID-19 news and updates, we’re committed to being there for you when you need it. Many times, insurance claims are time-sensitive (especially when it comes to hurricane damage claims), so it’s important to begin the process as soon as possible.
As we understand that staying safe and social distancing is key during this time, we’ve introduced virtual inspections via Zoom – so you can begin the process from the comfort of your home. Our claim representative will video chat with you, and you’ll be able to discuss the details of the damage and your concerns. We’ll then put together an action plan to move forward with getting you the payout that you deserve!
You can also learn more about how we’re taking the necessary precautions by viewing our COVID-19 update.
SCHEDULE YOUR VIRTUAL INSPECTION
Please send an email over to info@stellaradjusting.com or give us a call at 877-838-6870 and we’ll get you in touch with your dedicated claim representative. We’re open 24 hours, 7 days a week, and are ready to assist you.
Comments: Comments Off on 11 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Public Adjuster in South Florida, Stellar Adjusting
11 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Public Adjuster in South Florida
Written by admin on December 7, 2019 at 9:59 AM.
If you’re hiring a public adjuster, it’s important to keep in mind that this person is going to be working for you. You’re the boss, so you’ve got to think like a boss. That means interviewing them and asking the right questions. We’ve listed eleven questions that you should ask any public adjuster before you make the hire.
WHY HIRE A PUBLIC ADJUSTER?
Before we talk about how to hire a public adjuster, let’s talk for a second about why you would want to hire one in the first place. The short answer is that you hopefully will never need to hire one. However, if your home or business is damaged, you’ll need to fire an insurance claim, which means providing the insurance company with an estimate of the damages. If the claim is very large, or if the insurance company thinks they can get away with paying less, they will send an insurance adjuster to draw up their own estimate.
When this happens, you have a few options. You can accept the insurance company’s offer, you can sue the insurance company, or you can hire a public adjuster to make a counteroffer. Accepting the company’s offer isn’t always the best idea. In some cases, you may be asked to settle for far less than the actual cost of damages. However, suing the insurance company can get expensive. They have teams of corporate lawyers, and you’ll end up spending a lot of money on your own legal case. Meanwhile, you’ll receive no funds during the legal process, so you’ll have to repair your home or business and pay your lawyer out of pocket.
A public insurance adjuster offers a great compromise. They can get you a better settlement, and you won’t have to pay out of pocket. For more information, read our guide on when to contact a Florida public adjuster.
1. HOW LONG HAVE THEY BEEN IN BUSINESS?
There’s nothing wrong with being new to the business. Even the biggest, most prestigious firms once started as a single adjuster opening their own small business. But if someone is just starting out in their own business, you’d expect them to have previous experience working for another firm. If they haven’t, steer clear.
2. ARE THEY PART OF A TEAM?
A single public adjuster, even a very well-qualified one, can only be so knowledgeable. A team of adjusters can pool their knowledge and help each other out, leading to better results for their clients.
3. ARE THEY LICENSED IN FLORIDA?
If you’re in another state, this applies to your state as well. An unlicensed public adjuster isn’t just breaking the law by practicing without a license. They can also put you at risk, since there’s no guarantee that they’re even competent.
4. DO THEY HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH CLAIMS LIKE YOURS?
For any qualified public adjuster, south Florida hurricanes should be par for the course. But if you’re dealing with an unusual claim – for example, if a car ran off the road and into your living room – you’ll want to know that your public adjuster is qualified to deal with your claim’s quirkier aspects.
5. HOW DO THEY GET PAID?
A public insurance adjuster should only get paid when you get paid, taking a percentage of your claim. If your adjuster is asking for an up-front fee, don’t do business with them. What they’re doing is unethical.
6. DO THEY HAVE EXPERIENCE DEALING WITH MORTGAGE LENDERS?
Depending on your situation, you may still owe money to a mortgage lender, and they’re most likely not going to be patient with you while the insurance company handles your claim. An experienced public adjuster can oftentimes serve as an intermediary to help you deal with your mortgage lender’s demands.
7. WHO WILL PREPARE MY CLAIM?
The opposite problem of working with too small a team is working with a big firm that farms out their work to third-party contractors. So you can be paying for a prestigious name, but getting freelance service. Make sure that your public insurance adjuster will be personally involved with your claim.
8. CAN I STAY INVOLVED WITH MY CLAIM?
Some public adjusters prefer that their clients not communicate directly with the insurance company. Others are comfortable to share these responsibilities with their clients. There’s no right or wrong answer to this question, but it’s important that you and your adjuster are on the same page here.
9. CAN THEY PROVIDE LOCAL REFERENCES?
The average person may never need a public adjuster’s services or may need them once or twice at most. If their adjuster did a good job, they’re going to remember it. Ask your prospective public adjuster for references. If they’re not prepared to offer any, scratch them off your list.
10. HOW MANY CLAIMS ARE THEY HANDLING?
Sometimes, in the aftermath of a natural disaster, public adjusters can become overwhelmed with claims from a large number of people. In this case, a qualified, competent adjuster may simply be too busy to give your claim the individual attention it deserves.
11. WHAT ARE THEIR ERRORS AND OMISSIONS POLICY?
Errors and Omissions is the insurance industry’s version of malpractice insurance. It ensures that if your public adjuster makes a mistake that costs you money, they’ll be able to compensate you. Every licensed public adjuster should carry a policy. If they’re not willing to share this information with you, tell them to take a hike.
HOW TO FIND A CLAIMS ADJUSTER IN FLORIDA
If you’re hiring a public adjuster in Florida, consider hiring Stellar Public Adjusting. Our qualified adjusters are experienced in Florida home and business claims, and we don’t hire out our work to independent contractors. When your adjuster shows up to create your claim, you can rest assured that this is the same person who will be dealing with the insurance company on your behalf.
Use our web form to contact us today. If you have an urgent problem that requires immediate assistance, call our office at 305-570-3519.
Andria Rosendahl Public Adjuster
2450 NE Miami Gardens Drive, Suite 200, Miami Florida 33180
Comments: Comments Off on Vote No For House Bill 305!
Vote No For House Bill 305!
Homeowners, tell your representative to Vote NO on House Bill 305! Do not let the insurance industry take away your rights with House Bill 305. Your voice counts! Call or email your representative today!
Vote No For House Bill 305!
Homeowners, tell your representative to Vote NO on House Bill 305! Do not let the insurance industry take away your rights with House Bill 305. Your voice counts!
Comments: Comments Off on ACTION ALERT: The insurance industry is backing another bill that is trying to take away your rights and significantly reduce your coverage for roof damage.
The insurance industry is backing another bill that is trying to take away your rights and significantly reduce your coverage for roof damage.
The insurance industry is backing another bill that is trying to take away your rights and significantly reduce your coverage for roof damage. If passed, Senate Bill 76 could potentially cost Floridian homeowners millions of dollars.
We need homeowners and business owners in Tallahassee on Tuesday, February 2nd to be heard and oppose this bill.
Here are some highlights of the bill:
Insurance companies can limit coverage for roofs more than 10 years old based on a “roof reimbursement schedule.” This could result in significant out of pocket expenses for homeowners.
The roof reimbursement schedule limits coverage to a percentage of the amount to repair or replace the roof.
Coverage can be limited to:
70% for metal roofs
40% for concrete tile and clay tile roofs
40% for wood shake and wood shingle roofs
25% for all other roof types, including asphalt shingle roofs
Timeframe to report property damage claims, including Hurricanes, is reduced to 2 years!
Policyholders must send their insurer a Notice of Intent to file a lawsuit prior suing for recovery of insurance proceeds.
Notice of Intent must include: the amount of damages sought, a detailed estimate for repairs, the actions of the insurer that gave rise to the action, and the amount of attorney’s fees incurred by the insured policyholder.
Notice of Intent must be served at least 60 days before filing a lawsuit. Given the 90 day period insurers already have to adjust claims, adding 60 days means generally waiting 5 months from the date the claim was reported before being able to sue for failure to adequately pay the claim.
Limits policyholders’ ability to recover attorney’s fees in a lawsuit against their insurer, a right that has been guaranteed under Florida law for decades.
We need every roofing company to bring a homeowner to the Tallahassee Civic Center on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, to testify against bad legislation backed by insurance companies. Please call your representative and tell them you oppose Senate Bill 76 because it is bad for property owners, insurance consumers and contractors. This could affect your home and your livelihood!
It’s more than a slogan, it’s our firm’s mantra. We are zealous in protecting your rights. We offer 24-hour availability through our answering service. Call us today.
SFPMA works throughout the State of Florida, we are a multi-member organization for the Condo, HOA and Property Management industry. Through knowledge based Articles, Events and our Members Directory, Clients find the right information to make an informed decisions for their Florida properties.
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here:
Cookie Policy
We are a commercial insurance brokerage organization and have access to different insurance companies that offer a wide-range of products, services, and pricing.
From burst pipes to appliance leaks, to HVAC malfunctions and more, according to PURE’s claims data, water damage is the number one cause of loss among condo owners. In fact, more than 70% of condo claims reported to PURE have been the result of water damage. Although some instances are out of a condo owner’s control—like a toilet overflow originating from the unit above that allows water to leak through the ceiling to a PURE member’s condo below, or water backup from a building’s rooftop pool—the majority of claims can be prevented by taking proactive steps today to reduce the likelihood of water damage in the future. 
Renovations to your main home or a new building on your property (say, a gazebo) can mean you’re underinsured and need to increase the value of the structures coverage on your home policy. This is especially important if you’ve put in a lot of money into renovation, or expanded your square footage
