Essex Ins. Co. v. Zota, 33 Fla. L Weekly S425b, ___So.2d ___ (Fla. 2008).
The Florida Supreme Court answered the following question certified by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals:
Whether Florida Statute sections 626.922 or 627.421, or both, require the delivery of evidence of the insurance directly to the insured, so that delivery to the insured's agent is sufficient.
Hoey v. State Farm Florida Ins. Co., 33 Fla. L. Weekly D1789a, ___So.2d ___ (Fla. 2d DCA 2008). The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court's finding that water damage to a vacant home fell within the homeowner's policy exclusion for "continuous or repeated seepage or leakage of water or steam from" a "plumbing system, including from, within or around any shower stall, shower bath, tub installation or other plumbing fixture, including their walls or floors." The trial court's finding was supported by expert testimony, water bills, and the plaintiff's testimony.
Allstate Floridian Ins. Co. v. Office of Ins. Regulation
Allstate Floridian Ins. Co. v. Office of Ins. Regulation, 981 So.2d 617 (Fla. 1st DCA 2008).
The First Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed the Immediate Final Order of OIR, suspending Allstate's certificates of authority to transact new business in Florida until it complied with subpoenas and subpoenas duces tecum issued in connection with OIR's investigation into Allstate's claims handling practices. The OIR is investigating Allstate's relationship with risk modeling companies, insurance rating organizations, trade associations and compliance with House Bill 1A.
Banat Investment Corp. v. Certain Interested Underwriters at Lloyd's
Banat Investment Corp. v. Certain Interested Underwriters at Lloyd's, 15 Fla. L. Weekly Supp. 361a (Circuit Court Order, 19th Judicial Circuit, Martin County, January 11, 2008). UPDATE: The Circuit Court in this matter granted defendant's (Underwriters) motion to compel appraisal and denied Banat's arguments that appraisal was barred because Underwriters failed to promptly inform Banat of the option to mediate pursuant to F.S. 627.7015.
The National Flood Insurance Program and Tropical Storm Fay: A conversation with Attorney Kelly Kubiak
With the recent torrential rain and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fay, it is important to keep in mind the differences in submitting flood insurance claims.
Q. What is the first step for an insured when submitting a claim under a flood insurance policy?
A written Notice of Loss needs to be filed with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) immediately following the loss ("as soon as practicable"). The NFIP Notice of Loss form should be used.
CS/SB 2012 was signed by Governor Crist on June 23rd and is now Chapter Law 2008-220. Although some provisions will become effective on October 1, 2008, there are other provisions which will not take effect until January 1, 2009.
Before Gustav hit, Chip Merlin appeared on the popular New Orleans radio show. Click the bar to hear him talk about what policyholders should be doing before and after a storm. Email viewers, please click here for audio.
New Houston Office Opened
The Merlin Law Group announces the opening of their newest office in Houston, Texas. Attorney Tina Nicholson heads-up the office. The office is located at Three Riverway Office Tower, Suite 1375, Houston, Texas 77056. For further information please feel free to contact Tina at 713-626-8880.
Forty-eight Hurricane Charley victims in Arcadia received settlement checks for claims against United Casualty Insurance Company. The news media was there to cover the event. Email viewers, please click here for video.
The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free, written information about their qualifications and experience.
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With the recent torrential rain and flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fay, it is important to keep in mind the differences in submitting flood insurance claims.