June 20, 2024, WFLA-TV Newschannel 8, Tampa – “Contractor labor shortages and in some cases abuse, supply chain issues, and claim disputes with insurers have caused past storm claims to not be fully been resolved with over 54,000 still open,” said Lisa Miller, an insurance consultant with Lisa Miller & Associates. (Original story location, https://www.wfla.com/news/sarasota-county/some-north-port-residents-still-battle-insurance-after-hurricane-ian/, including video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjk2mmTl4_4)
NORTH PORT, Fla. – It’s been an uphill battle for many amid Florida’s insurance crisis and there’s growing concern as hurricane season gets underway.
Headaches still linger for tens of thousands of homeowners statewide who are still stuck with open claims from hurricanes Ian and Idalia.
Craig Lipaj is almost finished with remodeling his bathroom.
It’s a project that stemmed from a leaky roof caused by damage from Hurricane Ian.
After a long battle for a fair settlement with his insurance company, he finally got his roof replaced, but it took a year and a half to complete.
“Hopefully within a month we’ll be done,” Lipaj said. “But we’re pushing two years and the next cycle starts again.”
The damage from the storm is still prevalent in his North Port neighborhood.
Multiple homes are finally getting repairs after wrangling with insurance companies.
“If you have a claim, it’s a battle” Lipaj said. “You’re going to fight it long and hard for a year or two years. Plus, there’s people who still don’t have claims settled.”
In recent weeks, federal officials have urged Floridians to prepare for a “very active” hurricane season.
NOAA released its first projections for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season.
Officials said season has an 85% chance of being above average.
“Contractor labor shortages and in some cases abuse, supply chain issues, and claim disputes with insurers have caused past storm claims to not be fully been resolved with over 54,000 still open,” said Lisa Miller, an insurance consultant with Lisa Miller & Associates.
Many homeowners are also concerned about possible disputes with an insurance claim.
In December 2022, state lawmakers passed legislation that requires claimants to pay their own attorney’s fees.
The law eliminates the old right successful litigants had.
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