[Liability Insurance] FW: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
Please see below and attached – thanks to Jay Mussman
Scott P. Pence | Carlton Fields
Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar
Direct: 813.229.4322 | Fax: 813.229.4133
4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000
Tampa, Florida 33607-5780
biohttp://www.cfjblaw.com/spence/ | vcardhttp://www.cfjblaw.com/FCWSite/Features/_Attorneys/vCard.aspx?attorney=7 | linkedinhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/pencescott
From: Mussman, Jay D. [mailto:jmussman@daypitney.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2016 2:53 PM
To: Pence, Scott
Subject: FW: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
Please share.
Jay D. Mussman | Attorney at Law | Attorney Biohttp://www.daypitney.com/professionals/M/Mussman-Jay-D
[cid:image001.jpg@01D2223C.DE0FDF50]http://www.daypitney.com/
399 West Palmetto Park Road, Suite 202 | Boca Raton FL 33432-3760
t (561) 537 4934 | f (561) 952 4267 | m (561) 862 8107
jmussman@daypitney.commailto:jmussman@daypitney.com | www.daypitney.comhttp://www.daypitney.com
BOSTONhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/boston | CONNECTICUThttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices | FLORIDAhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices | NEW JERSEYhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/parsippany | NEW YORKhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/new-york | WASHINGTON, DChttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/washington-dc [Day Pitney LLP on Facebook] http://facebook.com/DayPitney [Follow Day Pitney LLP on Twitter] http://www.twitter.com/daypitneyllp [Day Pitney LLP on Linkedin] https://www.linkedin.com/company/day-pitney-llp
From: Newsroom [mailto:Newsroom@citizensfla.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2016 2:37 PM
To: Newsroom
Subject: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
[cid:image002.jpg@01D2223A.8603CFD0]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE October 9, 2016
Contact: Michael Peltier
(850) 513-3774
(850) 264-7702 (cell)
Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is urging its policyholders to protect themselves from assignment of benefit scams and abuse by calling Citizens first to report losses following Hurricane Matthew.
Citizens representatives are available 24/7 throughout the weekend to handle claims calls at 1.866.411.2742. More information can be found on Citizens website https://www.citizensfla.com/claims
“Citizens is ready to assist our policyholders as they begin their recovery from Hurricane Matthew and get their lives back in order,” said Barry Gilway, Citizens President, CEO and Executive Director. “Our claims representatives are ready to help. All you have to do is call.”
Unfortunately, unscrupulous contractors and repair companies thrive in the frenzied days following any storm. Policyholders must be wary of unlicensed contractors or deals that sound too good to be true.
To protect themselves, policyholders who have experienced a loss from the storm should call Citizens first to ensure they stay in control of their claim. Further, Citizens advises policyholders not to sign anything, including an assignment of benefit, before consulting with Citizens or their insurance agent.
Here’s why. You may be signing away your rights and be left with unfinished repairs or forced to pay a contractor for repairs not covered by your policy. The policy may also place a limit on emergency repairs until Citizens is notified to inspect damage before permanent repairs are made.
Policyholders are most likely to be offered an assignment of benefit (AOB) while making emergency repairs or when companies come to the door soliciting business. Policyholders may be told repairs cannot be completed until they have signed an AOB contract, which allows the company to submit the claim and deal directly with Citizens.
More information on the potential pitfalls of assignments of benefitshttps://www.citizensfla.com/documents/20702/460724/Assignment+of+Benefits.pdf/2e157905-8ccb-4396-996a-3e111b2c5f5c is available on Citizens website. More information also can be found on Citizens website https://www.citizensfla.com/storms
To report suspected insurance fraud, Citizens policyholders can call Citizens Special Investigations Unit toll free at 1.855.748.9596. or submit a report online. Customers can also contact the Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services Insurance Consumer Helpline immediately at 1-877-693-5236. Your concerns will be promptly referred to insurance fraud investigators.
In 2002, the Florida Legislature created Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens), a not-for-profit alternative insurer, whose public purpose is to provide insurance to, and serve the needs of, property owners who cannot find coverage in the private insurance market.
[Citizens on Facebook]Find us on Facebookhttps://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_pages_Citizens-2DProperty-2DInsurance-2DCorporation_313353039304&d=DQMFAg&c=-Q2oFtSeUeVdqcGrCCygxt6LResmVl0POOzRQwCZt0Q&r=JzxZ6kWoCgxBJ2xiMZfIcsJ1K0Ty8_j74y8X4EL7hZo&m=RcPUKehoDdAbpEb4UdAldHGIlQbnxMOHIMuZa5l1ZbM&s=OyFuX0boPL2d5SqeJxU3iwJsQ7f4DYxNulAyvCHxtyc&e= [Citizens on Twitter] Follow us @citizens_flahttps://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__twitter.com_citizens-5Ffla&d=DQMFAg&c=-Q2oFtSeUeVdqcGrCCygxt6LResmVl0POOzRQwCZt0Q&r=JzxZ6kWoCgxBJ2xiMZfIcsJ1K0Ty8_j74y8X4EL7hZo&m=RcPUKehoDdAbpEb4UdAldHGIlQbnxMOHIMuZa5l1ZbM&s=bC_gzXNBzf0C9i-IkbVp8pnPCSrSTvQ75IYeDAdkWQQ&e=
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Dear Scott, et al.
Interesting pre-emptive effort by Citizens, especially as planning for the next legislative session commences.
Property owners should likely be reminded to be just as wary with their insurers, Citizens being no exception in light of the significant decisions regarding failure to pay benefits.
Seems like the best thing for a property owner to do is consult with their counsel!
Michael J. Gelfandhttp://www.gelfandarpe.com/attorney/michael-gelfand/
Florida Bar Board Certified Real Estate Attorney
Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator:
Civil Circuit Court & Civil County Court
Fellow, American College of Real Estate Lawyers
[cid:image005.jpg@01D222EF.59D4EBA0] [cid:image002.png@01D222F3.E0E05040]
Gelfand & Arpe, P.A.http://www.gelfandarpe.com/
"Assisting Communities to Efficiently Reach Goals"
1555 Tower, Suite 1220
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.
West Palm Beach Florida 33401-2329
(561) 655-6224
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IRS Circular 230 Notice: To ensure compliance with the requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and may not be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
From: liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Pence, Scott
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2016 11:23 AM
To: liability_insurance@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: [Liability Insurance] FW: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
Please see below and attached – thanks to Jay Mussman
Scott P. Pence | Carlton Fields
Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar
Direct: 813.229.4322 | Fax: 813.229.4133
4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000
Tampa, Florida 33607-5780
biohttp://www.cfjblaw.com/spence/ | vcardhttp://www.cfjblaw.com/FCWSite/Features/_Attorneys/vCard.aspx?attorney=7 | linkedinhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/pencescott
From: Mussman, Jay D. [mailto:jmussman@daypitney.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2016 2:53 PM
To: Pence, Scott
Subject: FW: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
Please share.
Jay D. Mussman | Attorney at Law | Attorney Biohttp://www.daypitney.com/professionals/M/Mussman-Jay-D
[cid:image011.jpg@01D222EF.59D4EBA0]http://www.daypitney.com/
399 West Palmetto Park Road, Suite 202 | Boca Raton FL 33432-3760
t (561) 537 4934 | f (561) 952 4267 | m (561) 862 8107
jmussman@daypitney.commailto:jmussman@daypitney.com | www.daypitney.comhttp://www.daypitney.com
BOSTONhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/boston | CONNECTICUThttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices | FLORIDAhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices | NEW JERSEYhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/parsippany | NEW YORKhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/new-york | WASHINGTON, DChttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/washington-dc [cid:image013.jpg@01D222EF.59D4EBA0] http://facebook.com/DayPitney [cid:image014.png@01D222EF.59D4EBA0] http://www.twitter.com/daypitneyllp [cid:image015.jpg@01D222EF.59D4EBA0] https://www.linkedin.com/company/day-pitney-llp
From: Newsroom [mailto:Newsroom@citizensfla.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2016 2:37 PM
To: Newsroom
Subject: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
[cid:image016.jpg@01D222EF.59D4EBA0]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE October 9, 2016
Contact: Michael Peltier
(850) 513-3774
(850) 264-7702 (cell)
Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is urging its policyholders to protect themselves from assignment of benefit scams and abuse by calling Citizens first to report losses following Hurricane Matthew.
Citizens representatives are available 24/7 throughout the weekend to handle claims calls at 1.866.411.2742. More information can be found on Citizens website https://www.citizensfla.com/claims
“Citizens is ready to assist our policyholders as they begin their recovery from Hurricane Matthew and get their lives back in order,” said Barry Gilway, Citizens President, CEO and Executive Director. “Our claims representatives are ready to help. All you have to do is call.”
Unfortunately, unscrupulous contractors and repair companies thrive in the frenzied days following any storm. Policyholders must be wary of unlicensed contractors or deals that sound too good to be true.
To protect themselves, policyholders who have experienced a loss from the storm should call Citizens first to ensure they stay in control of their claim. Further, Citizens advises policyholders not to sign anything, including an assignment of benefit, before consulting with Citizens or their insurance agent.
Here’s why. You may be signing away your rights and be left with unfinished repairs or forced to pay a contractor for repairs not covered by your policy. The policy may also place a limit on emergency repairs until Citizens is notified to inspect damage before permanent repairs are made.
Policyholders are most likely to be offered an assignment of benefit (AOB) while making emergency repairs or when companies come to the door soliciting business. Policyholders may be told repairs cannot be completed until they have signed an AOB contract, which allows the company to submit the claim and deal directly with Citizens.
More information on the potential pitfalls of assignments of benefitshttps://www.citizensfla.com/documents/20702/460724/Assignment+of+Benefits.pdf/2e157905-8ccb-4396-996a-3e111b2c5f5c is available on Citizens website. More information also can be found on Citizens website https://www.citizensfla.com/storms
To report suspected insurance fraud, Citizens policyholders can call Citizens Special Investigations Unit toll free at 1.855.748.9596. or submit a report online. Customers can also contact the Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services Insurance Consumer Helpline immediately at 1-877-693-5236. Your concerns will be promptly referred to insurance fraud investigators.
In 2002, the Florida Legislature created Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens), a not-for-profit alternative insurer, whose public purpose is to provide insurance to, and serve the needs of, property owners who cannot find coverage in the private insurance market.
[cid:image018.jpg@01D222EF.59D4EBA0]Find us on Facebookhttps://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_pages_Citizens-2DProperty-2DInsurance-2DCorporation_313353039304&d=DQMFAg&c=-Q2oFtSeUeVdqcGrCCygxt6LResmVl0POOzRQwCZt0Q&r=JzxZ6kWoCgxBJ2xiMZfIcsJ1K0Ty8_j74y8X4EL7hZo&m=RcPUKehoDdAbpEb4UdAldHGIlQbnxMOHIMuZa5l1ZbM&s=OyFuX0boPL2d5SqeJxU3iwJsQ7f4DYxNulAyvCHxtyc&e= [cid:image019.jpg@01D222EF.59D4EBA0] Follow us @citizens_flahttps://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__twitter.com_citizens-5Ffla&d=DQMFAg&c=-Q2oFtSeUeVdqcGrCCygxt6LResmVl0POOzRQwCZt0Q&r=JzxZ6kWoCgxBJ2xiMZfIcsJ1K0Ty8_j74y8X4EL7hZo&m=RcPUKehoDdAbpEb4UdAldHGIlQbnxMOHIMuZa5l1ZbM&s=bC_gzXNBzf0C9i-IkbVp8pnPCSrSTvQ75IYeDAdkWQQ&e=
This email and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information and are solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately, and delete the original message. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not use, disclose, disseminate or distribute this email or any information contained in this email. Please be advised that emails are subject to the Florida Public Records Act, and any response to this email may be a public record.
This message contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended solely for the use of the addressee(s) named above. Any disclosure, distribution, copying or use of the information by others is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by immediate reply and delete the original message. Thank you.
I couldn’t have said it better!
Fred R. Dudley, Managing Member
Board Certified Construction Lawyer
Dudley, Sellers, Healy & Heath, P. L.
SunTrust Financial Center, Suite 301
3522 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, Florida 32308
Cell: (850) 294-3471
Direct: (850)692-6368
dudley@mylicenselaw.com
From: liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Michael J. Gelfand
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2016 12:44 PM
To: Pence, Scott spence@carltonfields.com; liability_insurance@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: Re: [Liability Insurance] FW: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
Dear Scott, et al.
Interesting pre-emptive effort by Citizens, especially as planning for the next legislative session commences.
Property owners should likely be reminded to be just as wary with their insurers, Citizens being no exception in light of the significant decisions regarding failure to pay benefits.
Seems like the best thing for a property owner to do is consult with their counsel!
Michael J. Gelfandhttp://www.gelfandarpe.com/attorney/michael-gelfand/
Florida Bar Board Certified Real Estate Attorney
Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator:
Civil Circuit Court & Civil County Court
Fellow, American College of Real Estate Lawyers
[cid:image9aa80e.jpg@78c6435f.f6fe4e7e] [A with acronym.jpg]
Gelfand & Arpe, P.A.http://www.gelfandarpe.com/
"Assisting Communities to Efficiently Reach Goals"
1555 Tower, Suite 1220
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.
West Palm Beach Florida 33401-2329
(561) 655-6224
This communication/transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee(s) named above and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Access to this e-mail by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, use or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you received this transmission in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply e-mail and permanently delete and destroy this message and any attachments. To reply to our e-mail administrator directly, please send an e-mail to ga@gelfandarpe.com.mailto:ga@gelfandarpe.com.
Nothing contained in this message (including any attachments) shall constitute a contract or electronic signature under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, any version of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act or any other statute governing electronic transactions. This e-mail does not provide an opinion, nor without a fee agreement signed by the firm does this confirm representation or counsel.
IRS Circular 230 Notice: To ensure compliance with the requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and may not be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail
From: liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.orgmailto:liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Pence, Scott
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2016 11:23 AM
To: liability_insurance@lists.flabarrpptl.orgmailto:liability_insurance@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: [Liability Insurance] FW: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
Please see below and attached – thanks to Jay Mussman
Scott P. Pence | Carlton Fields
Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar
Direct: 813.229.4322 | Fax: 813.229.4133
4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000
Tampa, Florida 33607-5780
biohttp://www.cfjblaw.com/spence/ | vcardhttp://www.cfjblaw.com/FCWSite/Features/_Attorneys/vCard.aspx?attorney=7 | linkedinhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/pencescott
From: Mussman, Jay D. [mailto:jmussman@daypitney.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2016 2:53 PM
To: Pence, Scott
Subject: FW: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
Please share.
Jay D. Mussman | Attorney at Law | Attorney Biohttp://www.daypitney.com/professionals/M/Mussman-Jay-D
[cid:image004.jpg@01D222F5.12CE7D60]http://www.daypitney.com/
399 West Palmetto Park Road, Suite 202 | Boca Raton FL 33432-3760
t (561) 537 4934 | f (561) 952 4267 | m (561) 862 8107
jmussman@daypitney.commailto:jmussman@daypitney.com | www.daypitney.comhttp://www.daypitney.com
BOSTONhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/boston | CONNECTICUThttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices | FLORIDAhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices | NEW JERSEYhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/parsippany | NEW YORKhttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/new-york | WASHINGTON, DChttp://www.daypitney.com/about/offices/washington-dc [Day Pitney LLP on Facebook] http://facebook.com/DayPitney [Follow Day Pitney LLP on Twitter] http://www.twitter.com/daypitneyllp [Day Pitney LLP on Linkedin] https://www.linkedin.com/company/day-pitney-llp
From: Newsroom [mailto:Newsroom@citizensfla.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2016 2:37 PM
To: Newsroom
Subject: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
[cid:image009.jpg@01D222F5.12CE7D60]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE October 9, 2016
Contact: Michael Peltier
(850) 513-3774
(850) 264-7702 (cell)
Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is urging its policyholders to protect themselves from assignment of benefit scams and abuse by calling Citizens first to report losses following Hurricane Matthew.
Citizens representatives are available 24/7 throughout the weekend to handle claims calls at 1.866.411.2742. More information can be found on Citizens website https://www.citizensfla.com/claims
“Citizens is ready to assist our policyholders as they begin their recovery from Hurricane Matthew and get their lives back in order,” said Barry Gilway, Citizens President, CEO and Executive Director. “Our claims representatives are ready to help. All you have to do is call.”
Unfortunately, unscrupulous contractors and repair companies thrive in the frenzied days following any storm. Policyholders must be wary of unlicensed contractors or deals that sound too good to be true.
To protect themselves, policyholders who have experienced a loss from the storm should call Citizens first to ensure they stay in control of their claim. Further, Citizens advises policyholders not to sign anything, including an assignment of benefit, before consulting with Citizens or their insurance agent.
Here’s why. You may be signing away your rights and be left with unfinished repairs or forced to pay a contractor for repairs not covered by your policy. The policy may also place a limit on emergency repairs until Citizens is notified to inspect damage before permanent repairs are made.
Policyholders are most likely to be offered an assignment of benefit (AOB) while making emergency repairs or when companies come to the door soliciting business. Policyholders may be told repairs cannot be completed until they have signed an AOB contract, which allows the company to submit the claim and deal directly with Citizens.
More information on the potential pitfalls of assignments of benefitshttps://www.citizensfla.com/documents/20702/460724/Assignment+of+Benefits.pdf/2e157905-8ccb-4396-996a-3e111b2c5f5c is available on Citizens website. More information also can be found on Citizens website https://www.citizensfla.com/storms
To report suspected insurance fraud, Citizens policyholders can call Citizens Special Investigations Unit toll free at 1.855.748.9596. or submit a report online. Customers can also contact the Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services Insurance Consumer Helpline immediately at 1-877-693-5236. Your concerns will be promptly referred to insurance fraud investigators.
In 2002, the Florida Legislature created Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens), a not-for-profit alternative insurer, whose public purpose is to provide insurance to, and serve the needs of, property owners who cannot find coverage in the private insurance market.
[Citizens on Facebook]Find us on Facebookhttps://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_pages_Citizens-2DProperty-2DInsurance-2DCorporation_313353039304&d=DQMFAg&c=-Q2oFtSeUeVdqcGrCCygxt6LResmVl0POOzRQwCZt0Q&r=JzxZ6kWoCgxBJ2xiMZfIcsJ1K0Ty8_j74y8X4EL7hZo&m=RcPUKehoDdAbpEb4UdAldHGIlQbnxMOHIMuZa5l1ZbM&s=OyFuX0boPL2d5SqeJxU3iwJsQ7f4DYxNulAyvCHxtyc&e= [Citizens on Twitter] Follow us @citizens_flahttps://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__twitter.com_citizens-5Ffla&d=DQMFAg&c=-Q2oFtSeUeVdqcGrCCygxt6LResmVl0POOzRQwCZt0Q&r=JzxZ6kWoCgxBJ2xiMZfIcsJ1K0Ty8_j74y8X4EL7hZo&m=RcPUKehoDdAbpEb4UdAldHGIlQbnxMOHIMuZa5l1ZbM&s=bC_gzXNBzf0C9i-IkbVp8pnPCSrSTvQ75IYeDAdkWQQ&e=
This email and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information and are solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately, and delete the original message. If you are not the intended recipient, please do not use, disclose, disseminate or distribute this email or any information contained in this email. Please be advised that emails are subject to the Florida Public Records Act, and any response to this email may be a public record.
This message contains PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION intended solely for the use of the addressee(s) named above. Any disclosure, distribution, copying or use of the information by others is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by immediate reply and delete the original message. Thank you.
Some numbers that help explain the story -- http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/banking/why-are-citizens-property-insurance-policyholders-statewide-paying-for-a/2296892.
Trey Goldman
Legislative Counsel | FloridaRealtors®
200 South Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301
talk: 850.224.1400 x2505
direct: 850.521.3277
visit: http://www.floridarealtors.orghttp://www.floridarealtors.org/
Facebook: http://www.floridarealtors.org/facebook
Twitter: http://www.floridarealtors.org/twitter
The Voice for Real Estate® in Florida
From: liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Michael J. Gelfand
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2016 12:43 PM
To: Pence, Scott; liability_insurance@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: Re: [Liability Insurance] FW: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
Dear Scott, et al.
Interesting pre-emptive effort by Citizens, especially as planning for the next legislative session commences.
Property owners should likely be reminded to be just as wary with their insurers, Citizens being no exception in light of the significant decisions regarding failure to pay benefits.
Seems like the best thing for a property owner to do is consult with their counsel!
Michael J. Gelfandhttp://www.gelfandarpe.com/attorney/michael-gelfand/
Florida Bar Board Certified Real Estate Attorney
Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator:
Civil Circuit Court & Civil County Court
Fellow, American College of Real Estate Lawyers
[cid:image9aa80e.jpg@78c6435f.f6fe4e7e] [A with acronym.jpg]
Gelfand & Arpe, P.A.http://www.gelfandarpe.com/
"Assisting Communities to Efficiently Reach Goals"
1555 Tower, Suite 1220
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd.
West Palm Beach Florida 33401-2329
(561) 655-6224
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From: liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.orgmailto:liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org [mailto:liability_insurance-bounces@lists.flabarrpptl.org] On Behalf Of Pence, Scott
Sent: Monday, October 10, 2016 11:23 AM
To: liability_insurance@lists.flabarrpptl.orgmailto:liability_insurance@lists.flabarrpptl.org
Subject: [Liability Insurance] FW: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
Please see below and attached – thanks to Jay Mussman
Scott P. Pence | Carlton Fields
Board Certified in Construction Law by The Florida Bar
Direct: 813.229.4322 | Fax: 813.229.4133
4221 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Ste. 1000
Tampa, Florida 33607-5780
biohttp://www.cfjblaw.com/spence/ | vcardhttp://www.cfjblaw.com/FCWSite/Features/_Attorneys/vCard.aspx?attorney=7 | linkedinhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/pencescott
From: Mussman, Jay D. [mailto:jmussman@daypitney.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2016 2:53 PM
To: Pence, Scott
Subject: FW: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
Please share.
Jay D. Mussman | Attorney at Law | Attorney Biohttp://www.daypitney.com/professionals/M/Mussman-Jay-D
[cid:image003.jpg@01D2230E.B0C76EA0]http://www.daypitney.com/
399 West Palmetto Park Road, Suite 202 | Boca Raton FL 33432-3760
t (561) 537 4934 | f (561) 952 4267 | m (561) 862 8107
jmussman@daypitney.commailto:jmussman@daypitney.com | www.daypitney.comhttp://www.daypitney.com
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From: Newsroom [mailto:Newsroom@citizensfla.com]
Sent: Sunday, October 09, 2016 2:37 PM
To: Newsroom
Subject: Press Release_ Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
[cid:image007.jpg@01D2230E.B0C76EA0]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE October 9, 2016
Contact: Michael Peltier
(850) 513-3774
(850) 264-7702 (cell)
Call Citizens First following Hurricane Matthew
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is urging its policyholders to protect themselves from assignment of benefit scams and abuse by calling Citizens first to report losses following Hurricane Matthew.
Citizens representatives are available 24/7 throughout the weekend to handle claims calls at 1.866.411.2742. More information can be found on Citizens website https://www.citizensfla.com/claims
“Citizens is ready to assist our policyholders as they begin their recovery from Hurricane Matthew and get their lives back in order,” said Barry Gilway, Citizens President, CEO and Executive Director. “Our claims representatives are ready to help. All you have to do is call.”
Unfortunately, unscrupulous contractors and repair companies thrive in the frenzied days following any storm. Policyholders must be wary of unlicensed contractors or deals that sound too good to be true.
To protect themselves, policyholders who have experienced a loss from the storm should call Citizens first to ensure they stay in control of their claim. Further, Citizens advises policyholders not to sign anything, including an assignment of benefit, before consulting with Citizens or their insurance agent.
Here’s why. You may be signing away your rights and be left with unfinished repairs or forced to pay a contractor for repairs not covered by your policy. The policy may also place a limit on emergency repairs until Citizens is notified to inspect damage before permanent repairs are made.
Policyholders are most likely to be offered an assignment of benefit (AOB) while making emergency repairs or when companies come to the door soliciting business. Policyholders may be told repairs cannot be completed until they have signed an AOB contract, which allows the company to submit the claim and deal directly with Citizens.
More information on the potential pitfalls of assignments of benefitshttps://www.citizensfla.com/documents/20702/460724/Assignment+of+Benefits.pdf/2e157905-8ccb-4396-996a-3e111b2c5f5c is available on Citizens website. More information also can be found on Citizens website https://www.citizensfla.com/storms
To report suspected insurance fraud, Citizens policyholders can call Citizens Special Investigations Unit toll free at 1.855.748.9596. or submit a report online. Customers can also contact the Department of Financial Services, Division of Consumer Services Insurance Consumer Helpline immediately at 1-877-693-5236. Your concerns will be promptly referred to insurance fraud investigators.
In 2002, the Florida Legislature created Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens), a not-for-profit alternative insurer, whose public purpose is to provide insurance to, and serve the needs of, property owners who cannot find coverage in the private insurance market.
[Citizens on Facebook]Find us on Facebookhttps://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.facebook.com_pages_Citizens-2DProperty-2DInsurance-2DCorporation_313353039304&d=DQMFAg&c=-Q2oFtSeUeVdqcGrCCygxt6LResmVl0POOzRQwCZt0Q&r=JzxZ6kWoCgxBJ2xiMZfIcsJ1K0Ty8_j74y8X4EL7hZo&m=RcPUKehoDdAbpEb4UdAldHGIlQbnxMOHIMuZa5l1ZbM&s=OyFuX0boPL2d5SqeJxU3iwJsQ7f4DYxNulAyvCHxtyc&e= [Citizens on Twitter] Follow us @citizens_flahttps://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__twitter.com_citizens-5Ffla&d=DQMFAg&c=-Q2oFtSeUeVdqcGrCCygxt6LResmVl0POOzRQwCZt0Q&r=JzxZ6kWoCgxBJ2xiMZfIcsJ1K0Ty8_j74y8X4EL7hZo&m=RcPUKehoDdAbpEb4UdAldHGIlQbnxMOHIMuZa5l1ZbM&s=bC_gzXNBzf0C9i-IkbVp8pnPCSrSTvQ75IYeDAdkWQQ&e=
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