Fla. Hurricane Victim Mediation Talks Begin Next Week

Florida hurricane victims who are unhappy with their insurance settlement offers can meet next week with state-certified officials and a representative from their insurance company to work toward an agreement and argue for more money.

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) begins its long-awaited mediation program Nov. 18 at the justice center in Punta Gorda. Officials say the program is crucial for some hurricane victims’ rebuilding plans and financial well-being. Since Oct. 11 the state has taken nearly 375 requests for mediation.

While residents are still waiting for settlements, state financial officials said they are working to prevent companies from dropping coverage on victims’ homes until repairs are completed.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher is pushing to extend the moratorium on insurance cancellations for hurricane victims whose homes are still in disrepair. State officials will consider the issue Nov. 23.

DFS officials announced mediation plans two months ago and said sessions might begin as early as the second week of October.

The state hired Tallahassee-based Collins Center for Public Policy, a nonprofit firm, to train 45 mediators. DFS spokesperson Tami Torres said many residents weren’t ready for mediation in October.

Residents like Punta Gorda’s Lawrence Kauffman are still waiting for settlement offers. Others didn’t know mediation was an option, and some grew frustrated with their insurance companies and gave up, Pablo Trejo, DFS regional coordinator said.

By law, insurance companies have 21 days to try to reach a resolution with residents who are not satisfied with their insurance settlement offers.

Trejo said residents should work to reach agreement with their insurance companies before they request mediation. Residents who are having problems with their insurance continue to visit Disaster Recovery Centers in Charlotte County every day, he said.

“If you have dealt with insurance and you are fed up, you can request mediation,” he said.