1. If you cash a check from your Insurance Company, you cannot get anymore money.

THIS IS FALSE. As long as you did not sign a release, skilled attorneys focusing their practice in Natural Disaster Law will likely be able to get more money for your Association. There are severe penalties for fraudulently suggesting to you that your rights are somehow eliminated because you already received a check for a portion of the loss.

2. Your Insurance Company will drop you if you file a claim.

THIS IS FALSE. It is illegal under Florida Law for Insurance Companies to drop you or refuse to insure you because you made a hurricane claim. In fact, an Insurance Company can lose its entire license to offer insurance or suffer serious sanctions if it wrongfully refuses to pay claims.

3. If you file a claim your Insurance Rates will go up.

THIS IS FALSE. Whether you file a claim or not, your rates will go up. Florida regulators allow Insurance Companies to raise your rates in the event of a natural disaster.

4. If you hire an attorney, the Insurance Company will be mad and not pay the claim.

THIS IS FALSE. Insurance Companies are betting that you will not hire the right experts to enforce the policy (a formal contract). Attorneys that have significant trial experience and expertise in insurance-related claims almost always get a better resolution, whether that is at trial or through a more profitable settlement for you.

5. Your Insurance Company claims that the damage does not exceed your deductible.

THIS IS OFTEN FALSE. This is a frequent claim that Insurance Companies make so the insured gives up and pays out of pocket for repairs (or declares a Special Assessment) that should be paid for by insurance.