learn your gap
Copper is Number 29 on periodic table. Cu is the symbol. Its soft, malleable and ductile with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. It’s one of the oldest metals in use. It rose to prominence during the Middle Ages in Europe, Egypt, and Asia.
Please Enjoy the Complimentary “Learn Your Gap” Yeti Mug.
Questions about coverage, an insurance claim, property damage?
Call 772.237.0892 and maybe we can meet for coffee and discuss.
Enjoy your complimentary Yeti while supplies last.
In ancient Egypt, copper was used to sterilize wounds and drinking water. Ancient Aztecs gargled water mixed with copper to fight sore throats, and Hippocrates reportedly treated leg ulcers with copper. Today, scientific research has proven that copper has an antimicrobial effect, which is why more hospitals around the world are finding ways to use copper equipment to stem hospital infections.
The Food and Nutrition Board at the Institute of Medicine recommends that adults consume about 900 micrograms of copper daily through foods such as dark chocolate, nuts, seafood, legumes, liver and green leafy vegetables. Throughout time, healers have believed that copper is capable of transferring energy to aid the healing process in both the body and mind.
While there’s concern about using up our earth’s supply of resources, we’re in no danger of running out of copper. Scientists estimate that the earth is home to more than 8 trillion pounds of it and that we’ve only mined about 1.1 trillion pounds of it so far. The best part: The metal we’ve already mined can be recycled and reused infinitely without compromising its integrity.
Take a read through the following common events in property insurance claims. Policy language has been around a long time like copper. Policy language can be “soft” to you the property owner.
Like copper the language should be a conduit to protect you and your family during unexpected events. The right amount of insurance coverage is healthy to ensure your largest financial investment is properly protected. If you have the right policy language, the policy language, like copper, should heal the wounds to your home. Providing connectivity for you and your family to pre loss condition at your home.
If you have questions about your coverage, best to call your agent, or we can explain these common claim adjusting issues. Be proactive – vs – reactive. Recovery Insurance Adjusters advocates for property owners only during a claim event. Make sure you have good language which will enable you to be paid the proper claim value. Some policyholders buy insurance coverage on “price point” – vs – the fine details of the policy language.
Here are some common events and associated policy language that you might have in your policy.
You might be surprised to learn these gaps might not allow you to put your property back to pre-loss condition after a sudden event
You go out for dinner on Friday night. You arrive home after 4 hours and your kitchen sink plumbing supply line failed and water is pouring into your home. Every room is impacted with standing water. You call a company to your home and they arrive at 5:00 am to extract this water. They require you to sign paperwork. You read the paperwork hastily to get the water out of your home!
Does your policy language have language to limit emergency services incurred expense?
Some policy language would not pay more than the greater of $3,000 or 1% of the home’s insured value, unless you, the insured submitted a written request to exceed the cap. Once a request is made, the insurance company has 48 hours to approve or reject the request. If the insurance company misses the 48-hour deadline, the claimant may exceed the cap “only up to the cost incurred” for the reasonable emergency measures necessary to protect covered property from further damage.” Is it possible to communicate within 48 hours over a weekend?
What? Yes, you might be responsible to pay a dollar value above $3,000. We have seen policyholders become responsible for dollar values over $20,000 dollars out of their own pocket.
How I have it?
You take a family weekend away. You arrive home and discover the washing machine hose failed and discharged water throughout your home. You have approximately $100,000 dollars in building damages (wood floor throughout the home, baseboards, drywall, kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanity, etc.)
Does your policy language have language to limit water damage? An example of a Florida policy “This policy provides up to $10,000 of coverage due to Water Damage caused by accidental discharge of water from plumbing or appliance. All other Water Damage is excluded except Water Damage caused by water penetration into the house when the water penetration is a direct result of damage caused by wind or hail.”
How I have it?
Hail damage to a metal roof or even tile floor system that was damaged by an impact … some polices have implemented a limit of $10,000.00 for cosmetic issues to your home. The insurance carrier has determined these two examples to be cosmetic and limited payments to policyholder at the maximum $10,000. Even thought the value of these items could reach into the $30,000 to $100,000 or higher.
In an attempt to limit coverage for non-functional damage, insurers have begun to include the “cosmetic damage” exclusion. Cosmetic damage is usually defined as marring, pitting or other superficial damage from hail that alters the appearance of the roof, but does not prohibit it from functioning as a moisture barrier.
What does your policy have?
If you have a single family home you more than likely have a HO3 policy. Condominium is an HO6. These policies do not cover rising waters. Rising waters from ocean, lakes, rivers, collection of rain in the road or land from excessive rain. Called “ground water”, simply put water from the sky that hits land and then enters your structure is Flood damage.
You need to consider purchasing a separate policy to cover ground water; coverage for this would be to purchase a flood policy. Flood is an excess of water on land that is normally dry, affecting two or more acres of land or two or more properties.
What does your policy have?
A tree falls and hits your pool screen enclosure or your attached metal car port.
Depending on your policy language you might have limited coverages, or these structures might be excluded. If covered, you might have a limit on the dollar value. Is the dollar value enough to cover the replacement of the structure?
What does your policy have?
I observed water damaged from a heavy rain storm around my windows. The water has damaged my wood floor system, drywall and baseboards. I’m covered, right? I notice water stains on my drywall ceilings in my home after a heavy rain storm. I’m covered, right?
Many policies exclude or limit coverage for interior water damage unless there is evidence of a wind-created opening in the roof, outside wall, door or window where rain entered the home or business. Often carriers deny coverage in a manner similar to the below scenario:
On such and such a date, a loss was reported to Insurance Company for water damage from roof leak causing damage to your home. The insured property was inspected by Mr. Adjuster who documented the claimed loss and determined there was no damage to the roof (or window) due to a weather condition. Because there was no storm damage to the roof then there would be no coverage for the interior damage.
The carrier then cites to the applicable water damage or wind-driven rain exclusion amongst other common policy exclusions to deny coverage. Policyholders should be aware of the following or similar policy language:
‘We do not insure for loss caused by rain, snow, sleet, sand or dust to the interior of a building unless a covered peril first damages the building causing an opening in a roof or outside wall, door or window and the rain, snow, sleet, sand or dust enters through this opening.’
What does your policy have?
After you have a loss, you file an insurance claim, the insurance company will often mandate that the policyholder complete and sign a form called a Proof of Loss regarding the damages claimed by the policyholder. A Proof of Loss is generally one page form (possibly with attachments) that is usually provided to the policyholder by the insurance company.
The Proof of Loss form requests specific information from the policyholder regarding the date and time the loss occurred, type of loss claimed, the available insurance policy limits, and the exact amount of damages sought by the policyholder. The Proof of Loss form may also mandate that the policyholder attach any damage estimates or other calculations that support the policyholder’s claims.
There are some insurance carriers that now have this or similar language: “Submit to us, within 60 days after the loss, your signed, sworn proof of loss which sets forth, to the best of your knowledge and belief.”
The above newer policy language is troubling:
First, many insureds will simply be unaware of this new requirement or will not understand if/how it applies to them. Instead of requesting a proof of loss (which would confirm that insureds are aware of the requirement), this insurance carrier has snuck in this requirement knowing that many insureds may overlook and/or be confused by this requirement.
Second, if an insured does not comply with this “hidden” requirement, the insurance carrier will likely use this “failure to comply” with the policy’s “Duties After Loss” as a basis for claim denial.
Third, the new language is also problematic because it requests a proof of loss within 60 days after the loss occurs. But what about instances where insureds do not immediately discover damages? For example, what happens when a July windstorm causes damage to the roof of an insured property but the insureds are unaware of the damage until leaking occurs months later? Will Olympus take the position that the claim is barred because a proof of loss was not provided within 60 days of the July windstorm?
What does your policy have?
There are two primary valuation methods for establishing the value of insured property for purposes of determining the amount the insurer will pay in the event of loss under a homeowner’s policy:
1. Replacement Cost Value (RCV): This method is usually defined in the policy as the cost to replace the damaged property with materials of like kind and quality, without any deduction for depreciation. It pays an insured for the value of replacing the damaged property without deduction for deterioration, obsolescence, or similar depreciation of the property’s value. The carrier assumes the cost of paying the full cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
2. Actual Cash Value (ACV): This method pays an insured for a similar item less depreciation. ACV is ordinarily determined in one of three ways: (1) the cost to repair or replace the damaged property, minus depreciation; (2) the damaged property’s “fair market value” (“FMV”); or (3) using the “broad evidence rule,” which calls for considering all relevant evidence of the value of the damaged property. The insured bears the difference between the depreciated value of the damaged property prior to loss and the higher cost of repairing or replacing it.
What does your policy have?
How many times do we open up our interior walls in our homes to check for leaky pipes?
Many homeowner policies have an exclusion which generally states we do not insure for a loss caused by constant or repeated seepage or leakage of water over a period of 14 or more days. Other policies state that a loss won’t be covered if the seepage or leakage occurs over weeks, months or years.
What does your policy have?
Insurance Carriers could offer you a policy with ‘mandatory” arbitration language in exchange for a reduction in your annual premium cost. Be cautious as arbitration language is legal, binding and used to resolve the claim value. Arbitration removes your current ability to challenge claim values.
This is a tradeoff that you, as the policyholder, should understand and ask yourself if you are willing to accept the risk of having carrier written policy language reduce your options to secure the proper claim payment value.
Currently 11 states ban arbitration of property claim disputes. Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation as of 2022 has allowed insurance carriers to include this method of resolving claim value disputes and can be included in your policy language.
The growing use of binding, pre-dispute arbitration clauses poses a huge threat to insurance consumers. It represents a major shift in the balance of power between insurers and consumers.
Check out Public Citizens, a non profit consumer advocate since 1971. Their article on arbitration clauses in insurance policy has good information.
What does your policy have?
Insurance Carriers could offer you a policy with additional “roof” deductible language in exchange for a reduction in your annual premium cost. Be cautious as this could hinder you financially to conduct repairs.
The new law passed by the State of Florida in 2022 to provide relief to the insurance carriers has many twists to the language that could impact you, the property owner. Ask to read the proposed policy language prior to securing the coverage and be careful to understand the coverage being offered for the reduction in your premium. Keep yourself from the surprise if you have to use the insurance policy for an unscheduled event to your property.
SB 2-D creates Florida Statute § 627.701(2)(c), permitting a carrier, with the approval of the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, to offer special deductibles applying only to roof losses. SB 2-D creates Florida Statute § 627.701(4)(e)1 and 2 requiring mandatory language and disclosures on the declarations page for policies that contain deductibles applying only to roof losses.
SB 2-D creates Florida Statute § 627.701(10) addressing the mechanics of a roof deductible applying to losses other than losses from a hurricane. A separate roof deductible is permitted if the insured is given a premium credit or discount for the policy. If the separate roof deductible is offered by the carrier at the time of the initial issuance or renewal of the policy, the insured must sign a form approved by the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation in order to opt-out of the separate roof deductible.
If the separate roof deductible applies, no other deductible can apply. The separate roof deductible may not exceed the lesser of 2% of Coverage A limit or 50% of the cost to replace the roof. The roof deductible can only apply to a Replacement Cost claim and it cannot not apply to
- A total loss by a covered peril;
- A hurricane loss;
- A loss from tree fall or other hazard that damages the roof and punctures the roof deck; or
- A roof loss requiring repair that is less than 50% of the roof.
SB 2-D amends Florida Statute § 627.7011(3)(a), providing that, if a separate roof deductible applies, the insurer may limit the claim payment to Actual Cash Value of the roof until the carrier receives reasonable proof of payment of the deductible. Reasonable proof of payment includes a cancelled check, money order receipt, credit card statement, or copy of an installment plan contract or other financing arrangement requiring full payment of the separate roof deductible.
Underwriting
SB 2-D creates Florida Statute § 627.7011(5) applying only to policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 2022. Florida Statute § 627.7011(5) prohibits carriers from refusing to insure a home with a roof that is less than 15 years old solely because of the age of the roof. If the roof is at least 15 years old, and the carrier requires the replacement of the roof to issue or renew the policy, the homeowner can have a roof inspection paid for by the homeowner. The insurer is prohibited from refusing to issue a policy solely because of the age of the roof if the inspector determines that the roof has 5 or more years of useful life left.
25% Rule under Florida Building Code for Roof Repairs
SB 4-D creates Florida Statute § 553.844(5) to provide that, if the existing roofing system or roof section was built, repaired, or replaced in compliance with the 2007 Florida Building Code or any subsequent editions of the Florida Building Code, then only the repaired, replaced, or recovered portion is required to be constructed in compliance with the current Florida Building Code.
Some policyholders buy insurance coverage on “price point” vs. the fine details of the policy language.
Are you a “price point” or detail person?
Thanks for doing a health check on your policy.
“Learn YOUR Gaps”
Joe Connelly
Joseph “Joe” Connelly began his career at a young age working in his family’s business in New England. Having been involved in diverse residential and commercial real estate ventures, Joe, the youngest of seven children learned every aspect of these vast operations from the ground up. Joe gained an innate understanding of construction standards, mechanical systems, people, and sound financial analysis, all of which have become the roots and foundation of his business success today.
Mr. Connelly graduated from Suffolk University with a BS, BA in Business Management. His professional experience includes management of ‘Class A’ office buildings, Harvard University healthcare facilities, higher education campuses and residential communities. He studied new software technology, hardware, building codes and life safety programs at Boston University and George Washington University . His role in managing staffs, assessing processes, documenting and presenting physical plant analysis to Administration Boards has lent itself seamlessly to public insurance adjusting.
Upon relocating to Florida in 2002, Mr. Connelly focused on business ventures within the residential and commercial markets. Joe has served as Executive Board Officer for Florida Association of Public Adjusters (FAPIA); served as the Palm City Chamber of Commerce President; and is a member of the American Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (AAPIA). Joe is a graduate of the Stuart Martin Chamber Leadership Class, he also was asked and served as a Trustee for the Stuart Martin Chamber of Commerce . Joe is a member of the Windstorm Insurance Network and has been recognized as a certified insurance appraiser and has been a faculty instructor.
Mr. Connelly has advocated for property owners with insurance claims in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Connecticut, Maine and New Hampshire. A supporter of the community through The Greater Bridgton Chamber of Commerce, Maine and Joe’s family decision to welcome a rescue dog into their family lends itself seamlessly to be a sponsor at Harvest Hills Animal Shelter in Maine.
Recovery Insurance Adjusters has been a proud supporter of community driven initiatives. Joe is proud to have been recognized by the community’s organizations as their annual award recipient by the Palm City Chamber of Commerce, Martin County Realtors of the Treasure Coast and the Business Development Board of Martin County.
He proudly serves as Park and Recreation Advisory Board appointed position by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners. Joe is also serving the community in the quasi-judicial Board Of Zoning Adjustment appointed position by the Martin County Board of County Commissioners.
The professional approach of his firm, Recovery Insurance Adjusters, enables homeowners, business owners, homeowner’s associations, hospitality and other property owners to obtain an equitable and fair settlement in the best interest of the policyholder.
Cathleen Owen
Cathleen Owen joined the Recovery Insurance Adjuster’s Team in 2017 in the capacity of Office Manager. Originally from Fort Lee, New Jersey; Cathleen continued her career in Real Estate Development when she relocated to Boca Raton, Florida in 1982.
She moved to the Treasure Coast in mid-1990 and joined the Visiting Nurse Association of Florida as Marketing Director. Cathleen also served as the Director of Community Development for New Horizons of the Treasure Coast and raised more than $2Million for the construction of the Children’s Crisis Stabilization Center in 2011.
Cathleen’s enjoys travel, golf and spending time with her family right here in Stuart, FL.
Priscilla Vega
Priscilla joined the Recovery Insurance Adjusters (RIA) team in 2019, bringing with her an extensive background in healthcare, where she spent many years caring for and advocating on behalf of the elderly in South Florida. Her passion for helping others and dedication to service seamlessly transitioned into her current role in public insurance adjusting.
Prior to starting her hands-on career with RIA, Priscilla earned her Certified Adjuster designation in 2018. She continued her professional development with specialized training in Xactimate and roof adjusting, laying a strong foundation for success in the field.
Priscilla is an active leader in her community. She serves on the Board of Directors at the St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce and is a proud graduate of the St. Lucie Chamber Leadership Class of 2022. In recognition of her marketing excellence and community involvement, she was honored with the Jane Rowley Marketer of the Year Award in 2024.
A devoted wife and mother, Priscilla has lived in Port St. Lucie with her family since 2000. She is the proud parent of two accomplished children: her daughter is an EMT studying to become a Physician Assistant, and her son, a high school senior, is passionate about automotive engineering.
Since becoming a Public Insurance Adjuster, Priscilla has thrived—embracing new challenges, advancing her education, and making a meaningful impact through advocacy and customer service.
Jane Rowley
Recovery Insurance Adjusters was delighted to welcome Jane Rowley to our team as the St. Lucie County Community Liaison.
Jane’s history in St. Lucie County includes serving as a Representative on the City of Port St. Lucie Council, President of the Treasure Coast Hospice www.treasurehealth.org Board for 12 years, Director of Public Relations & Marketing for West Development & Tradition from 2001 – 2016. She served as a Board Member of Indian River State College from 2001 – 2016, and as President of the St. Lucie County 100 Club. She also served on theSt. Lucie Medical CenterBoard for 9 years.
Jane and her husband Eugene are proud parents of three sons and owned a Floral Design & Catering Business for more than 25 years. They have enjoyed traveling the world when they found spare time.
Among other not-for profit organizations Jane has served include Keep Port St. Lucie Beautiful, New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Safe Space of St. Lucie County, and as a Board Member of the Port St. Lucie Policy Foundation.
Daniel Sifrar
Daniel moved to Cape Coral Florida in 1989 from the suburbs of Chicago, IL, having studied Business Administration at DePaul University, His extensive experience in the construction industry includes insurance claim related water damage remediation and restoration, and storm damaged roof replacement. He also represented industrial and commercial construction manufacturing producers of paint, low slope roof design, and coating application.
A proud father of five sons, one serving in the US Air force; and 6 grandchildren; Daniel is an avid reader enjoying the subjects of history and human psychology. In addition to his continued work-related education, work-out activities, and occasional visits to our beaches; Daniel responsibly cares for his elderly parents residing in Stuart.
Daniel proudly represents Recovery Insurance Adjusters working together with clients and their insurance carrier to resolve the issues related to their claim for damages to their property in the best interest of the Policyholder.
Patrick Forbes
Patrick J. Forbes joined the Recovery Insurance Adjusters team in 2024. Having personally experienced the loss of his home during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Patrick is passionate about advocating for people who have been impacted by a disaster, helping them to achieve a fair and equitable settlement from their insurance carrier.
In addition to being designated a certified public adjuster, Patrick is also a Florida licensed real estate agent. Prior to relocating to Stuart in 2019, he managed one of the largest independent businesses on the New York Stock Exchange for 25 years, working closely with his four siblings and father in the family business. Patrick has always enjoyed a stellar reputation for integrity, hard work, and providing the highest level of customer service.
Patrick’s wife teaches Latin at Treasure Coast Classical Academy; his son, a former police officer, is currently working in health insurance; and his daughter will soon be graduating from Florida State University.
Patrick brings extreme professionalism, keen intuition and a drive to help others. Recovery Insurance Adjusters is delighted to welcome Patrick to our team.
THIS IS A SOLICITATION FOR BUSINESS. IF YOU HAVE HAD A CLAIM FOR AN INSURED PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGAE AND YOU ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PAYMENT BY YOUR INSURER, YOU MAY DISGREGARD THIS ADVERTISEMENT.
THE CONSUMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF ANY INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE. IT IS INSURANCE FRAUD PUNISHABLE AS A FELONY OF THE THIRD DEGREE FOR A CONTRACTOR TO KNOWINGLY OR WILLFULLY, AND WITH INTENT TO INJURE, DEFRAUD, OR DECEIVE, PAY, WAIVE, OR REBATE ALL OR PART OF AN INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE APPLICABLE TO PAYMENT TO THE CONTRACTOR FOR REPAIRS TO A PROPERTY COVERED BY A PROPERTY INSURANCE POLICY; AND IT IS INSURANCE FRAUD PUNISHABLE AS A FELONY OF THE THIRD DEGREE TO INTENTIONALLY FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM CONTAINING ANY FALSE, INCOMPLETE, OR MISLEADING INFORMATION.