obtaining a neutral evaluation for sinkholes
 Under F.S.A. Section 627.7074, if there is a dispute regarding the existence or non-existence of a sinkhole, either the policyholder or the insurance company has the right to request a neutral sinkhole evaluation from the Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS).
This is carried out by a "Neutral Evaluator" approved and appointed by the DFS.
Unfortunately, the "Neutral Evaluator" may not be as neutral as their name suggests. These evaluators are always paid by the insurance company, not by the insured, and as long as less than 90% of their income comes from insurance companies they are deemed "neutral"! Would you trust someone to determine if there is a covered loss under your policy knowing a vast majority of their income came from an insurance company?
What Can I Do About Getting a Fair Sinkhole Evaluation?
In our experience, a completely objective neutral sinkhole evaluation is the exception, not the norm. However, even if the Neutral Evaluator’s determination is against you, it does not mean you cannot pursue a claim. Experienced legal counsel can guide you through the process of filing a successful Florida sinkhole claim. At Wells Law Group we have combined experience of close to 50 years successfully litigating sinkhole claims against major insurers.
What Happens to the Neutral Evaluator's Report?
The evaluator's report is not binding upon either party and the parties retain access to Court following the Neutral Evaluation process. The insured may challenge the Neutral Evaluator's findings in court, however, the Neutral Evaluator's written report is admissible in any action regarding the claim.
We serve most areas of Florida including Tampa, Clearwater, Brandon, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Seminole, Pinellas Park, New Port Richey, Safety Harbor, Wesley Chapel, Bartow, Brooksville, Plant City, Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Starke, Holiday, Inverness, Wildwood, Lake Mary, Live Oak, Alachua, Leesburg, Lakeland, Winter Park, Winter Haven, Orlando, Sarasota, Ft. Myers, Bradenton, Palm Harbor, Spring Hill, Clermont, Haines City, Lake Wales, Ocoee, Deltona, Palatka, Sanford, Deland, Watertown, High Springs, Newberry, Waldo, Suwannee, Jasper, Homosassa Springs, Belleview, Crystal River, Auburndale, Avon Park, Chiefland, Flagler, Mulberry, Longwood, Hastings, Stuart, St. Augustine, Wauchula, Largo, Madeira, Indian Rocks, Dunedin, Riverview, Lithia, Apollo Beach, Lutz, Land O Lakes.
Serving: All of Florida, including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Highlands, Hernando, Lake, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Marion, Putnam, Flagler, St. Johns, Clay, Alachua, Union, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrest, Hamilton, Suwannee, Lafayette, Taylor, Madison, Jefferson, Leon, Wakulla, Jackson, Washington, Holmes, Citrus, Manatee, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Osceola, Hardee, Sumter, Levy Counties.
See our Service Areas for more coverage to see if we cover the area in which you live.
Wells Law Group Frequently Asked Questions
 For more Frequently Asked Questions about insurance sinkhole disputes visit our main Wells Law Group website.
Other Wells Law Group Websites
We have other websites that may be more appropriate to your insurance questions - Click below for information.
|
