Florida typically ranks near the top in the country for stolen vehicles and boats. If your vehicle or boat is leased or financed, your leasing company or bank will require that you purchase Collision and Comprehensive insurance coverage for your vehicle and similar coverage on your boat. This is the type of insurance that covers your vehicle or boat against property damage and theft.
In addition to automobiles and boats, consumers often are required to purchase or choose to purchase similar policies for trucks, trailers, motorcycles, jet skis, etc.
In the event of a loss, place your insurance company on notice of the claim immediately.
Take pictures of the damage to the insured vehicle or boat, if possible (obviously you can't take photos of a stolen vehicle or boat that has not been recovered). Take video, if you can, of the property damage. Hold on to any receipts and estimates for repairs. Do not throw out any correspondence or documents that are sent to you by your insurance company. If you are mailing anything to your insurance company do it by certified mail, return receipt requested, and make copies of whatever you are sending for your records. Or send the items by email. Keep a journal of all your communications with your insurance company. If you become aware of any witnesses that have knowledge of any aspect of your claim, record their name and contact information. Don't throw out any of the damaged parts. In short, document everything.
Stolen vehicle and boat claims in South Florida seem to come under unreasonable scrutiny by the insurance companies.
Some issues that you may encounter during the insurance company's investigation of the claim are:
- Denied Claims
- Lowballed Claims
- Claims Delays
- Requests for Examinations Under Oath
- Requests for Sworn Statements
- Requests for Recorded Statements
- Issues Related to Actual Cash Value
- Issues Related to Replacement Cost Value
- Recovery of Rental Car Expenses
- Fraud or Arson Accusations
- Total Loss or Constructive Total Loss Issues
- Diminution of Value Claims
- Allegations of Material Misrepresentation
- Issues Related to the Application for Insurance
- Appraisal Issues
- Umpire Issues
- Issues Related to Vandalism Damage
You can reach Miami Insurance Claims Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at[email protected].