Florida Judge Criticizes Insurance Company for Blocking Policyholder Claims

In Nassau County, Florida, a judge has expressed strong disapproval towards Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPICIC), accusing it of obstructing policyholders’ efforts to resolve claims and violating court orders. The insurance firm faces multiple complaints in Duval and Nassau Counties, with allegations of underpaying claims and failing to communicate effectively with policyholders. One such case involves first-time homeowner Jessica Parola, who encountered significant challenges after experiencing a slab leak that severely impacted her living conditions. Despite her efforts, including hiring a public adjuster and submitting a detailed proof of loss statement, Parola claims that UPICIC has only paid $8,000 of the estimated $25,000 in damages, even attempting to close the claim prematurely.

This issue extends beyond Parola’s case, as a Nassau County judge recently sanctioned Universal for what he termed "blatant discovery stonewalling" in a separate claim dispute, leading to a default judgement against the company and disciplinary referrals for their legal counsel. The judge’s frustration underscores the broader challenges faced by Florida policyholders in navigating the claims process, especially in light of state laws requiring timely insurer responses.

In response to inquiries about Parola’s situation, UPICIC’s attorney stated that while the initial payment does not represent the final settlement, the company disputes the public adjuster’s estimate, citing discrepancies related to the property’s condominium status and the division of repair responsibilities under Florida law. Despite this, the case remains under review, leaving Parola in limbo and highlighting the need for more effective communication and negotiation in insurance claim processes.