Florida Officials Promise Legislation To Speed Up Payment Of Hurricane Insurance Claims

Florida’s insurance consumer advocate will propose legislation to ease frustrations of Panhandle residents about the slow rate of payments for Hurricane Michael claims, she said Tuesday.

Consumer Advocate Tasha Carter told state senators that she and her boss, Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis, are working on a consumer protection-focused package of ideas that lawmakers could vote on when the next legislative session starts Jan. 14.

“Insurance consumers are very frustrated with their insurance companies,” Carter said. “They’re frustrated that their claims have not been closed and that they have not been handled appropriately.

“And I think more importantly, insurance consumers have lost trust and confidence in their insurance companies, as well.”