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Personal Property

Personal property is typically known as any possession that is not real property, or buildings, land, real estate, and anything attached to the land.

According to Florida Statutes § 624.604, property insurance covers real and personal property, regardless if the property is on land, in the water or in the air. Not only does property insurance cover personal property items, it also insures against loss or damages resulting from all hazards and causes and any consequential losses that arise from such damage.

If your personal property insurance claims have been wrongfully denied or disputed by your insurance company or your provider acted in bad faith when denying your personal property claim, it is important to hire a knowledgeable Tampa property insurance attorney.

Tampa Personal Property Lawyer

Contact the Germain Law Group at (813) 835-8888 for a consultation about your personal property insurance denial in Tampa, Florida. Attorney Michael B. Germain is knowledgeable in all areas of Florida’s insurance laws and is experienced in all aspects of personal property insurance disputes. Call the Germain Law Group today about your property insurance claim denial throughout the areas in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Brevard County and Manatee County, Florida.


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Personal Property Insurance Coverage in Florida

Personal property usually includes furniture, electronics, money, clothes, appliances, jewelry, art, etc. Vehicles are usually not covered by property insurance, but by your auto insurance policy. Additionally, most property insurance policies do not cover animals.

Personal property insurance coverage usually protects against damage from fire and lightning, smoke damage, wind damage, hurricane damage, explosion, vandalism, water damage, theft and building collapse or falling objects.

You may be required to first pay a deductible before your receive any financial relief from your insurance policy. Also, some policies only cover a percentage of your personal property and some personal property may require additional insurance coverage. So, it is important to examine your policy and determine what is covered and what is excluded by your property insurance.

Recent Florida legislation reduced the statute of limitations for filing windstorm and hurricane property insurance claims from five years to three years. A statute of limitations (SOL) is the maximum amount of time a policyholder can bring a claim under their insurance policy before their claim is barred.

The new law also changes the statute of limitations to five years for bringing a breach of contract claim against your property insurance provider, and the SOL starts running from the date you incurred the loss as opposed to the date your insurance provider breached their contract with you by acting in bad faith.


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Filing a Personal Property Insurance Claim in Florida

When filing a claim under your property insurance policy for your personal property, it is important to immediately call your property damage claims attorney to ensure you provide only the most accurate and necessary information to your insurance provider. Your attorney will then help you file a claim with your insurance provider if you have not already done so or informed your insurer they are now representing you if you have already filed a claim. It is important to not delay this process as any delay could give rise to a denial of your claim.

It is also important to document every conversation, request all correspondence be in writing, and keep records of any purchases or receipts pertaining to the damage. Also, take photographs and videos of all damage when the damage occurs and throughout the claims process. This information will help your provider process your claim faster and will serve as evidence if any disputes arise during the claims process.


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Personal Property Insurance Disputes in Tampa

Insurance companies will deny your claim for a variety of reasons. Your provider may deny your claim as a result of any of the following reasons:

  • The property was not covered by your policy,
  • The property’s value is in dispute,
  • The premium on your policy was not timely paid, so there was no coverage,
  • There was a misstatement in your property insurance policy, and/or
  • The claim was fraudulently made.

When your insurance provider refuses to pay your personal property claim, they must provide you with the specific portion of your policy that denies coverage of your property and the specific reasons for denial of your personal property claim. If they fail to follow these procedures, they may be acting in bad faith.

Even if the value of your personal property is disputed by your insurance company and they refuse to pay the correct value of your property, you do not have to settle for partial payment. You are entitled to receive what your property insurance contract covers, and any breaches of the contract may be in bad faith.

Property insurance disputes and denials can be frustrating, time-consuming and costly; therefore, it is important to hire an experienced Tampa insurance lawyer to represent your interests and proceed with any necessary legal action on your behalf.


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Germain Law Group, P.A. | Personal Property Attorney in Tampa

Contact the Germain Law Group today for a consultation about your personal property claim denial in Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Brevard County and Manatee County. Michael B. Germain is a knowledgeable property insurance lawyer in Tampa who will listen to the facts of your situation and help you determine the best recourse in pursuing your personal property claim. Contact the Germain Law Group at (813) 835-8888 for a consultation about your property insurance issues throughout Central Florida, including Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Titusville, Palm Bay, Melbourne, Bradenton, and Palmetto.