View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2018/03/08/482679.htm
The Florida Division of Consumer Services helped recover nearly $23.4 million for Florida consumers since last summer, with $8.4 million of those dollars directly related to Hurricane Irma, according to a statement from Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
Since July 1, 2017, the Florida Division of Consumer Services has helped more than 2,761 consumers recover millions from insurance, financial, and other companies. Recoveries included insurance claim payments and premium refunds that consumers turned to the Department of Financial Services for help.
Patronis said more than 40 counties in Florida were affected by this year’s active hurricane season and the Department of Financial Services served as a one stop shop for consumers who needed assistance resolving their insurance questions or complaints.
“Helping protect our consumers from being taken advantage of will remain my top priority. With data breaches and identity fraud becoming more common and hurricane season just three months away, it’s critical that Floridians have someone trusted they can turn to when faced with insurance or financial-related issues,” Patronis said.
CFO Patronis’ consumer helpline (1-877-MYFLCFO) helps Floridians understand their rights with the insurance claims-filing process and works to answer questions or complaints regarding financial and insurance-related matters, including disaster preparation and insurance fraud, as well as auto, home, health, life and small business insurance. Since July 1, 2017, the helpline’s insurance specialists answered 171,562 calls and opened more than 13,000 assistance requests. Nearly $23.4 million has been recovered on behalf of 2,761 consumers.
Source: Florida Department of Financial Services