Several homeowners in Cape Coral struggle to receive insurance payouts for Hurricane Ian damages, as checks are delayed and bounce upon deposit.

Numerous homeowners in Southwest Florida, particularly in Cape Coral, find themselves in a distressing situation as they await insurance payments from their insurance companies following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. For Christine Girard, a Cape Coral homeowner, the situation became even more frustrating when her insurance check from American Integrity Insurance of Florida bounced when she attempted to deposit it in January.

Delays and Unresolved Damage:

Despite the passing of nine months since the hurricane, Girard’s roof remains damaged, leaving her vulnerable to future storms. With the help of her public adjuster, Karen Nelson, Girard identified critical areas of her roof that urgently require repair before another storm hits. Nelson, who previously worked as an independent adjuster for insurance companies, including American Integrity, now advocates for homeowners in similar situations.

The Bounced Check and Seeking Answers:

Girard engaged Nelson’s services to navigate the complex process of filing an insurance claim after Hurricane Ian. To her surprise, the insurance check she received from American Integrity Insurance bounced, amounting to over $28,000. In shock and disbelief, Girard filed a complaint with the Florida Department of Financial Services to seek clarification on how an insurance company’s check could bounce. The response she received from the company stated that the check was canceled because the adjuster’s name was not included, which was not communicated to Girard beforehand.

The Company’s Response:

Seeking more information, WINK News Consumer Reporter Andryanna Sheppard contacted American Integrity Insurance and spoke with spokesperson Lisa Miller. Miller confirmed that the company had canceled the check before Girard deposited it due to the missing adjuster’s name. She explained that a new check was issued with the correct information, but due to postal mishaps, it took months to reach Girard. Miller acknowledged the challenges of dealing with returned mail but assured that the company was committed to resolving the issue.

Lack of Trust and Ongoing Concerns:

Despite eventually receiving the new check, Girard’s faith in American Integrity Insurance has been significantly undermined. With a lack of prompt payment for previous damages and continued delays in the current situation, Girard worries about the insurance company’s commitment to handling future claims effectively. The process of depositing the check itself took six months, and although it falls short of covering the necessary repairs, Girard and Nelson are relieved to begin some of the much-needed repairs to Girard’s home.

Conclusion:

The struggles faced by Southwest Florida homeowners in receiving insurance payments after Hurricane Ian continue to pose challenges. The case of Christine Girard exemplifies the frustrations caused by delayed checks and bounced payments. As homeowners await resolution and embark on the daunting task of rebuilding their homes, concerns about the reliability of insurance companies and their commitment to fulfilling claims persist.