Filing Number: 805414
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| Filing Accepted: 2/5/2025 |
| Last/Business Name
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INTERSTATE PUBLIC ADJUSTERS
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First Name |
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| Street Address
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12724 GRAN BAY PARKWAY SUITE 410 |
| City, State Zip
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JACKSONVILLE,
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32258
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| Email Address
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JEREMY@INTERSTATEADJUSTING.COM |
| Complainant Type:
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Insured |
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| Last/Business Name* |
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EDENFIELD |
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First Name |
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MATTHEW |
| Policy # * |
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FLM0013345 |
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Claim #* |
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1124000796 |
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Attorney is Applicable
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| Insurer Type
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 Authorized Insurer
 Unauthorized Insurer
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| Insurer Name |
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| Insurer Name* |
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SAFE HARBOR INSURANCE COMPANY
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| Insurer Name* |
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| Street Address* |
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| City, State Zip* |
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,
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NAIC Company Code 12563 |
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| Name of individual responsible for violation (if any):*
UNKOWN
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| Type of Insurance
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Residential Property & Casualty
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| Reason for Notice
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Claim Delay
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Statutory provision(s) which the insurer allegedly violated.
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| 624.155(1)(b)(1) |
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Not attempting in good faith to settle claims when, under all the circumstances, it could and should have done so, had it acted fairly and honestly toward its insured and with due regard for her or his interests.
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| 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(c) |
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Failing to acknowledge and act promptly upon communications with respect to claims.
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| 626.9541(1)(i)(3)(f) |
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Failing to promptly provide a reasonable explanation in writing to the insured of the basis in the insurance policy, in relation to the facts or applicable law, for denial of a claim or for the offer of a compromise settlement.
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Specific policy language that is relevant to the violation.
Enter all words or phrases (one at a time) that should be used to filter.
Unable to specify language in the policy that is relevant to the violation.
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Facts and circumstances giving rise to the violation.
Enter all words or phrases (one at a time) that should be used to filter.
Safe Harbor Insurance Company has violated the following Florida statutes:
624.155(1)(b)(1) – Failing to attempt in good faith to settle claims when, under all the circumstances, it could and should have done so had it acted fairly and honestly toward its insured and with due regard for their interests.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(a) – Failing to adopt and implement standards for the proper investigation of claims.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(c) – Failing to acknowledge and act promptly upon communications with respect to claims.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(d) – Denying claims without conducting reasonable investigations based upon available information.
626.9541(1)(i)(3)(f) – Failing to promptly provide a reasonable explanation in writing for the denial of a claim or for the offer of a compromise settlement.
On December 4, 2024, the insured, through Interstate Public Adjusters, submitted a signed proof of loss and a detailed estimate of damages. Rather than conducting a fair evaluation, Safe Harbor’s desk adjuster summarily dismissed the estimate, claiming it reflected a "total loss" without addressing any specifics.
On December 12, 2024, I the public adjuster on behalf of the insured replied to the desk adjuster, clarifying that our estimate was not a total loss and asking them to specify what they disagreed with. I also informed them that the insured reported that the original field adjuster’s inspection was incomplete, skipping over substantial damage. Additionally, I requested an explanation as to why the carrier acknowledged coverage for shingles and the drywall ceiling but omitted the sheathing in between. A new inspection was requested.
Safe Harbor failed to respond.
On December 22, 2024, I followed up via email, reiterating my request for a response and a new inspection. Again, I received no response.
On December 26, 2024, I called Safe Harbor and requested to speak with a supervisor due to the desk adjuster’s continued refusal to communicate. The supervisor acknowledged the issue and stated that the claim would be reassigned.
On January 9, 2025, a new inspection was conducted by Mathias Catastrophe Services.
On January 14, 2025, the new desk adjuster emailed both the insured and me, stating that the inspection supported a supplemental payment of $7,177.76. However, five minutes later, he sent another email claiming that he had made a mistake without clearly explaining what the mistake was.
Upon calling the adjuster, I was told that he had mixed up files and that the new inspection only supported an additional $2,000. I immediately requested a breakdown of the revised estimate, which he agreed to provide.
As of today, February 5, 2025—more than 20 days later—Safe Harbor has failed to provide the revised estimate, failed to issue payment, and failed to properly communicate.
Safe Harbor’s actions represent a clear pattern of delays, failure to communicate, failure to properly investigate, and failure to act in good faith to resolve this claim.
To cure these violations, Safe Harbor Insurance Company must:
Immediately provide the revised estimate and all supporting documentation for their assessment of the claim. Issue full and fair payment for all covered damages owed under the policy. Provide a reasonable explanation for its assessment of the damages, including why substantial portions of the claim were ignored or underpaid. Cease all unnecessary delays and communicate in good faith with the insured and their representatives.
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The submitter hereby states that this notice is given in order to perfect the rights of the
person(s) damaged to pursue civil remedies authorized by Section 624.155, Florida Statutes.
Before submitting a Notice using this system, please verify that all text has been entered
correctly and completely. Once the Notice has been submitted, the text cannot be changed
or deleted.
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DFS-10-363
Rev. 10/14/2008
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