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Renters

Landlords and property owners are generally responsible for insuring the actual homes or buildings they are leasing out. The individuals who pay to live in these spaces, however, need to take out separate policies to protect the belongings of theirs that store within apartments, townhouses, or other rental structures.

Renters insurance is designed to cover the cost of replacing personal property of tenants that is stolen or damaged. While these insurance policies are generally fairly cheap for tenants, providers can be extremely stringent when comes to paying out the claims of renters.

Lawyer for Renters Insurance Issues in Orlando, FL

Do you need legal assistance filing a renters insurance policy claim? The Germain Law Group helps clients file claims and represents tenants who have already filed claims following theft or damage to their property.

Michael Germain is a knowledgeable insurance attorney in Orlando who fights for clients all over Orange County as well as surrounding areas in Volusia County, St. Lucie County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. You can have him review your case to discuss your legal options by calling (813) 835-8888 today to schedule a free initial consultation.

Orange County Renters Insurance Information Center

• What does renters insurance typically cover?
• What are some common problems people have with renters insurance claims?
• Where can I find more information for renters in Orlando?

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What Renters Insurance Does in Florida

Renters insurance policies may cover any number of different unexpected events. The specific incidents covered by the insurance providers depend on the types of policies that are taken out by the tenants.

Some of the types of coverage that may be provided by renters insurance policies include:

• Personal Property — Most renters insurance policies cover the personal items of tenants in the event of certain named perils, including fire, water damage, or theft.
• Loss of Use — If an apartment or other rented space becomes uninhabitable, this policy will help pay for all expenses related to waiting for the necessary repairs to be made (such as the costs of housing and food).
• Medical Coverage — Certain policies may protect guests (but not the regular residents) if they are inured on the premises of tenants.
• Personal Liability — If a tenant is legally responsible for another party’s injury (such as if a neighbor is hurt tripping over an item the tenant left in the hallway or the tenant’s child or pet damages a neighbor’s property), this type of coverage can cover the costs resulting from the accident.

Most renters insurance policies require policyholders to pay some type of deductible in order to be compensated for the damages. Any person with renters insurance needs to file a claim as quickly as possible, as any delays can possibly result in claims being submitted after the statute of limitations has expired and leaving tenants unable to collect any damages.

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Orlando Renters Insurance Disputes

When an insurance company investigates a renters insurance claim, they will be looking for possible fraud. Providers also use loopholes or exclusions in coverage as reasons to deny claims.

Many tenants have their claims denied because the claim in question was not covered by their specific policies. In other cases, insurance companies claim that the cause of the damage involved was not covered or they may even assert that the damage was the result of the tenant’s own negligence.

Insurance companies are required to provide specific reasons as to why they deny claims and identify the specific areas of the policies that justify their reasons for denials. Any failure to satisfy these requirements—or failure to properly investigate a claim—can be considered bad faith tactics.

If an insurance company acts in bad faith, it is considered a breach of contract. Under Florida Statute § 95.11(2), a tenant has five years from the date of the loss involved—not the date of the breach—to take legal action. It is in the best interest of all tenants to retain legal counsel as soon as possible when pursuing any type of renters insurance claim in order to have the best chance of obtaining the most favorable outcomes.

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Florida Renters Insurance Resources

Landlord & Tenant | Orange County Clerk of Courts — Tenants should understand the legal obligations of their landlords. On this section of the County Clerk’s website, you can learn about the obligations both tenants and landlords have after a lease has been signed. You can also learn what rights a tenant has if a landlord fails to do what is required under the law or the lease.

The Florida Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund’s Renters’ Rights Handbook — Florida PIRG Education Fund is an independent, non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization that works for consumers and the public interest. You can learn about the landlord’s right of entry, liability issues, and other problems. The guide also discusses fire, flooding and other unavoidable disasters.

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The Germain Law Group | Renters Insurance Lawyer in Orlando, FL

If you have filed or are preparing to file a renters insurance claim in Orange County, you should strongly consider seeking legal representation. The Germain Law Group helps clients who have had various property insurance claims denied or unreasonably delayed by their providers.

Orlando insurance attorney Michael Germain serves several areas in Central Florida, including parts of Indian River County, Okeechobee County, Brevard County, and Lake County. Call (813) 835-8888 or submit an online contact form to have our lawyer review your case during a free consultation.

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