It’s been a busy couple of months for our very own Amy Boggs. She’s had a flurry of media activity, from live appearances on TV news channels to participating in discussions on Podcasts and commenting on articles.
But it’s no wonder. The reason it’s been a hectic time for Amy is that it’s been a hectic time for homeowners across Florida as they battle it out with the insurance companies following the 14 named storms of the Atlantic Hurricane Season 2022. Many homes took a beating, and several lives were lost, leaving our communities devastated.
As an attorney and the Property Section Chair for the Florida Justice Association, Amy has seen what people have gone through after Hurricane Ian and how hard it has been to get reimbursed. Amy knows that the media is a great way to share an important message: there is help available to homeowners.
Let’s look at 10 of Amy’s most memorable media moments:
- News Nation Live
Amy was featured twice on News Nation Live, and she responded to the accusation that attorneys are responsible for increased insurance fees, saying that the insurance industry has run amok under the current administration. Amy also explained the attorney fees statute and the need for accountability from the insurance industry.
- CNN
Amy discussed how Ian exacerbated the insurance crisis, live on CNN. The cost of homeowner insurance continues to rise, and what’s covered in the policy has diminished. The effect is that people are challenged to rebuild. Insurance mismanagement and failure to not pay claims promptly are to blame. Amy reminded us that an insurance policy is a contract, and the insurance companies need to answer the call.
- WUSF Public Media
Amy was quoted in a WUSF article on the insurance price hike and restrictions that are making it harder for Floridians to get insurance. Amy stated that the insurance industry is at fault for refusing to pay out claims and that homeowners are driven to attorneys as a last resort: “No policyholder wants to be embroiled in years of litigation just to get their homes rebuilt. They come to attorneys when their insurance company underpays their claim, and they can’t rebuild.”
- Deeper Dive
During a Podcast ‘Deeper Dive’ Amy spoke with Dara Kam and News Service of Florida Executive Editor Jim Saunders about the issues in the property insurance market and how the Legislature could address the issues. Amy discussed the fallout of carriers denying or delaying claims, and the flood versus wind issue.
- Naples Daily News
Amy’s article in Naples Daily News explored how the insurance industry created a perfect storm and how property owners in Florida are paying more for less coverage, with limitations on their policy. The fault, Amy states, lies with the insurance industry whose business practices have led us here.
- Insurance Newsnet
Amy was quoted in an Insurance Newsnet article on how the imbalance will worsen with new lawsuit restrictions.
“It’s obvious, the insurance industry wants to maximize profit and take advantage of the political climate it has right now, to look anemic, to scare everyone that they might leave Florida and push through legislation that will have lasting and long-term effects.”
“We have these David and Goliath fights, of an individual homeowner fighting against a multibillion-dollar insurance company and industry, because they all work in lockstep.”
- Florida Realtors
Amy criticized the focus on restricting lawsuits, saying such moves would hurt consumers, in an article in Florida Realtors.
“Litigation isn’t the problem – it’s the scapegoat. Behind every lawsuit is a homeowner or business owner who has been underpaid or wrongfully denied coverage.”
- Miami Herald
In the Miami Herald, Amy explained that the Florida Law Association (the trade group for plaintiffs’ attorneys) is opposing any change in the law. Despite three recent attempts at reforming Florida’s insurance market by lawmakers, “there have been zero improvements in the insurance marketplace for consumers, nor a reduction in insurance rates following repeated reforms.”
- The Wall Street Journal
Quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Amy joined the debate: Florida’s private-sector insurers have been plagued by rising reinsurance costs, a highly litigious environment, and hurricanes.
10. Law.com
In a December edition of Law.com Daily Business Review, Amy criticized the focus on restricting lawsuits, saying such moves would hurt consumers.
Honorable mentions
Of course, Amy’s media whirlwind has had other highlights. You can also check out Amy’s comments in POLITICO Pro around the impact of Ian on the insurance industry, and her debate on Florida lawmakers reforming litigation issues and failing property insurance in WTSP. In Florida Trend, Amy made the point that she opposes high-volume “robo-filing” but says there’s a parallel on the industry side: Carriers who en-masse underpay claims.
Ready for the next round
2022 was a difficult year for Florida, with many suffering unimaginable losses. Amy and the team are ready and willing to continue the fight into 2023.
We will work relentlessly until the insurance companies step up and do what’s right. Our clients deserve compensation to rebuild their lives.
We’ve got a major battle on our hands, but we’re up for the fight. Get in touch if you need an attorney to work tirelessly for you.