Drivers are required to have motor vehicle coverage to be on Florida roadways. Those who choose comprehensive coverage believe that their vehicles will be repaired if something happens to their cars. Drivers in Florida often unknowingly work with insurance companies that harm small businesses.
When they have a broken or cracked windshield, drivers seek out a repair from a mechanic or auto glass shop. The repair shop takes the driver’s insurance information, repairs the glass, and the driver is on their way. Quite convenient! What happens when the insurance company refuses the claim? Often the only remedy is for the repair shop to seek advice from an attorney.
The replacement process is set up and works easily for the customer, but often the repair shop is left not getting paid. The unpaid bill is something the customer certainly never intended. Repair shops can attempt to settle the claim, but a windshield replacement litigation lawyer can help when the bill isn’t paid.
What Is the Florida Windshield Replacement Law?
Lawmakers worked to pass the Florida Windshield Replacement Law to make it easier for drivers to get their auto glass repaired. The law allows all drivers with comprehensive coverage policies to get their windshields fixed at no charge.
The law prevents your provider from being able to charge you a deductible when the repair needed is windshield glass. Comprehensive coverage is optional and often referred to by drivers as “full” coverage. You can go over the declaration page of your policy. It will confirm whether the automobile coverage you selected is comprehensive or not.
When is a Windshield Replacement Litigation Lawyer the right call?
Navigating the process of getting your windshield replaced should be straightforward, especially with the protections provided by Florida law. However, there are situations where involving a Windshield Replacement Litigation Lawyer becomes necessary to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to:
- Claim Denials: If your insurance company outright denies your claim for a windshield replacement, even though you have comprehensive coverage, it’s time to seek legal assistance. A denial may be unjustified, and a lawyer can help challenge the decision.
- Unreasonable Delays: Insurance companies might delay the approval or processing of your claim, leaving you driving with a damaged windshield for longer than necessary. Our legal team can expedite the process by holding the insurer accountable.
- Lowball Settlements: Sometimes, insurance companies offer to cover only a portion of the replacement cost, forcing you to pay the rest out of pocket. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure that the insurance company pays the full amount required by your policy.
- Complex Paperwork or Requests for Excessive Documentation: If your insurance provider is asking for excessive documentation or creating unnecessary hurdles to process your claim, a lawyer can help you cut through the red tape.
- Repeated Issues with the Same Insurer: If you’ve encountered problems with the same insurance company in the past, a lawyer can help ensure they don’t take advantage of you again.
Our experienced legal team specializes in navigating the complexities of insurance claims related to windshield replacements. We understand the tactics some insurers use to avoid paying what you are rightfully owed. By working with us, you can ensure that you receive the full benefits of your coverage without getting shortchanged.
Whether you’re dealing with a denied claim, an unreasonable delay, or any other issue related to your windshield replacement, we’re prepared to take on your case and fight for your rights. We’ll handle the legal aspects so you can focus on getting back on the road safely.
How Are Windshield Replacement Claims Processed in Florida?
When claims are processed, the driver has the right in Florida to decide where to get the work done. A few insurance companies have their network of auto glass repair shops. Even if the insurance company offers this service, the driver can still choose where they want the repair done.
If the driver chooses an out-of-network repair shop, the insurance agency might ask the driver to sign a release. The release is usually called an assignment of benefits (AOB). With this document, the repair shop can directly work with the insurance company and send the bill in for reimbursement.
The law does not guarantee that drivers will receive an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part installed in their vehicle, but a quality, same performance-type of a part.
How Can Limited and Ambiguous Language Hurt Small Business?
It’s been an age-old trick, insurance policies using limiting, ambiguous language that is not clear or has double meanings. When policyholders try to collect, the agencies often deny the claims and say that the policyholders did not clearly understand. This is often a method of raising profits, but it doesn’t make it right.
The state mandates that insurance companies need to work with repair shops. The legislation should make it easier for policyholders to get repairs. The state did not foresee that insurance companies would use this opportunity to deny claims to the repair shops. Many repair shops are family-owned businesses. Using deceptive and manipulative language in policies is unfair and hurts small businesses and families.
Florida legislation can again help in resolving some of these claims. The Florida Supreme Court ruled that if an insurance company uses deceptive and unclear terminology in its policies, the rulings will side with the policyholder.
Where Can My Small Business Get Help With Windshield Replacement Claims?
If your small business is running out of patience when dealing with collecting on work you have done, you could get help from a law firm that handles windshield replacement litigations. At GED Lawyers, we know you are dealing with unfair business practices.
We can help you stand up to the big insurance companies and secure compensation for the work you have done fairly. You have done the work, and your company had to pay the employees for the installation. It is only fair that the insurance companies follow the law and pay any owed compensation.
Call Our Team for Support in Securing Windshield Repair Compensation
GED Lawyers is headquartered in Boca Raton, but we have offices throughout the state. Our attorneys are representatives of Florida residents and small business owners.
We aim to represent them against any size opponent. Our staff is fluent in multiple languages, so there are no language barriers. You can feel comfortable allowing us to represent you and collect compensation for your small business. Contact our automobile hurricane damage claims lawyers today for help securing auto accident or hurricane damage repair claims.
