Florida insurance carriers used altered hurricane damage reports, whistleblowers say

60 Minutes

This video has been trending in United States, and Papua New Guinea

**Florida Insurance Carriers Accused of Altering Hurricane Damage Reports, Whistleblowers Expose Shocking Deception**

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helen's devastating landfall in Florida's Big Bend region, a troubling revelation has emerged. Whistleblowers within the insurance industry are stepping forward to expose a disturbing practice by some insurance carriers - the alteration of hurricane damage reports to deceive policyholders.

The video reveals the harrowing experiences of homeowners like Jeff Rapkin, who endured the wrath of Hurricane Ian in Southwest Florida. Despite diligently paying their insurance premiums, these homeowners found themselves embroiled in battles with their insurance companies, facing deceptive practices that left them shortchanged when it came to claiming post-hurricane damages.

Licensed adjusters turned whistleblowers shed light on a shocking truth - after Hurricane Ian, multiple insurance carriers were reportedly using altered damage reports to mislead customers. The discrepancies between the estimates provided by adjusters like Jordan Lee and the final payouts offered by insurance companies were staggering, with some reports being changed by as much as 98%.

Jordan Lee's testimony before Florida lawmakers revealed a systematic pattern of fraud perpetrated by insurance companies, affecting numerous homeowners who had suffered losses due to Hurricane Ian. Lee and other adjusters detailed how their original damage estimates were significantly reduced or altered without their consent, leaving policyholders undercompensated for their losses.

Ben Mandel, another adjuster, highlighted that the practice of altering damage reports was not isolated to one carrier but appeared to be a widespread scheme involving multiple insurance companies in the state of Florida. Mandel's refusal to comply with unethical directives led to his dismissal, underscoring the pressures faced by adjusters to conform to fraudulent practices.

Attorney Steven Bush, representing six whistleblower adjusters, emphasized the coercive tactics employed by insurance carriers to avoid paying for legitimate damages, pushing policyholders to resort to legal action for rightful compensation. The revelation that some carriers were allegedly refusing to cover necessary repairs, such as replacing damaged roofs, unless homeowners filed lawsuits speaks to a systemic disregard for policyholders' rights and well-being.

The whistleblowers' accounts paint a troubling picture of an industry rife with misconduct, where the interests of insurance companies are prioritized over the needs of homeowners facing the aftermath of natural disasters. As the investigation unfolds, the gravity of these allegations serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals seeking fair treatment from their insurance providers in times of crisis.

In the realm of news and politics, the exposure of such deceptive practices within the insurance industry underscores the importance of accountability, transparency, and regulatory oversight to safeguard the rights of policyholders and ensure ethical conduct by all stakeholders. Amid the ongoing fallout from Hurricane Ian and the struggle for justice by affected homeowners, the whistleblowers' courageous stand sheds light on a dark chapter in the insurance industry's history and calls for swift action to rectify the injustices perpetrated against vulnerable consumers

Share Video

¿Do you like Florida insurance carriers used altered hurricane damage reports, whistleblowers say? Share it with your people...

Playlist