Janice R. Andrews
A Shocking Discovery
The Rapkin family of Florida faced a double blow in 2022: first from Hurricane Ian’s devastation, then from an unexpectedly low insurance payout. Their story mirrors the struggles of thousands of Floridians dealing with the storm’s aftermath and potentially deceitful insurance practices.
Jeff Rapkin’s home, previously resilient against hurricanes, succumbed to Ian’s fierce winds. The steel roof was torn off, leaving the interior exposed and uninhabitable. Rapkin promptly contacted Heritage Property and Casualty Insurance to file a claim.
The Altered Assessment
Jordan Lee, the assigned adjuster, initially estimated repair costs at over $231,000. However, Rapkin received a mere $15,000 check, minus the deductible. Unbeknownst to both Rapkin and Lee, the damage report had been significantly altered, drastically reducing the payout.
Lee later discovered that 44 out of his 46 Hurricane Ian reports were modified without his knowledge. In one case, a $488,000 estimate was slashed to $13,000, while another dropped from $239,000 to just $3,000.
Widespread Fraud Allegations
In December 2022, Lee and other whistleblowers testified before Florida lawmakers about “systemic criminal fraud” in the insurance industry. They reported that desk adjusters, who never visited the properties, routinely altered damage assessments to minimize payouts.
Another adjuster, Ben Mandell, reported similar experiences with a different insurer. He claimed that 18 out of his 20 reports were altered, and some companies instructed adjusters to intentionally omit certain damages.
The Ongoing Battle
An estimated 50,000 homeowners are still fighting insurance companies over Hurricane Ian claims. Many, like the Rapkins, have filed lawsuits alleging breach of contract and fraud.
For two years, the Rapkin family has been in limbo, living in a rented apartment while their damaged home deteriorates. They continue to pay their mortgage and insurance premiums to Heritage, feeling betrayed by the system meant to protect them.
Florida’s Insurance Crisis
Florida’s insurance market has been under strain for years. Many national insurers have left the state, leaving smaller regional companies to fill the gap. Since 2021, at least nine Florida insurance companies have gone bankrupt, and remaining companies face accusations of altering reports to reduce claim payouts.
Calls for Action
Despite serious fraud allegations, there have been no arrests in Florida related to these altered reports. Doug Quinn, executive director of the American Policyholders Association, highlights the disparity in how insurance fraud cases are treated when allegations are against companies rather than policyholders or adjusters.
The Path Forward
As Florida continues to grapple with Hurricane Ian’s aftermath, many homeowners are left waiting, their homes unrepaired and insurance claims unresolved. The Rapkins and others like them persist in their fight for justice, demanding the compensation they believe they’re owed.
Heritage Property and Casualty Insurance denies any wrongdoing, stating they aim to pay all eligible claims and have implemented reforms since Hurricane Ian. However, for affected families, the struggle continues as they navigate Florida’s complex and contentious insurance landscape.
