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It’s not over yet, but the record-breaking Hurricane Season of 2020 has taught us several things already. For one, we know it’s possible to have several named storms form within a 24-hour time period; it’s possible to have 10 (or more) named tropical storms in September alone; and it’s possible to have five storms whirling in the Atlantic at the same time. Besides tying or breaking storm records, this season has also shown us how vulnerable we are. The reinforcements and preparations we’ve relied on to protect our homes, businesses and communities are not strong enough to withstand the sustained […]

In Florida, tornadoes can occur throughout the year, but summer brings more than its fair share, since tornadoes occur as a result of tropical cyclones and strong sea breeze boundary collisions. In fact, because of its location between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is susceptible to tornadoes whenever a hurricane starts swirling in the Gulf. This summer alone, Central Florida has already been hit with three tornadoes with winds up to 85 miles per hour. These tornado winds have damaged homes and businesses, uprooted trees, and knocked down power lines. In the wake of this tornado damage, […]

If you’ve lived through a hurricane season in Florida, you know it’s just a matter of time before a hurricane hits our state. You also know that even unnamed tropical storms can cause extensive damage to homes and businesses and that people often have problems collecting money from their insurance companies to make necessary repairs. Unfortunately, experiencing problems with hurricane or storm damage claims is common in Florida. Home and business owners complain that their insurance carriers have delayed paying their claims, often requesting more and more information and documentation but not issuing any money for repairs. Others complain that […]

We’ve been battered by daily reports of Covid-19 cases surging in Florida, so thinking about the possibility of a hurricane hitting our state and preparing for that possibility seems like a daunting task. However, preparation is key to your family’s safety, and being proactive now can make a big difference during and after the storm. So, while you have time to prepare, please do so. In this blog post, we’re going to cover five steps you should take to prepare for Florida hurricanes: Have an Emergency Safety Plan, Purchase Emergency Supplies, Make Sure Your Insurance Coverage is Adequate, Take Pictures […]

Before the COVID-19 pandemic changed our lives, thousands of Americans traveled domestically and internationally every day. When planning their trips, most travelers didn’t think about the spread of viruses or pandemics, and only 22% purchased travel insurance plans to cover trip cancellations in case of unforeseeable events. Now, however, as states and other countries open up and people resume traveling, many are seeking insurance coverage for viral outbreaks and their impact on travel plans. Since the current pandemic is now considered a foreseeable event, it is generally excluded from cancellation coverage, but some insurance providers are offering new policies that […]

With nationwide protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd, an ongoing pandemic and the start of hurricane season, Florida businesses have a lot to worry about these days. In an interview published on June 1, 2020, Imran Malik, founder of Malik Law, P.A., shares with Orlando Business Journal how small businesses can brace themselves for the challenges they will continue to face this summer. Orlando Business Journal reports, “When it comes to coronavirus, most insurance companies are not providing relief for business interruption claims due to an exemption for viruses.” However, Malik has seen the fight for […]

In an article for Hotel Management, published on May 22, 2020, Malik Law attorney Imran Malik encourages hoteliers to explore all their available insurance options for short-term relief and long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Malik writes, “At first glance, business interruption coverage would appear to be an easy claim to file for the COVID-19 crisis.” However, he warns, “Many insurance companies have already begun to signal their intent to deny pandemic-related claims.” Malik explains the basics of business interruption insurance, and why hotel owners should still consider their options and carefully review policies to look for specific ambiguities or […]

States across the country are currently considering legislation to compel insurers to cover business losses due to COVID-19 closures. The U.S. House of Representatives is also considering two bills (HR 6494 and HR 6497) that deal generally with providing business interruption coverage for pandemic-related closures and business interruption due to a government order. In the meantime, small business losses in the U.S. are climbing to somewhere between $300 and $500 billion, and businesses across the country are suing insurance companies to get them to cover their losses. Are these lawsuits worth pursuing? Should insurers be paying business interruption claims related […]

As the number of COVID-19 deaths in Florida approaches 1,000, many of us are wondering if it’s time to invest in a life insurance policy or increase our benefit, if we already have a policy. The decision is, of course, up to each individual, but there are several factors you should consider before deciding on a policy at this time. In this blog post, I’m going to discuss things to consider if you presently have life insurance, as well as problems you might encounter in trying to change your policy, get a new policy, or file a life insurance claim. […]

With the latest projections showing Florida experiencing 149 deaths per day at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s difficult to think about hurricanes, but indeed, summer is approaching and forecasters are predicting a very active Atlantic hurricane season. According to researchers at the Colorado State University, we may see 16 named storms this year, including eight hurricanes, and four of those hurricanes are predicted to be category 3, 4 or 5 storms. With water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico more than three degrees above average, we know to expect bigger, more destructive hurricanes in Florida this year. And […]