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Policyholders expect prompt resolution of their claims by their insurance companies. When the claim is in dispute, the policyholder may believe that the company is acting in bad faith and file a lawsuit. Generally, policyholders have to follow specific procedures and may have to wait until appraisers or adjusters have completed their work before heading to court. But Florida insureds may no longer have to delay, according to a recent state appellate court case.

Proper sinkhole repairs

In 2009, Phillip Landers' home sustained a loss from suspected sinkhole activity. He submitted a claim to his insurer, State Farm Florida Insurance Company. State Farm hired SDII Global Corporation to conduct a subsidence investigation. SDII verified that sinkhole activity was the cause of the damage, and State Farm admitted coverage.

SDll initially concluded that 975 cubic yards of grout needed to be injected into 49 holes around the home's perimeter. SDII did not recommend underpinning. After considering the report of a neutral evaluator from the Florida Department of Financial Services as required by state law, SDII amended its report to require an additional 15 grout injection points. The cost of this remediation was estimated at approximately $350,000.