As Hurricane Ian left a path of destruction across Florida, homeowners found themselves facing a different kind of storm—one involving delays and underpayments from their insurance companies. In a recent interview with CNN, Daniel Tighe, founder of Tighe P.A. and known as “The Insurance Tiger,” discussed the challenges policyholders face and the urgent need for reform.
A Story of Loss: Amy Hawke’s Struggle
For homeowners like Amy Hawke, the emotional and financial toll of the hurricane was unimaginable. After her home on Sanibel Island was devastated, Amy expected her $300,000 homeowner’s policy to help her rebuild. Instead, she received just $8,000 from her insurer, leaving her to rely on her savings and the help of family members. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “It was shocking.”
Hawke’s story, unfortunately, is far too common. Her case became a focal point during Daniel Tighe’s CNN interview, where he emphasized how delays and underpayments are leaving homeowners in financial limbo. “People are losing their homes, their savings, everything,” Tighe told CNN. “Insurance companies are dragging their feet, and it’s the homeowners who suffer.”
How Insurance Companies Delay Payouts
According to Daniel Tighe, insurance companies often delay payments to improve their own financial standing. “The longer they hold onto that money, the better it is for them financially,” Tighe explained in the interview. “But for homeowners, those delays are devastating.”
Amy Hawke’s story illustrates how these delays play out in real life. After losing her home, she spent over $250,000 of her own money to rebuild, working alongside her family to complete the work. But the emotional cost was just as significant. “It’s not just about the money,” she said. “It’s about everything this place meant to me.”
Tighe emphasized that this is a systemic issue across Florida, especially after Hurricane Ian. “Homeowners can’t afford to wait years for insurance companies to pay out, but the companies are incentivized to delay,” he added.
Fighting Back: Daniel Tighe’s Call for Accountability
Daniel Tighe made it clear during his CNN interview that these practices must change. “We need accountability,” he urged. “These insurance companies are not being held to task for what they’re doing, and it’s leaving good people in terrible situations.”
His firm, Tighe P.A., is focused on advocating for homeowners and ensuring that they receive the compensation they deserve. “We’ve handled hundreds of cases where insurers underpaid or denied claims outright. The system is broken, and it’s up to us to make sure policyholders don’t get left behind.”
Tighe’s stance is clear: the system must be reformed to provide faster, fairer payouts. “Insurance companies should not be playing games with people’s lives,” he said. “We need laws that hold them accountable for these delays.”
How to Prepare for the Future
As Florida braces for future hurricane seasons, Daniel Tighe offered advice on how homeowners can protect themselves:
- Document Everything: Before any storms hit, take videos and photos of your property. This will serve as critical evidence if you need to file a claim.
- Review Your Insurance Policies: Ensure you have sufficient coverage, especially regarding your hurricane deductible.
- Act Quickly After a Storm: Once it’s safe, document any damage immediately. The sooner you file your claim, the faster the process should be—though, as Tighe explained, it’s important to push back if your claim is delayed.
Watch Daniel Tighe’s Full CNN Interview
Reach Out to Tighe P.A.
If you’re dealing with insurance delays, underpayments, or denials, don’t wait. Contact Tighe P.A. today and let us advocate on your behalf. With Daniel Tighe—The Insurance Tiger—in your corner, you’ll have the support you need to fight back against unfair insurance practices.
