Over 30 Years of Experience
Since 1990 we have represented commercial and homeowner policyholders exclusively. We have negotiated satisfactory settlements for all kinds of loss and destruction, including that caused by fire, wind, sinkholes, tornadoes, hurricanes, construction defects, floods, hail, and water. Our commitment to you is to focus our negotiatory skills and expertise in claims presentation to recover the policy benefits to which you are entitled. We know how to read the fine print.
Types of Claims We Manage
Business Interruption
Referred to as time element losses since they occur over time. Loss of income and increased expenses from a covered peril. Commercial property insurance covering loss of income suffered by a business when damage to its premises by a covered cause of loss causes a slowdown or suspension of its operations. Coverage applies to loss suffered during the time required to repair or replace the damaged property. It may also be extended to apply to loss suffered after completion of repairs for a specified number of days.
Builders Risk
Identified as inland marine this type of commercial policy covers buildings under construction. This includes the building, temporary structures located on the site, and materials and supplies not yet part of the building.
Fire
Unintentional burning with ensuing damages from smoke and extinguishing/ suppression efforts to a structure and/or personal property; Arson is burning that is intentional.
Mold, Fungus or Wet Rot
Presence, growth, proliferation, spread or any activity of “fungi”, wet or dry rot. Fungus may include mold or mildew and any mycotoxins, spores, scents, or by-products produced or released by fungi. Generally, the policy contains a limited dollar amount and scope of repairs for this additional coverage.
Sinkholes
Sudden sinking or collapse of land into underground empty spaces created by the action of water on limestone or similar rock formations. Commercial policies commonly include this coverage and homeowners is through endorsement.
Hail
Frozen rain, usually in pellet formation and in various sizes, causing damages upon impact.
Construction Defect
Occurrence based coverage deriving from alleged workmanship that is associated to property damages.
Water
Fortuitous damages that can emanate from a variety of sources, such as water heaters, supply and waste piping, or HVAC system.
Theft
Illegal taking of an insured’s property with intent to deprive ownership.
Vandalism
Willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property.
Collapse
Damages caused by hidden decay, hidden insect or vermin damage, weight of people or personal property, weight of rain that collects on a roof, and use of defective materials or methods in construction, remodeling, or renovation if caused during the course of construction, remodeling or renovation.
Hurricane
Accumulating over the tropics and developing in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico within the summer and fall months. These systems are hundreds of miles wide with sustained winds exceeding 75 mph and rotate counter clockwise. Categorized 1-5 and provided names in alphabetical order.
Wind
Wind velocity with enough force to cause damage and/or breach a structures envelope. IE: Thunderstorms, Tornadoes and Hurricanes can all create wind damages.
Flood
Rising water from either 2 or more properties or inundating more than 2 or more acres. IE: Heavy rainfall in low lying areas, Tidal Areas (Rivers, Bays, Oceans and Gulf of Mexico) and Hurricanes. You do not need to live in a Flood Zone to be impacted by a flood.
Explosion
Sudden and violent release of pressure or energy has caused bursting or breaking and a noise.
Lightning
Natural electric discharge in the atmosphere.
Smoke
Resulting from a sudden and accidental cause; not over a period of time.
Terminology
Actual Cash Value (ACV) is defined as replacement cost less depreciation.
Total Loss is a loss that completely destroys or renders useless the insured property or completely exhausts the applicable insurance limit.
Depreciation means a loss of value due to wear, deterioration, or obsolescence.
Additional Living Expenses (ALE) / Loss of Use is defined as expenses that would not have occurred had the loss not taken place. These are expenses over and above the normal expenses.
Direct Physical Loss – resulting immediately and proximately from the occurrence and
not remotely from some other consequences or effects thereof.
What Our Satisfied Clients Have To Say
Meet our Team
Pat began his career working alongside his father within the insurance restoration industry. His father owned a construction company that worked exclusively for insurance companies.
Managing his first loss at eighteen, Mr. Garrett has worked with in all facets of the construction industry. Coupled with the tutelage of his father and combined with his experience, representation of policyholders is in its second generation.
Mrs. Ware joined the Garrett Claims Group over 18 years ago. She has oversight of all claims for the firm. Her methodical and detailed approach to each file promotes a smooth process for each client. This skill set of client and carrier relationships makes the difference in successful claims handling and reputation.
James has been a licensed insurance professional for over 20 years and adjusting with the firm for 16 years. He has extensive knowledge in all claim types versed in construction management and estimating. He excels in not only his craft, but also in client relationships. His extensive background and experience provides clients with the results they deserve.
Mrs. Williams has worked for the firm for 10 years and earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the University of South Florida. She has oversight of the firm’s daily operations and accounting. Her proven skills in the field along with coordinating and scheduling large loss inspections is coupled with being an inventory specialist which is a great asset to the firm.
Ms. Garrett brings 25 years of experience as an executive legal assistant to Garrett Claims Group. Her analysis of client files, organization and scheduling bring efficiency to the entire GCG team.
