In the wake of one of the largest insurance rate increases to hit the state, Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance has been the subject of criticism from the public and state regulators. The state-run insurance company recently received approval to hike up the premiums for sinkhole coverage by an average of 429%. These rates have yet to take effect, a fact that Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty has been keen to express. The Commissioner has vowed to ensure that the steep rate hike is to be phased in slowly, hoping to ease…
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Massive rate increases from Florida’s insurance program approved
Early this week, Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance proposed massive rate increases for sinkhole coverage. On average, policies would be impacted by an increase of 428% throughout the state. The proposal was seen as excessive by many consumer advocacy groups, but the insurers that make up the state-run program argue that higher rates are needed to combat fraud. Despite the best efforts of opponents, the proposals were passed as part of Senate Bill 408. Now that the new rates have been approved, Florida residents can expect to pay a lot more…
Read MoreCitizens Property Insurance of Florida proposes rate increases averaging 428% for sinkhole policies
Sinkholes have been quite troublesome in Florida recently. Earlier in the year, the state was inundated with insurance claims regarding damages caused by sinkholes. The majority of these claims, however, were fraudulent, as regulators discovered little to no evidence of sinkholes when investigating properties claiming to have suffered damage. The overwhelming number of falsified claims coming from property owners has caused many insurers to limit the extent of their coverage or otherwise raise the premiums associated with sinkhole insurance. Citizens Property Insurance, the state-funded insurance program, too will be raising…
Read MoreFlorida Insurance: Controversy over new property insurance bill
Florida Governor Rick Scott has been the subject of public scorn recently after pressuring the state’s lawmakers to form a bill that would significantly cut the number of policies that could be written by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Scott has voiced his determination to reduce Citizens’ role in the state’s insurance industry for some time. He denies that his goal is the closure of the insurer, however. The Governor says that he recognizes the value of the insurer but insists that some changes need to be made to justify its…
Read MoreFlorida sinkholes causing major damage to homes
The sunshine state is having more problems with sinkholes. A Florida company called CDS Business Mapping is working with insurance agents and underwriter’s to provide risk reports based on geographic data and maps. The company has mapped areas in ten counties that are sinkhole hazards. Florida’s Insurance Commissioner stated that sinkhole claims are one of the top five cost drivers that are causing insurance companies huge financial losses. In three years, Citizen’s insurance has paid almost 250 million dollars in sinkhole claims; and has another 100 million reserved for “in…
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