Insurance companies now face massive losses due to sinkholes in Florida

Sinkholes that are destroying Florida houses are now costing insurance companies in that state hundreds of thousands of dollars as claims begin rolling in. In fact, in three claims alone linked to sinkholes that cracked floors and broke water pipes, insurers had to pay out over $500,000. Among those three houses in question, none of the homeowners used the money to try to repair their homes. Instead, they are among the hundreds living in Florida’s “sinkhole alley” – which consists of the counties of Hillsborough, Hernando, Pasco, and Pinellas –…

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Florida Insurance Commissioner promises balance in Citizens rate increases

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…

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Florida’s Insurance Bills and Scott’s Tort Reform

In Florida it only seems normal for issues to be a constant battle of back and forth until the time begins to run out and everyone realizes its now or never when it comes to legislature and insurance issues. The property insurance bill has yet to be passed. As for the other insurance bill that is trying to be passed, which is nothing more than a collection of administrative and regulatory changes, is on its way to the governor. But, things don’t look to bright for 2011 in this case.…

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