Many homeowners who live in Florida may not be so excited about Florida Lawmakers passing Senate Bill 408. The bill is sponsored by Senator G. Richter, and is one of several, aimed at knocking down the “cost drivers” that are causing insurance rates to skyrocket. The bill focuses on creating more competition in the private marketplace and cutting down on fraudulent sinkhole claims. Earlier last month during a Capitol press conference, two local representatives spoke out against SB Bill 408. One of the lawmakers opposing the bill went against his…
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Florida 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…
Read MoreNew rules in the pipeline for Florida property insurer
A controversial bill has been passed by Florida’s Senate Banking and Insurance committee. The bill could increase the premiums paid by customers of Citizens Property Insurance by 25% and will eliminate coverage for some homeowners over time for properties whose value exceeds $500,000. Strict requirements will also be imposed, preventing homeowners from being able to enter the insurance program unless their only alternatives are 25% more expensive than coverage offered by Citizens. Representative Alan Hays of Umatilla, one of the bill’s sponsors, claims that raising premiums is the very last…
Read MoreHomeowners insurance premiums on the rise
Insurance rates are increasing all across America. Homeowner’s policies, automotive and healthcare have all seen sizeable increases over the last few years. It’s looking like 2011 will be no different; several states will be seeing moderate to substantial increases to their homeowner’s policies. Homeowner’s across the United States have been seeing an increase in premiums for several years. The first major increase was due to the 2004 and 2005 hurricane season; the damage in those two years (especially from hurricane Katrina), caused massive claims and payouts. Many agree that as…
Read MoreProgressive offers a huge discount with new “Pay As You Drive” program
Earlier this year, the Progressive insurance company began offering Florida residents a pay-as-you-drive insurance program. Dubbed Snapshot, the program gives consumers lower rates of approximately 30% on average, based on their driving behavior. The insurer analyses driving habits with the help of a small device that is installed in vehicles. According to the insurer, the device has tracked over two billion miles, and is now ready to be used throughout the nation. Drivers that signed up are reporting a savings on average of $150 annually. Progressive notes that the possible…
Read MoreA check list of the last 30 days in car insurance news headlines for the U.S.
It looks like 2011 is going to be the year for several states to make all out changes to laws relating to car insurance requirements. Some of the states involved in making changes to existing legislation, are; New York, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Also, in the car insurance news headlines…several states have decided to raise the minimum liability coverage required. Texas, for instance, has raised the minimum liability limits to 30/60/25. This means $30,000 for each injured person, up to $60,000 per accident. Property damage is staying at $25,000 per accident.…
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