Floridians Need Affordable Insurance

STANDING UP FOR AFFORDABLE PROPERTY INSURANCE—Skyrocketing insurance prices coupled with escalating property taxes are driving many Floridians out of their homes. Lawmakers must focus on making insurance more affordable during the upcoming legislative session.

Between 2004 and 2005, a series of intense hurricanes pummeled the Florida coastline and trampled through the center of the state during two unusually active storm seasons. Unfortunately, Floridians continue to suffer from the repercussions of these storms through the lack of affordable property insurance.

Most insurance companies have reacted to the higher frequency in storms and increased storm damages by filing for giant rate hikes, dropping policies, and refusing to pay claims filed by customers who have dutifully made their monthly payments for years without ever filing a claim.

“During the 2007 legislative session Florida PIRG will make sure that the voice of consumers is heard in the debate over the future of Florida’s property insurance regulations,” said Florida PIRG Advocate Brad Ashwell. With some legislators calling for an end to all state regulation of rates which would allow insurance companies to charge whatever they would like, it is essential that advocates and consumers stand up against an industry that is used to getting its way at the state capitol.

Florida PIRG has made it a top priority to work with legislators on solutions to make property insurance affordable.

Florida PIRG will also work with allies to call for a more independent office for the insurance consumer advocate along with regulations mandating that insurance policies be both transparent and understandable.