Posted by  Axis Mann, Brandon, FL on 08/29  at  12:04 AM

Home Owner Insurance, Property Tax, Gravy Train!  Tom Gallager thinks a 20% reduction in my Home Owner Insurance is a good deal. Let me see, humm.. Last year I paid $800.  This year my insurer pulls out of Florida and only Citizens will pick me up to the tune of $4000 annually.  That’s a hefty 500% increase and Gallager offers an idea worth 20% off.  Ahh.. what a deal! I would only have to pay $3200 a year which is still a 400% increase.  Big deal!  Gravy Train!  Taxes aren’t much better either.  What’s this “take your property tax rate with you” that the candidates are now mouthing? I’m trying understand why someone who buys my property shouldn’t pay as much for property taxes as I’m being scammed for.  I would agree that at most they should have to pay no more than what I’m paying plus 3%.  Save our home tax laws should be applicable on sales too.  That seems like common sense to me.  I see no hope of a solution for either HMI or property tax.  I weep!

Posted by  Richard Murphy, Tampa, FL on 08/26  at  06:20 PM

I just don’t get it!!  In all the hoopla about the insurance rates and the upcoming elections everyone is talking about how they don’t know how rates got so high, or who was at fault.
It occurs to me that I read many articles about how State Farm, Allstate and others were required to apply and did apply to the State Insurance Commission for rate increases.  Wouldn’t it be a rather simple research task to discover who signed off on the rate increases?  Is it now a surprise that the companies have instituted the approved rates?

Posted by  David Brown, New Port Richey on 08/26  at  10:14 AM

I own my own home and several rental properties, all in either Tampa or West Pasco. I have had negative experiences with insuring each property - my policy premiums on each have at least tripled if not more. I can not pass on these costs to my renters (all long term) because they can not afford it. Its a shame, to insure a house in Holiday for ~100K, costs me over $4000! Now who is fooling who? I don’t believe for one minute that the insurance companies are “broke”, but rather using the excuse of hurricanes to gouge the customer. Something everyone should look into - remember these insurance companies are comprised of many smaller “subsidiary companies”, just to show a loss in one in order to raise rates, yet overall the main company rakes in huge profits. Its all a shell game. I say make the insurance companies open their books to public review when they want to raise rates on a large scale, up to 200 - 400% in three years!

Posted by  William W. Welebir, Port Richey, Florida on 08/26  at  08:33 AM

It’s been 2 years since I bougt my house. At first, my insurance, through Citizens, was $700. per year. After a couple of increases for no reason what so ever, I now pay almost $5,000.00 a year for the same policy. HOWEVER, I filed a claim a year ago, and had to get a lawyer to file it, as Citizens will not accept claims from their insureds, Even with a lawyer, claims are not paid. We have had to file suit in court, and even then, the only reponse from Citizens Insurance has been a sharp and dramatic increase in my rate. What good is an insurance company that will not accept or pay claims, EVEN WHEN THEIR EXPERTS AGREE THAT THE CLAIM IS VALID?

Posted by  Marion Meier, Land O Lakes, (Pasco Co.) on 08/25  at  07:08 PM

Why not establish an insurance regulating board?  The SEC protects investors. The Banking Commission regulates financial entities, but Insurance Companies continue without regulation. When someone pays premiums for 40 years, without a claim, shouldn’t some residual funds have built up by now? No! I’ll be paying the same increased premiums like everyone else.  The insurance company hasn’t been required to make investments for the benefit of their insureds.  Discretionary investments should be against the law.  A governing agency with the clout of an SEC, we would prevent this problem.  Years of collecting and building premiums would used to offset the higher losses. My insurance has a deductible of $6,000 per claim. I’ve kept my home in perfect condition to be sure I’ve lowered exposure.  But I’m thrust into a situation of being unable to sell my home because no one can afford to buy insurance. We are held captive here in Florida with no way out.

Posted by  Julie Novisk, Tampa, FL. on 08/25  at  06:32 PM

Instead of raising insurance premiums again to cover the costs of insuring Florida residents, the insurance companies should sell off some of their high-rise skyscrapers and lower the salaries of the CEO’s who are making tens of millions annually.  Instead of paying a team of lawyers to look for loopholes in policies, they should use that money to pay on claims. Then maybe they can afford to pay out on legitimate claims to people who paid the premiums and expect to be covered when they need it most.

Posted by  Cliff Hulsart, Bradenton, FL on 08/25  at  05:45 PM

Do insurance companies drop homowners in the mid west after a rash of tornados?  What about on the west coast after a earthquake?

The bigger issue here is that our leadership has allowed the insurance companies push them around.

How can companies increase rates in our area?  We have had damage, but not like that of other locations.  Not to mention, there are serval areas that the companies insure in that never get sever weather.

insurance companies are perceived by me as money making machines.  They now see an opportunity to take advantage of the spike in storms, and will grow fat once this excited period ends.

We need to look at is foresight, or lack there of by these companies.  If they had planned, there would have been enough money to cover these losses.

Posted by  Teresa Bernier, Largo, FL on 08/25  at  05:44 PM

I exist on SS of $669 monthly, and that is all.  I have tried to get renter’s insurance, but all the companies I have contacted demand a $200+ downpayment!  I’ve always had State Farm Insurance, but now I find that they aren’t writing policies in this area.  What is a senior citizen to do?  I live in a HUD-funded apartment complex, which is how I’m able to live comfortably.
Your help would be appreciated.
Thanks

Posted by  JACK R ROTH, NEW PORT RICHEY on 08/25  at  10:36 AM

I JUST READ THAT INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE SAYING THAT THEY ARE NOT MAKING ENOUGHT ON THE POLICIES THEY NOW HAVE.  THE PROBLEM IS NOT THAT THEY ARE NOT CHARGING ENOUGHT, IT IS THAT THEY ARE NOT WRITING ENOUGHT POLICIES.  MORE POLICIES MEAN MORE MONEY THIS IS BASIC BUSINESS.

Posted by  Tori Ottolino, Palm Harbor on 08/25  at  10:21 AM

I have tried to find the chart that shows the box when insurance companies stop writing policies when there is a storm coming.  Can you direct me to a site that may have that chart/map?

Posted by  Joe Rigby, New Port Richey, Pasco County on 08/22  at  06:21 PM

Just a thought here on this proposal to build a Beltway. Lets see here Beltway where is the proposed land built to build this coming from. Could my house be sitting on the path in which there proposed road will be built??

It would be interisting to find out.
Joe Rigby

Posted by  Fred Willis, Spring Hill,Fla. on 08/20  at  09:36 PM

*Dwelling M/H Coverage Caution !!!
In reading the online Homeowner’s Ins.
Dwelling for M.H. Is(ACV)-Depreciation,
“Actual Cash Value”,just like Auto Ins.
That is why that Coverage is Cheaper!!!
“Unless a Cash Amount Is Preset Upon
Purchase of Mobile Home Ins.! Beware!
*Info.found at mysafefloridahome.com
Just Some Friendly Advice!
poppawilly53    

Posted by  tom belmonte, wesley chapel on 08/20  at  05:50 PM

I had Citizens when I bought my 1982, 1100 sq ft, block house 2 years ago. It’s insured for $148K.Premium was about $1000. Gulfstream assumed my policy (bought??)..renewal was $2047. The reason for the increase was that they “were entitled, by law, to any increase that Citizens got”. I went without a vacation trip to come up with the money to pay my insurance.
I just got my renewal for next year..$3655 !! This includes a $3000 hurricane deductable. I’m not sure what increases they were allowed, “by law”, to get for this pornographic increase. I think it’s time to get rid of the PEOPLE THAT MAKE THESE LAWS....TO PROTECT US !!! I’m trying to think of what I can go without this year to pay my insurance...maybe medication, or food!

Posted by  Patricia A. Giantomenico, Bradenton on 08/17  at  04:04 PM

I found an agent that actual put some light at the end of a dark tunnel with my homeowners insurance.  I had Safeway and paid $382./yr before getting canceled.  I received 3 different quotes from agents for Citizens and they all came in around $1100.00.  I have a 41 year old single-wide with add-on.  Today I took my checkbook to another agent after receiving a quote of $488.00.  The reason for the big difference is because its a Mobile Home Dwelling Policy.  I nearly came to tears when I got this quote and I HIGHLY recommend calling this agency to see if anyone on this blog could benefit in the same way as I did.  I asked if he can write policies in other counties and he said yes or can find one for you.  A lot of agents don’t even tell the general public about Dwelling Policies.

The company is:
All About You Insurance Company
941 747-8004 ask for Bryan Lewis
http://www.allaboutyouinsurance.com

Posted by  Barbara J. Fricano, Hudson, FL on 08/17  at  10:37 AM

Citizens Insurance is insuring my home for $200,000 and insist that the contents of my home be insured for $100,000 I do not have a $100,000 worth of contents. I don’t understand why I have to insure my contents for more than its worth and if I put in a claim they will not give me $100,000. First I must provide the insurance company with pictures and receipts of the contents which I don’t have or keep records of, then the insurance company will depreciate the contents because of age. Are we living in a democracy or dictatorship.

Posted by  Fred Willis, Spring Hill,Fla. on 08/16  at  08:47 PM

Even to Consider Building,Buss., or Buying?Better Off,To Wait & See Where This Communistic,Gov.& Ins.Co-Op...Is Headed.A Disaster For Real!
Bought house 9/00,Pd AIG~$457.00 for 5 yrs. NonRenewal followed by a Quote of Hello’Citizens/FL.Gov.Ins.Corp.$2,300.00+$800.Ass.Fee,*2nd time Quoted “No More Insurance In Zip & Homes 98’& older”. *3rdx 8/06 Allstate Auto Ins.calls! I told them,I woudn’t consider It,Unless Underwriting Homeowner’s Ins.! They sent me a Quote on *Citizen’s Letter Head!"Homeowner’s $2,500.00+$1,000.00 Fee!"Auto Quote was of Course Allstate Dictated Amounts of Ins.,far more than I Requested & On NonexistingStructures! Without Discounts for Custom Specs. Excede Code,Full Hip Roof,Monitored Alarm,~10 mls.from Ocean,& 2 Fire Depts in 5 mls...We’re Dealing With Some Real BOZO’S…
Be Cautious Who You Vote For &/or Trust!
“In God I Trust!* Not In Government,$$$ Ins.Players,Lawyers,Politicians!” Lord Help Us I Pray!  F.A.Willis

Posted by  Fred Willis, Spring Hill,Fla. on 08/16  at  06:10 PM

WOW $8.43 Discount for Storm Shutters !
Be Advised that Discount Amounts are to be Considered & Enforced by Fla.Ins.Reg.
As you can visit this website for much info.( mysafefloridahome.com)*This is the website for “Matching $5K Grant” &
How much Discount Citizen’s Ins.& Others Allow,for Particulars,Bldg.Specs Bldg.Codes & Upgrades.My Citizen’s Ins. Quote was a much higher amount than I requested & No Discounts Reflected for
Monitored Alarm,*Full Hip Roof~32%<Wind!
I recall Shutters at~34%< Wind Portion!
The Specific Cov.Portions/Charges are
*Conveintly Non-Existant...I Really don’t Understand, What All Is or Isn’t Covered,with all the Double Talk… &
I would not Sign Away My Rights,to Buy
This So Called Insurance! Read Policy Very Carefully w/ Serious Diligence!!!
Sincerely, F.A.Willis
poppawilly53@yahoo

Posted by  Peter Noon, Wesley Chaple on 08/16  at  05:36 PM

Any one have any knowledge of an insurance company other than Citzens who will insure in Pasco county. My rates have gooe up to $2,700.00 for a home under 2,000 sq, ft. Built in 2001 30 miles from the ocean.

Thank you

Posted by  Michele Lopez, Riverview on 08/16  at  10:03 AM

What in the world are we buying homeowners insurance for? 

You buy it and then they (insurance companies) try to tell you that they don’t want to cover wind damage when it occurs with flooding??

Why don’t they just go ahead and say that they will not cover ANY damage caused by a hurricane.  Because I guarantee that’s where all this is leading!

Insurane companies want you to pay THEM, but they DON’T want to pay YOU.

To me it’s like buying a car, then the car dealertelling you that you can’t have it!  Oh, you mean we have to GIVE you the car!!!!!

Posted by  lourdes r fahim, tampa, fla 33603 on 08/16  at  12:45 AM

I live in the wellswood area since 1987 and my home is a wooden house. built in the 50’s. I have Home Mortgage Insurance thru AAA the company is Hull and Company.. Last year they charged me 1900.00 and this year they charged me 3400.00 and I am a single woman separated/divorce and it is so hard to pay the 3400.00 plus all my expenses.  The government needs to step up because I am sure there are alot of single women living like me.  If this continues like this next year I do not think I will be living here .. I guess I will have to sell my home.  sad that I need to let go of my property because of this government not taking control over this issue. I think Fema should control the flood and wind so every home owner should be mandatory to pay fema for this service. and the Insurance companies go back down in their prices to 900.00 a year like it used to be in 2004 and they should only be covering theft and anything that breaks and falls.  that is all they should cover.

Posted by  Patrice Schadt, Tarpon Springs, FL on 08/15  at  08:10 PM

The following link regards a Supreme Court ruling with regard to conflicts in insurance payouts due to Hurricane Katrina.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14362386/

With payouts neglible and backed by the courts, these premiums are exhorbitant for the potential return. 

I have to wonder if hurricane coverage is voluntary, or is there a requirement that we need hurricane coverage. The insurance company requires coverage at about $100 per square foot.  This translates to $150,000 worth of coverage for my home.  However, this doesn’t take into consideration the land value of my home, which is a good part of the value.

I would consider going without insurance, if it weren’t for my mortgage.  We have lived here for 40 years, and it was not my intention to have to retire somewhere else, but it looks like that could be an option.

Patrice

Posted by  Lyndon Husen, Brandon Florida on 08/15  at  05:13 PM

Remember a few months ago when we had our Hurricane Tax Holiday so we could make some improvements or basically get prepared ahead time. Well we took it upon ourselves to purchase $1600.00 worth of the new fabric hurricane panels for covering our windows and doors. Their approved by the State of Florida and will with stand winds of 140 mph. We thought that this would help defer a bit of our insurance costs as we were taking the inititave to decrease our chances of damage. Well the other day we finally received our credit of $8.43 cents for this year. I should have put the $1600 towards the policy increase instead of the shutters. You just can’t win!!!

Posted by  Cindy Lukehart, Dunedin on 08/15  at  04:23 PM

Why can the insurance go up so high in 12 months time. A family can only earn so much in this county and increasing EVERYTHING from gas to insurance does not keep up with non existant pay raises.  How is a family suppose to survive with every 12 months the power goes up $150 more in the summer months, the homeowner’s insurance increases $200 a month more , both parents all ready work child care is not avaialble for one or both parents to work double jobs, when are we supposed to supervise and raise our children ourselves without working 60 hours each just to live here. Would we not be neglecting our children by not being around. We have no credit card debt only a house and one car payment.  The 2nd vehicle costs nearly a carpayment a month to keep it on the road.

Posted by  V. Whitman, Pinellas Park, FL on 08/15  at  03:19 PM

And here is the kick in the pants people - not one of the candidates running for Governor will even address this issue.  Everyone of them is ignoring it - could that be because if they address it they won’t get their pockets filled by the insurance companies?  I am truly insulted that the politicians think that we are stupid ignorant people who are not aware of what they are doing.  Seems tome that being Governor you would be able to say “Enough and set a cap”.

Posted by  Valerie Whitman, Pinellas Park, FL on 08/15  at  03:13 PM

I would like to know where the information came from for the questions regarding homeowner’s insurance in the section “insurance dilemma”?  It says that the average cost per year for a 3 bdrm/2 bath home is $1500.  And I say that is a bunch of garbage - just read the comments from everyone beginning all the way back in June.  Probably 95% of the people have said they are paying over $3000 per year.  I have a 2bdrm/ 1.5 bath and mine is over that already and waiting for the increase to hit.  Mind you no claims in 20 years so don’t feed us that BS that the average premiums are $1500 per year.