Posted by  Arlene Dabrowski, Sagamore Hills Ohio on 06/13  at  11:14 AM

It looks like I got out just in time. I lived in St Petersburg for 9 years, and just sold my home late last year.  I moved back to Ohio. It may get cold up here in the winter, but you can still afford to own a home and have insurance. It was in the news this morning that insurance companies are going to start lowering their prices on policies up here to attract more business to offset their “losses” in “high claim areas”. During my stay in the “sunshine state” I was dropped 3 times, never had a claim. I worry about my neighbor who is 84 years old.  How can she afford to pay 2000.00 a year for insurance? I hope everyone remembers this when Jeb runs for President.  I know I will.

Posted by  Joan Morvay, Land O Lakes on 06/13  at  08:36 AM

We live in Land O Lakes and have State Farm Insurance.  Our homeowners insurance renewal just came and doubled to $4200 per year.  The reason was not hurricanes, it was sink holes.  We asked to have the sink hole coverage removed and were told that it’s a package and we can’t pick and choose our coverage.  We don’t have a mortgage and feel that the sink hole risk is one we are willing to take.  Our only choice is take what they want to sell us or have no insurance at all.

Posted by  Floyd Smith, Thonotosassa on 06/13  at  07:37 AM

I have not been able to obtain insurance that would even help for almost two years.  I beleive my best solution will be to build a concreat bunker that can take 300 mph winds and put it way up in the air to exscape floods.  If insurance becomes to expensive, then change the lifestyle and hurt the insuance companys in the pocketbook.  if we do not need them, then will become afordable again.  Money talks very loud.

Posted by  Patti & Wayne Peterson, Bradenton, FL on 06/13  at  07:36 AM

After reading some of the comments posted, I guess we’re pretty lucky.  We don’t have Citizens but have had three different policies in the last 4 years.  After having had Prudential for more than 15 years, their homeowner policies transferred to Liberty Mutual.  We received an immediate increase which about doubled the premium.  After two years with Liberty, the premium tripled and we started looking for an alternative.  We found Tower Hill and were with them for a year. They recently sent us a non-renewal notice because they were reducing their risk in our area.  Now we’re having to look again.  We had an appointment yesterday (6/12) with a new company and they called to say they couldn’t write policies now due to Alberto.

I agree that the insurance crisis in FL is one that has to be addressed soon.  I don’t have any answers but we too are looking to move from the State because between real estate taxes and insurance, we can’t afford to stay.

Posted by  Nancy Hale, Avon Park, Fl on 06/13  at  01:18 AM

George Myers,
I hear you… WV is calling.  Our only problem is finding a joh.  Right now we are living in a mobile home, and our insurance is a little over a thousand.  I am afraid of the future if this continues. 
What part of WV are you from? 
Nancy

Posted by  Fran Malina, Holiday on 06/12  at  10:34 PM

Yes I have Citizens and my insurance more than doubled and I am angry at how Gov. Bush, CFO, & the legislators knew there was such a major insurance company crisis going on that was formed by Fl. Gov’t. How did they let this happen in the first place I guess they were all out having there gourmet lunches and dinners on our time & money!
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that Fl. can be hit by Hurricanes why did our govt. fail us without providing us with affordable insurance rates! They could have had a state lottery to offset Hurricane damages. They can also charged Tourist and extra $1.00 at Disney World to go into a Fund .
I have lots more ideas about what they could have done. So What Were they thinking about the last 2 yrs. or more?

Posted by  Harold Polsky, Port Richey, FL on 06/12  at  08:51 PM

Property Insurance in the State of Florida is a crime.  The horror stories that people hear in the general media are only the tip of the iceberg.  H.A.C. Florida, Inc., a non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization bent on fighting for change in the Florida Insurance Market hears many more, and much worse nightmares, from both our members and non-members alike. 
The politicians all speak a good game, and some of the candidates for Governor say the right words now.  But what will happen when/if they are elected?  The insurance lobby in Florida spent almost $80K last election cycle in contributions to almost every member of the house and senate.  What will they spend this year?
It’s time for the people of Florida, and not the insurance industry, to tell their elected representatives what to do.  Please visit http://www.hacfl.org to find out what needs to be done, and some of the horror stories about the industry that most people don’t know.

Posted by  Beth Green, Land O lakes Fl on 06/12  at  07:55 PM

We live in Land O Lakes and had State Farm. Well Last yr we were cancelled due to thwe fact we had to many trees surrounding the house. We bought this house and lot for the fact and was pretty and trees kept area cooler. We have tried to find another Ins. co with no success. Citzen’s would not take us either agents told me due to the trees. Will cost over $5000++ to remove the trees so now we are stuck with force insurance with our lendor. All that covers in the mortgage company’s interest. As soon as Hubby can retire we are out of this state!! Something must be done with these insurance companies they make MILLIONS of dollars off Auto ins if they want to write auto policy the goverment needs to enforce that they will be required to write Home Owners as well. 

Posted by  George Myers, St. Petersburg 727-525-4337 on 06/12  at  07:26 PM

WHERE DOES IT STOP, I have been here 30 years and i can t believe what i see. I feel the pain from the rising Citizens rates, but as a Mortgage Professional, I feel the pain for my borrowers. I have people calling me daily wanting to refinace so that they can afford their payments with insurance. Some of these folks have paid down their mortgages to 15 years and they have to refi to keep their home. The Justice Depart. needs to look into this, this worse than organizrd crime. as for me, almost heaven West Virginia, i am gone

Posted by  tina velasquez, port richey on 06/12  at  07:10 PM

No surrending-the people of Fl need to fight the goverment on this one- what will be next-triple car health and life insurance.  We cannot let this ride- We put these people in we can take them out. Go to hac.org join up, read the information , download a petition-hit your neighborhoods, churchs, local rec areas- grandchildren’s schools supermarkets and gyms- get everyone to sign. Citizens has done enough damage to FL as have our elected officials- Only a handfull of these officials really seem to care- the rest are just in it because of the glory. Its time the people take back the running of our towns, states and nation. If they have to offer all insurance or none they will be forced to come back. Meeting on Saturday in NPR. Join the rest of us who don’t want to be and won’t be gouged anymore

Posted by  Nancy Schreimann, Tarpon Springs (East Lake Area) on 06/12  at  07:05 PM

Citizens needs a new bus plan, that is the solution. Instead of trying to go out of business as a goal, they need to make being in business and making a profit the goal. Invest the money accumulated from offering policies with options to all FL residents. Use the income from the investments to help fund hurricane upkeep for public bldgs and private citizen’s homes. Stop fighting it, your in business, so be a business.

Posted by  Tim Barfield, Tampa on 06/12  at  07:01 PM

FYI: I can see from the blog that many of you have had various problems, availability and premium being the two most prominent.  One thing that some of you could consider is to purchase an HO8 policy form instead of the HO3, especially those of you with older homes.  It does remove some perils that would be covered by the HO3, such as falling objects and burst water pipes, but the premium is usually far less.  If there’s no tree hanging over your home, give your agent a call and ask for a quote.
Tim

Posted by  George Myers, St. Petersburg 727-525-4337 on 06/12  at  06:51 PM

Enough is Enough. The rates with Citizens are breaking everyones backs. I have experienced it personally like every one else. But as a Professional Mortgage Broker, I see it daily with my clients. Clients call me to refinace there mortgage and extend the term, just so they can afford the home owners insurance premiums. These are people that have paid half there mortgage off. This is no longer paradise, but what do you expect when the politicians are in bed with the insurance companies. The Justice Department needs to look into this. This is worse than organized crime, i have been here 30 years, time to move on. Almost Heaven, West Virginia, got to be a better way of life.

Posted by  timothy and paula, new port richey on 06/12  at  06:35 PM

bought our house less than 2 years ago
fixed morgage payment was 635 a month
included insurance , payment is now a little over a 1000
something is very wrong with , we might mave to sell

Posted by  tina velasquez, port richey on 06/12  at  05:57 PM

join http://www.hacfl.org-if you are tired of having the gov allow Citizens to rip you off.Our ins.went from 600 - 1500 - 3400 in 3 yrs. Not 1 claim in o/12 yrs. The problem are those few who see a crack in their foundation-once you call the ins co its reported a sinkhole-claim or no claim. Ins. cos were allowed to leave forcing the maj. of home owners to succumb to Cit.  If we committed the crimes that Cit has done we would all be in jail yet the big Cit can gouge, commit larceny & commit fraud. only way to make this right-make the ins cos sell all or none-ins cos won’t want to lose all their auto health & life ins business.  By splitting the burden w/ other ins cos- the prices would be lower & everyone would still have $ in their coffers- As far as the maps that Cit goes by- its a crock. How many people will have to lose their homes before the government comes in because you sure couldn’t sell it now if your life depended on it.

Posted by  Virginia Stevans, New Port Richey, Florida on 06/12  at  05:51 PM

How can a Government run Citizens Ins. can cancel policyholders if it “IS” the ins. of “LAST RESORT” & Why do you allow Ins. Companies to beg to insure cars, boats, etc if they are not willing to write HOMEOWNERS! Tell them to get out of Florida as other states have. OK whining insurance companies we know how you work! We know about “RE-INSURANCE!!! That’s when the ins. company insures themselves against claims so they can actually MAKE money off claims they pay out. Don’t be fooled they make MILLIONS!
Florida & Governor Bush is trying desperately to force out hard working citizens and make it a playground for the RICH! Remember these hard working people who are being “FORCED OUT” include your Policemen, Firemen, Nurses, Teachers, builders of your MONSTER houses. Don’t call 911 there won’t be anyone to answer your call they just got foreclosed on as their ins. Was affordable $800 & now $5000 a year!!
Fight against skyrocketing premiums http://www.hacfl.org

Posted by  doug bailey, Brandon, Fl on 06/12  at  05:25 PM

I invested $10K (approx) in shutters to protect my home and family. It was mentioned that an adjustment might be available from the homeowners insurance carrier. I checked with my company (My thought was, I took the initiative to protect my investment, maybe the insurance will recognize me as a responsible homeowner), after applying for the possible deduction (professionally installed by a certified company)I was dismayed to see my efforts to protect myself (and insurance company exposure) with $24 per year reduction in premium! Kind of sad.
Thank you for your attention.

Posted by  V. Whitman, Pinellas Park on 06/12  at  05:13 PM

I SURRENDER!  I too am a victim of homeowner insurance piracy.  Since last year it has doubled and this year it will go up another $700.00 a year.  Funny I just got a raise a month ago - $644.80 for the year - what’s wrong with that picture.  I think the pirates in the insurance companies are sailing on the same ship as the pirates in Government.  It sure would be nice if there was one politician to help the working class people instead of the wealthy.  Unfortunately with everyone’s rates continuously skyrocketing, I believe that we will see many people lose their homes to foreclosure due to the ludicrous insurance premiums.  Someone is getting very rich off of this.

Posted by  N. E. riley, St. Petersburg on 06/12  at  04:44 PM

I live in the home my grandfather built in 1927, where I’ve lived most of my life. I had the same insurance company for over 20 years with no claims, but they dropped all residential policies here in Pinellas County, and Citizens seems to be writing the only policies. Because my house was over 50 years old, I had to rewire to qualify for Citizens, which cost a fortune. My insurance went from $1,500 to $4,100, though I’m in a no evacuation zone and the house has never sustained storm damage.To make matters worse, I had just refinanced to pay off some bills after the untimely death of my husband last year, and now I’m just about flat broke after paying these unexpected costs. Its criminal that insurance companies can take advantage of people, putting their homes in jeopardy and forcing people to pay whatever they demand. I believe it’s completely unfair for us to pay storm damage for people who live in areas that should not be inhabited.
N.E. Riley
Environmental Historian.

Posted by  Carol Howard, Spring Hill, Fla on 06/12  at  04:24 PM

I have a few rental homes here in Hernando;the premium of my primary residence doubled; one if my rentals tripled and I’m still waiting for the NEW COST ESTIMATORS to come in on the other rentals. Its a fact that my tenants rents will have to go up substantially, but more importantly, WHY IS OUR GOVERNMENT ALLOWING THIS TO HAPPEN!? Answer:  Because They Can. and, There is No Law Against It.(This from Gloria Strickland, Insurance Speialist III from the Fla. Dept of Finance in tallahassee.)To fix it we must change the laws. To do that, we must change the lawmakers.(current majority are doing NOTHING to help) Til then,we must do our best to make this a national issue and get national exposure- Citizens, and the insurance industry in general need to be investigated - because we have a crisis in this state, apparantly sacntioned by the legislators.

Posted by  lou christodoulou, Apollo Beach on 06/12  at  04:21 PM

Had a 2nd home in Florida while living in CA for 6 years homeowners under $1,000.00/ sold the CA house in May and moved to Florida/ Dropped by insurance company / New policy over $5,000.00 / as soon as my 2 years are up for tax purposes I am out of here. At least in Ca the state provides earthquake support and keeps the rates down. Ca needs to require insurers to give homeowners at controlled rates in order to write any auto or other insurance including flood.

Posted by  T. Smith, Spring Hill, FL on 06/12  at  04:05 PM

I dont understand this at all.  We have owned our home for over 5 years, never had a calim and still our insurance has more then doubled every year.  Starting at $400.00 a year and now @ $3200.00.  I was under the impression that the goverment would protect us from price gouging. I guess this does not apply to goverment suppliers. Thanks Citizens.

Posted by  Jennifer Marie Myers, Largo, Florida on 06/12  at  04:01 PM

My husband and I live in a 840 square foot home built in the 50s and our homeowner’s insurance went from $1,300 last year to $2,900 for this year.  It has caused our mortgage payment to go up over $280.00 more a month.  It is ridculous!!!!  I can only assume what will happen next year.  Most of my family members are thinking about moving out of state and we have thought about it also.

Posted by  Veronica & John Bohlander, Spring Hill,FL on 06/12  at  03:43 PM

We bought our house 3 years ago & our insurance was $700. last year it went to $1500 with Citizens. We got more coverage last year with USF&G for the same price so we went with USF&G. This year they raised it to $3700+. They charged us a $300 fee for writing the policy & $222+ to bail out Citizens. I called the Co. who wrote the policy to ask why it went up so much & why we we’re charged for writing the policy. He said he’d have to check with the Co. & get back to us. That was 3 weeks ago & we still haven’t heard back. Insurance is a real rip off here in FL. We’re getting out as soon as we can. They can take FL & shove it you know where.

Posted by  Joy D Timmons, Holiday, FL on 06/12  at  03:40 PM

The legislators in this state should hang their heads in shame that they have allowed Citizens Insurance to become so outrageously expensive that people are going to loose thier homes. It is obvious our Legislators just do NOT care. Doesn’t everyone wonder just who sits on the Citizens Board. I wonder whatinsurance company is running it, as they have ALL gone up beyond affordability!! Every one in this state needs to unite and write to every NATIONAL news program and lets try to let the rest of the nation know what is going on with the Florida homeowners Insurance. It is NOT a friendly state to move to unless you have LOTS of money. Come join us in the fight to lower our insurance to affordable rates. http://www.hacfl.org You can download a paper petition on that website. Let’s unite as there is power in numbers!!!