Posted by  Michelle Boyle, Tampa Seminole Heights on 07/25  at  08:59 AM

We are totally caught in the middle can’t get insurance and can’t sell because the new owner wouldn’t be able to get insurance.. This is awful. Many people in this area and Florida in general are at a very high risk of losing homes.... Something should be done..and soon. If we are lucky maybe we can keep the house until the end of the year maybe.. or a little longer if we can find a way to afford what the mortgage company will want to insure the dwelling ONLY!!

Posted by  stephen jackson, riverview,fl on 07/25  at  05:30 AM

The answer to the insurance problem is actually rather simple. Not all insurance companies write policies. This creates higher rates for those who do. Not all homes are covered either. This is also a problem. And the main problem...rates are outrageous. What can be done?
1.Eliminate insurance companies from the picture.
2.Create a much larger base of payees.
3.Canvass more dollars to pay for damage.
This can only be done by eliminating homeowners insurance so to speak and replace the premiums through taxation.
This could be an extra gas tax, sales tax increase or some other tax form of revenue. This in turn would make everyone pay including the tourists. This also would free up property owners funds to spend in other areas.

Posted by  GERALD LUPINI, 14058 ALLSTON AVE, SPRING HILL FL. on 07/24  at  08:34 PM

REQUIRE ALL AUTO INSURANCE CO. TO OFFER HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE. INCREASE THE THE STATE SALES TAX .5 % CREATE A INSURANCE FUND FOR THE STATE TO PAY THE FIRST 10,000 DEDUCTABLE FOR SEVERE HURRICANE DAMAGE FOR EACH HOMEOWNER. HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE PREMINUMS SHOULD BE LIKE SAVE THE HOMES IN FLORIDA A 3% INCREASE LIMIT PER YEAR HOME OWNERS INSURANCE SHOULD BE BASED ON 5% OF YOUR ASSESED VALUE.

Posted by  James E. Linn II, 9057 Evelyn Road, Englewood, FL. 34224 on 07/24  at  08:22 PM

This is my 2nd suggestion. We can use the state run program to provide wind insurance only.  The insurance companies would issue all their policies x-wind which would bring back most of the companies which have quit writing in Florida. The wind pool would be handled by the insurance companies doing business in Florida under the same formula that I mentioned in my original suggestion. Seems like a win-win situation!

Posted by  James E. Linn II, 9057 Evelyn Road, Englewood, FL. 34224 on 07/24  at  08:15 PM

Here is a short form of some of my ideas and I will be happy to develope them further if anyone is interested.I believe the state run program should be turned over to the insurance industry with underwriting guidelines provided by state government to protect those who are underinsured or unable to obtain insurance.They (the insurance companies)would participate in the state pool based on their annual earned premium for any property and casualty income which they derive from the state of Florida each year.

Posted by  Gloria Morrongiello, Trinity Fla. on 07/24  at  07:57 PM

Florida has been a dream for my husband and I for so many years,now it is a nightmare.How in heavens name do these insurance companies expect people to pay these outrageous prices.
We never made a claim on our home so now we are being penalized because of the hurricanes.We want(need) to sell but how can we with the insurance skyhigh.
michael J Reddington made a good point,EITHER YOU WRITE IT ALL OR YOU DON"T WRITE ANYTHING AND YOU WON"T GOUGE THE PUBLIC EITHER.When hurricane Katrina did it’s deed last year we gave a nice donation to help out citizens of the United States,now we need the help too.Why don’t every state pay for the hurricane disasters,a little bit from everyone will be fair.Our insurance went up a little over 300% we were paying 1,400
a year,now it went up to 5,000,State Farm wants 5,900.Something needs to be done and it needs to be done now.

Posted by  John J McElhare, North Port, Fl 34286 on 07/24  at  06:48 PM

I propose we start a non-profit insurance co.,for each county in Florida. So when one or two counties get hit by a hurricane, it doesn’t affect everyone’s insurance, only the counties that are hit by the hurricane. Each county would be independantly covered.
Where as if your county doesn’t get hit that year, the next year your rate decreases by 5% every year your county is not hit.
By non-profit insurance companies no one profits except for the insured costomer. If they are hit, they are paid.
All money paid will stay in that county and collect interest. Unlike now were insurance companies take 90% of the customers’ money, and keep it to get re-insurance for 10% of what you pay.
That is what is causing the problem, we are being insured on 10 cents of every dollar of insurance, or less. This is a great idea, and needs to be started now!
Thank you for reading the answer to our problem with insurance companies.
Sincerely, John McElhare

Posted by  Anthony Wildish, St. Pete Beach on 07/24  at  06:37 PM

The major problem is that any increase in rates affects both those who have made claims and those who have not.
To overcome this I suggest a no-claim bonus be iniated. Each year without a claim earns a 10% no-claim bonus up through the 5th year when a maximum 50% no-claim bonus be allowed. The bonus reverts to zero when a claim is made.
This can be put into action now.
I suggest that the Insurance Companies be allowed to increase their rates by 50%. At the same time they will activate the no-claim bonus. For those without a claim in the last 5 years an 50% bonus, 4 years 40% and so on until those with a claim in the last year would not get any no-claim bonus.
This , I feel, would solve th the main problems. Thos not having a claim in the last 5 years would continue paying thir current rate while those with claims would be paying more thus helping the Insurance Companies.
Yours sincerely,
Anthony Wildish

Posted by  Aaron Prost, Venice, Florida on 07/24  at  06:08 PM

I feel that if a insurance company can sell homeowners insurance in other states and only picks and choose what they want to sell here in Florida (auto, etc.) that that insurance company SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO SELL insurance in Florida, period.

Posted by  John J, North West Florida on 07/22  at  08:51 PM

I just want everyone to know that the increase has caused me health problems.  I like everyone else has seen houses go on the market.  Our market has a glut of homes for sale.  I have talk to a banker who told me of several deals that fell through due to lack of reasonable insurance.  Look whether or not the insurance makes a profit, who cares.  Like health insurance, I guess now house insurance is a priviledge too.  Yea, I am a “demi.”

Posted by  Raymond Snow, 11642 Holly Ann Dr. New Port Richey 34654 on 07/21  at  05:45 PM

We pay home owners insurance in advance not in arears. So when you pay your insurance on a specific date for a term of one year and your insurer drops you prior to the end of the policy term and you have not made a claim, you shoud receive a full rebate pro rated for the time the policy was in effect.

Posted by  Geraldine R. Bennett, Mulberry FL 33860 on 07/21  at  05:40 PM

I moved to Fl. in 1965. Have worked hard raised my daughter to work, and never ask for help,If one could work and help themselves.I am retired now. and had hoped to live the last few years in peace, In a state I have loved and been proud of. I at the age of 73 years of age have to sell my home and leave this state. Because of insurence . I couldnever sleep without it. Now I have to make up my mind. food. med.s or insurence.I can not pay more than I have already for homeinsurence.I will be packing what I can and go to a state that dont kick the working and retired people down. May God have murcy on the world if the Bushes remain in power.

Posted by  Dale Piskie, Tarpon Springs, Florida on 07/21  at  03:15 PM

To Patricia in Bradenton

I was glad to hear you are getting responses from our representataives.
I am going to be sending out something again this weekend to all of them.
The petitions are coming in to me every day.

I think Mr Shroeder needs to take a brake I for one am tired of his empty
comments.

Posted by  Tracy Lyons, Lutz, FL on 07/21  at  03:08 PM

The insurance companies are not just driving us out of our homes but the state too! Florida will soon be for the rich only and a place to visit.

Posted by  Patricia A. Giantomenico, Bradenton on 07/21  at  10:50 AM

Mr. Schroder, I am NOT pushing ANYONE to do ANYTHING with regards to signing a petition or contacting ANYONE regarding their personal financial burden with the insurance premiums. 

I posted websites only for informational purposes so people have quick access to email or physical addresses.

I have shared personal responses from both Democrates and Republican parties as I sent out emails to ever single Representative, Senator and so on.  I did not go to one particular party NOR have I ever for their support, I went to every party to HELP all of us, including you.

I have not lied about one single thing I have posted.  I only share what I personally receive either my email regular mail, personal phone call and what is in the newspaper. 

Feel free to POINT out what I lied about! 

Although I was going to stop responding to your ridulous postings, I will continue to debate you HERE because TBO is not doing a thing to stop you.

Posted by  Mr. Chuck Schroeder, St Petersburg on 07/21  at  10:30 AM

Posted by Terri Lynn Creely, Trinity, Florida on 07/21 at 08:03 AM ‘ “you thought that TBO wanted our stories and that perhaphs this issues would be aired...however that doen`t seem to be happening either. So why did they want us to do this?.” IT WAS TO TRY to force a “special session” and a breaking news story on it. The dem’s bought it hook, line and sinker. That’s not gonna happen. THEY LOST AGAIN. “The governor has no plans to call a special session regarding insurance.” Not before a MAJOR election time in less than 3 months.

Posted by  Mr. Chuck Schroeder, St Petersburg on 07/21  at  10:21 AM

"This website was paid for by the Florida Democratic Party, 214 South Bronough Street,Tallahassee, FL 32301, Phone: (850)222-3411” - you keep pushing on everyone to “sign their PETITION” garbage Posted by Patricia A. Giantomenico, Bradenton - THEY STEAL EVERYONES ID and email addie’s there to use. THIS IS TELLING THE TRUTH. Plus I have integrity and character, do you in your lies?. (that’s the mentality of a democrap that has no real ideas nor a solution to anything, that’s why they get “NOTHING” done for you.) And as Jeb Bush said again, “Kristy Campbell, spokeswoman for Gov. Jeb Bush’s office, said that “the governor has no plans to call a special session regarding insurance.” NOT 3 months BEFORE a MAJOR ELECTION.

Posted by  Mr. Chuck Schroeder, St Petersburg on 07/21  at  10:10 AM

Homes are going into foreclosure because people took out huge equity loans, when there homes was over inflated in price, one part was due in 3 to 5 years, they only paid on the interest only, now it’s due in lump sum, they don’t have it.  Along with all their other payments either. So they put it on the block to sell. But no one wants to but a home that was $46 k and pay over $300 k for it these days, so they loose it. If the truth hurts “TO BAD”.  My home’s paid off - is yours ?. Thought not.

Posted by  Mr. Chuck Schroeder, St Petersburg on 07/20  at  10:40 PM

WHY IS OUR PROPERTY TAXES GOING UP?

James Levin, A Prominent Fundraiser For Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) Was Indicted On One Count Of Wire Fraud For “[A] Scheme Involving Bribes In Exchange For Millions Of Dollars Worth Of School Contracts ...” (Natasha Korecki, “Ex-CPS Official Indicted For Bribery,” Chicago Sun-Times, 7/13/06)

And I bet you has front roe seats at Bill Clinton’s fund raiser in Orlando a few weeks back to hey ?. What did that cost you Patricia A. Giantomenico, Bradenton the bleeding heart liberal?.

Posted by  Mr. Chuck Schroeder, St Petersburg on 07/20  at  10:25 PM

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is the state-sponsored insurer of last resort for those policyholders who can’t find coverage in the voluntarily market. Charlie Crist has now raised $10.6 million for his “ fundraising” to air TV “sound bites only” the state’s major markets.  Why did “HE” not try to stop all of this boosting property insurance rates more than 52.7 percent every time State Farm and other’s demand more higher premiums from “OUR” state’s top insurance regulator Kevin McCarty, and tell these companies “this issue involves family finances,” but as we all know, he’s not for “The Family” and is to busy spending MONEY to tell it like it really is.  But we all know Gallagher is. So Tom, GIT-R-DONE!

PS “the governor has no plans to call a special session regarding insurance.”

Posted by  Mr. Chuck Schroeder, St Petersburg on 07/20  at  10:20 PM

It’s moot, null and void, that State Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, crafted his own letter to the governor, House speaker and Senate president, imploring them to schedule a special session to discuss the dilemma. It’s just going through the motions.  NO ONE would call for a special session 3 months before a MAJOR election, use come common sense. And as Jeb Bush said again, “Kristy Campbell, spokeswoman for Gov. Jeb Bush’s office, said that “the governor has no plans to call a special session regarding insurance.” Now would you democrat’s like some cheese with your whines ?.

Posted by  Patricia A. Giantomenico, Bradenton on 07/20  at  07:07 PM

I received a personal phone call from the assistant to my state Representative regarding the email I sent to ALL the Representatives on 7/10/06.  This representative is calling for a special session regarding the insurance crisis. 

Article in the Bradenton Herald http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/news/local/15082979.htm

I also received an email from another representative today and if anyone is interested in reading it, contact me at

They are reading our emails so please keep the pressure up.  Get your rate increase letters out to the Representatives, Senators, Governor etc.  Inundate them with paperwork.  This site has a lot of addresses http://www.stormingmad.com/action.html

Thank you.  Patty

Posted by  Kathleen Foster, St. Petersburg on 07/20  at  04:45 PM

Someone better step in because the poor and working class can no longer carry the rich homeowner’s on our already overburdened wallets.  What will they do with all the foreclosed on homes when we all have to leave because we can no longer afford to pay our premium’s or mortgage or any other bills we all have.  Our paycheck’s do not go up with every rate increase, and if we could be absolutely certain that claims would be met with payment in a timely fashion it might matter, but that is not the case. If you want to live on the beach than you pay for it, because I never get to see the view.

Posted by  JIM ADKINS, Lakeland , Florida on 07/20  at  01:58 PM

I just recieved my policy renewal for my homeowners insurance.
It has increased 72%.
I have been paying premiums for 25 years and have never filed a claim.
3 major hurricanes came thru our county two years ago and i didnt file a claim.
What happened to all of the profits that they recieved from us over the years. We cant help it if they mis-managed their money.
I have to stop some of my 401K contributions to make up for the loss.
Sooner or later ,this problem wiil affect our economy and then maybe someone will take notice.

Posted by  Terri Lynn Creely, Trinity, Florida on 07/20  at  08:01 AM

According to a local rep have to leave out who what and where but, I was told that the state can not do anything about the insurances criss. Amazing don`t you think? Here we go again.....all the government is concerned with is stem cell,same sex marriage. Don`t you think it`s funny how they intervene when there are catastrophic events outside the USA? Maybe the money they find to help can be used to help people in Florida making insurance more affordable! I`m not trying to be insensitive for others it`s just reality.