Let's hope the hurricane season misses the mark the way the politicians did over the last two weeks in Tallahassee. If not, the citizens of Florida will pay dearly for a long time.
What should have happened didn't. Insurance companies can cancel anyone at anytime for any reason. NO! Consider insurance company profits and not just their Florida subsidiaries. NO! Open up Citizens to sell every kind of insurance - auto, life, etc. NO!
What did happen doesn't mean a hell of a lot. Insurers must deny or pay claims within 90 days. What do you think is more profitable to insurance companies? DENY! Policyholders will be allowed to pay their premiums on a quarterly billing schedule. I have lived in Florida for over 30 years and I have always paid my homeowners insurance in that manner. What's the big deal? Delayed a rate hike by Citizens. This was accomplished before the special session. There were other provisions passed that are too frivolous to mention. All insurance companies can now buy reinsurance at a discounted rate from the state. If a hurricane hits, you know who pays - you and me - for a long, long, long time.
Here's the big problem. The politicians let us down once again because of the insurance lobby and a full-time state economy run by part-time politicians.
Ric Cornelius is the Broker/Manager of Sand Key Realty Sales and Rentals, Inc. Sand Key Realty has three offices with 40 agents. One office is at 740 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-443-0032; the second office is at 2701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727-595-5441; and the third office is at 309 Belleview Blvd., Belleair, 727-461-4200.