By NANCY KLINGENER For decades, height limits have been a third rail in development discussions in the Florida Keys — nobody wanted to go near them. But more frequent flooding, the prospect of sea level rise and higher insurance rates are all leading to one conclusion in the low-lying island chain — build up. Key West…
Tampa Bay Times, John Romano You do everything the right way. You buy flood insurance, even though you have no lender demanding it. You surround your doors with sandbags for the approaching storm. You evacuate just as local officials ask, even though you are hesitant to abandon the house you bought less than a year…
February is Hit-And-Run Awareness Month! ORLANDO, Fla. – Every February, Florida Highway Patrol shines a spotlight on the problem of hit-and-run accidents. Hit-and-runs are a big problem statewide, and FHP is using this month to bring awareness and educate drivers. “We have seen a dramatic increase in hit-and-runs here in the Central Florida area, especially…
The exclusive and free online guide from the Palm Beach Post offers multiple financial safety ratings on more than 100 companies operating in the state, along with data crunched by the newspaper to show which insurers generate the most complaints. The guide also provides company contact information to help homeowners shop around. Continue to Property Insurance…
The Today Show In June 2013, TODAY national investigative correspondent Jeff Rossen reported on a wave of auto thefts involving a high-tech gadget giving criminals full access to your car. Police were stumped. But now officials say they may have solved the mystery. “It certainly could be a factor in some of the increase in…
St Augustine Record – Sheldon Garner As people work to return to their homes impacted by Hurricane Matthew, some might end up being charged more than they should for repair work or running into other problems. With pressures surrounding rebuilding and being displaced after a storm, it becomes common to hear stories of homeowners who…
Citizen Property Insurance is in a crisis. And it has nothing to do with the usual suspects troubling the state-run homeowners insurance company: sinkholes or hurricanes. You can’t even blame Hurricane Matthew for this. Read Full Article
Florida’s Consumer Protection Coalition offers the following suggestions for what to do if your property has suffered hurricane damage: If your home or apartment suffers damage from Hurricane Matthew, contact your insurance agent or your insurance company first and as soon as possible. They are in the best position to assist you quickly. Do not…
Hurricane Matthew could be the first major test of claims-handling capabilities by numerous young insurance companies created since the 2004-05 run of hurricanes that ended with Wilma. And with Matthew’s path still uncertain but looking likely to impact the state, insurers are urging policyholders to protect themselves and their properties while assuring they stand ready…
October 4, 2016 Samantha Sexton – VP Legislative and Regulatory Affairs – Personal Insurance Federation of Florida With life-threatening rains expected to saturate Florida’s east coast, the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida urges consumers to brace for Hurricane Matthew’s approach. By preparing for the worst circumstances, homeowners can increase their odds of not only protecting…