Posted On: January 18, 2007, 3:46 pm CST

Posted By: Tom

Perplexed, I understand by the comments that everyone is at a loss and we are all average consumers in Florida. I can only afford one home. However, when irresponsible legislation comes down that can cause further problems, how is that going to help the situation.
The reality is we live in a weather sensitive state. We dodged severe weather conditions for over 40 years, then reality set in. $1,000, $2,000, $3,000 a year homeowners premium for $200,000 of coverage is a lot. But when we cannot get insurance of any kind due to bad legislation, then faced with Forced Placed insurance by our mortgage companies which is double the price, who bails us out then. This society, while having some wealth, has become so litigous that reinsurers are panicing. We should not demand that we turn over our insurance concerns to the government. We are lucky with low taxes in FL, but if the government underfunds Citizens, then has the ability to assess the consumer like they have done this past year to our business and homeowners insurance, we should be outraged. Why not let the private carriers underwrite and insure the high risk areas; spread the 1,300,000 Citizen policyholders among the private carriers create competition and let the insurance companies do what they do best. Right now insurance companies are limiting their exposure, thereby increasing rates, while an underfunded inadequate Citizens becomes the number 1 insurer in the State of Florida.
As for the Federal Government stepping in, I wouldn't trust the democratic majority taking over our insurance issues here or anywhere in the country. They spend like drunken sailors in Washington, because when they have an extra 10cents they will spend 20 cents. So I too am Perplexed???