This is really bizarre, because I received a refund in a rather substantial amount as a result of the rollback. I was quite pleased. Of course, also horrified at what the increase was in the previous year. In Florida, everyone shares a bit in the pain of the coastal customers (of which Conch Out is one). But generally, people should be faring better now.
Lots of people have had their coverage cancelled for several reasons. First, many houses that were built prior to 1950 are not constructed to code. If you're cancelled for this reason, you can have an inspection and then rectify your problems and usually get reinstated (albeit at a higher rate). Second, the insurance carriers are jettisoning lower value customers in favor of the higher priced homes. It just happens that many of those are within coastal areas, which is a little backa--wards, but tells you these companies are thinking short-term. It is the job of the Legislature in FL to make sure that companies are not allowed to "cherry pick" their customers. They're in business to stay in business, but they also have an obligation to provide the coverage they advertise in their market areas. Unfortunately, the insurance business has become a real racket, I think. Consider...they skyrocketed rates in 2006 under the assumption that record storms were forecast for later that year, even advertised as such. When the storms didn't happen AT ALL that year (not so much as a tropical storm), they didn't reduce insurance rates accordingly. No, siree! They tried to raise them another 55 percent, at the same time reporting record profits in the company's history! Outrage.
I hate to diss on the Web site, but I found State Farm Insurance to be the biggest pain in the world when I held policies with them in the past. They are famous for the big gauge, it seems. Frankly, I willing to beg $$ that you can do much better than that company. And they are also famous for being quite difficult with claims. After Ivan, my claim was settled quickly and for the amount of the claim. In fact, I had a check in hand before the VISA bill arrived with the cleanup charges! (Not with State Farm, mind you. Had a minor auto claim once and the agent tried to talk me out of filing it, even though it was a brand new car.) Good luck.
Lots of people have had their coverage cancelled for several reasons. First, many houses that were built prior to 1950 are not constructed to code. If you're cancelled for this reason, you can have an inspection and then rectify your problems and usually get reinstated (albeit at a higher rate). Second, the insurance carriers are jettisoning lower value customers in favor of the higher priced homes. It just happens that many of those are within coastal areas, which is a little backa--wards, but tells you these companies are thinking short-term. It is the job of the Legislature in FL to make sure that companies are not allowed to "cherry pick" their customers. They're in business to stay in business, but they also have an obligation to provide the coverage they advertise in their market areas. Unfortunately, the insurance business has become a real racket, I think. Consider...they skyrocketed rates in 2006 under the assumption that record storms were forecast for later that year, even advertised as such. When the storms didn't happen AT ALL that year (not so much as a tropical storm), they didn't reduce insurance rates accordingly. No, siree! They tried to raise them another 55 percent, at the same time reporting record profits in the company's history! Outrage.
I hate to diss on the Web site, but I found State Farm Insurance to be the biggest pain in the world when I held policies with them in the past. They are famous for the big gauge, it seems. Frankly, I willing to beg $$ that you can do much better than that company. And they are also famous for being quite difficult with claims. After Ivan, my claim was settled quickly and for the amount of the claim. In fact, I had a check in hand before the VISA bill arrived with the cleanup charges! (Not with State Farm, mind you. Had a minor auto claim once and the agent tried to talk me out of filing it, even though it was a brand new car.) Good luck.
