Michael Letcher

How Smart Consumers Respond to Florida Home Insurance Cancellations

There is nothing new about Florida home insurance cancellations which have been going on since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. But now a new wave of policy cancellations threatens Florida homeowners. Here's what you can do if you are cancelled by your Florida home insurance company.

Just when you thought you were safe from Florida home insurance cancellations, new threats to your Florida home insurance coverage are appearing on the horizon.  And these cancellations are happening when Florida home insurance rates are preparing to rise even as we continue to experience a recession.

For starters Florida's largest private home insurance company continues to discuss the terms of its exit from the state.  If that company leaves as planned, over 700,000 Florida home insurance policies will be cancelled.

Some of the newest Florida home insurance companies are cancelling policies in selective zip codes to balance out their risk or to comply with their reinsurance requirements.

More than a few homeowners insurance companies in Florida are moving forward with aggressive home inspection plans.  If those inspections discover risks the companies were not aware of, your Florida home insurance policy could be cancelled.  That could include anything from a home in poor condition to one that is missing hurricane shutters.

Finally, Florida home insurance rates are starting to increase again - for most those increases will be in the double digit range.

If your Florida home insurance policy is cancelled here is what you can do to find new coverage.

For starters, don't panic.  Florida law requires insurance companies to give you proper notice before cancelling your policy.  That will give you adequate time to find new coverage before the 2010 Florida hurricane season.

Talk to at least five different independent Florida homeowners insurance agents about your situation.  That will ensure that you'll be able to reach most of the Florida home insurance companies still writing new business.  While your current Florida home insurance agent can present you with some alternatives, chances are that you won't be presented with all the companies capable of covering your home.

Look for Florida home insurance companies that have shown a willingness to cover older Florida homes.  Some companies will not deny your home coverage due to its age if the major systems in your home have been updated.

Ask each Florida homeowners insurance agent to provide you with companies that are interested in covering homes in coastal counties and those near the coastline.  Again some companies will cover your home near the coast if it satisfies their tidal water setback requirements and it has hurricane shutters.

Obtain a Florida home insurance quote from as many companies that want to cover your home as possible, and be sure that each quote contains the same coverage.

Find out how long each company has been selling Florida home insurance.

Check out each company's customer service record and complaint history.

Ask your agent about the company's risk diversification across Florida and in other states as well.  What you are looking for are companies that have spread their risk across a significant number of Florida counties and into other states.

Investigate the financial ratings of each company and determine the amount of surplus the company has accumulated to pay claims.  If you are considering two different companies that have the same financial rating, select the company that has a larger surplus and more risk diversification.

While it can be a shock to lose your Florida home insurance policy, don't lose your cool.  Work with multiple independent agents and don't be afraid to ask all the tough questions above.  This will give you the best chance of finding a new Florida home insurance company if your policy is cancelled.

Article Tags: Florida Home Insurance, Home Insurance Companies, Florida Home, Home Insurance, Insurance Companies, Homeowners Insurance

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