SOUTH FLORIDA SUN SENTINEL | DEC 16, 2021 AT 7:00 AM
I’m writing regarding Ron Hurtibise’s article on Florida’s homeowners insurance premiums. After 18 months of continuous analysis on the Florida insurance market, I can reinforce that 2022 to 2024 will bring additional rate increases — some as high as 60%. Furthermore, availability and reliability of insurance will deteriorate. Readers must be prepared to pay more and face non-renewal if their insurer becomes insolvent.
You’ve heard the expression, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” In the context of homeowners insurance in Florida, the harm comes from plaintiffs’ attorneys and contractors. Using sophisticated means to take money from residents, this network manufactures property claim lawsuits, and the good men and women doing nothing are legislators.
Insurance Consumer Advocate Tasha Carter, Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier, president Catherine Lawler of Crowley Insurance Services and Citizens Property Insurance CEO Barry Gilway described this litigation network to lawmakers and the damage to Floridians. Each expert proposed solutions, which fell on deaf ears. I urge readers to contact legislators with a message: Campaign donations are not forthcoming, but that money will instead pay for insurance rate increases or higher rents that will result.
Guy Fraker, Summerland Key