Florida's insurance consumers face new risks from our homeowner-insurance system — some are well known, and some most people haven't heard about. Our insurance companies, including Citizens, are supposed to remain solvent even when a big storm hits. For storms of a certain size, or multiple storms, the state Catastrophe Fund also kicks in, and uses funds it has built up in years with no storms. If there isn't enough to fund their obligations, the state would try to borrow enough to cover claims on both Citizens and the Cat Fund, backed by their ability to make assessments on most insurance policies statewide. Because of the new economic world, that may no longer be possible, possibly leaving many homeowners stranded.
We have to fix this problem. House Bill 833, sponsored by state Rep. Bill Hager, R-Boca Raton, and Senate Bill 1372, sponsored by state Sen. J.D. Alexander, R-Lake Wales, will diminish these risks, while keeping the cost to ratepayers reasonable. Based on a proposal from Cat Fund Chief Operating Officer Jack Nicholson, the Florida Consumer Action Network believes these consumer-friendly bills are a necessary step and we support the bills as long as the cost to homeowners remains low.
The Cat Fund recently announced it faces a shortfall of $3.2 billion — or more. If the Cat Fund is unable to borrow sufficient funds to pay its obligations in full after the next big hurricane, the consequences for families and businesses statewide would be devastating. Even if the Cat Fund succeeds in borrowing enough to pay claims on a smaller storm, Floridians statewide will be required to pay assessments on their homeowner, renter and automobile policies for years to come, as we are now paying for the storms of 2005. There's a better way to handle it.
Spreading Florida's hurricane risk beyond our state's borders through private reinsurance is a step we must take. Florida cannot take on all the risk itself, and needs to "spread the risk" and take advantage of international financial resources. Florida should not put its residents in financial peril because a program that is in trouble because of the economy. Instead, we should rely on an industry that is willing and able to financially handle storm risk. The Cat Fund's protection is dangerously limited, so putting Florida on more sustainable, financial footing should be the top priority of all our elected officials.

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Homeowners Choice, Inc. is a Florida-based insurance holding company headquartered in Tampa. Through its subsidiary corporations, Homeowners Choice provides property and casualty homeowners' insurance, condominium owners' insurance and tenants'
Owning a home in Florida is a big deal today as the price of real estate is increasing everyday. But it is more challenging to keep the home safe and insured from the worst calamities and problems at the best possible rates for insurance. Homeowners insurance floridaHomeowners insurance Florida is a must have for all the homeowners here for the simple reason that this place is prone to natural calamities. When thinking of Florida homeowner’s insurance there are major three things which should be taken into consideration.
1. Rates of insurance: This is one of the major factors while deciding on the insurance company. Florida is located in a place which is surrounded by water from three of its sides and it is prone to natural calamities as the houses are located near the beaches. So the rates tend to be quite high. There are many outlets that sell insurance. That's why Florida residents can get a free or low cost quote to find the best outlets that offer the best rate. Most homeowners research for the best company to choose before contacting an insurance agent. It's an important aspect of every person living in Florida to choose the homeowners insurance that will take care of their home no matter what. When looking for homeowners insurance in Florida, there are a number of options to choose from. First time home-buyers may have a difficult time deciding and knowing which company to use for home insurance. They may also have a difficult time knowing what type of insurance to use for their home. Some types of home insurance are listed along with some tips to help decide what insurance company should be used. In etcsuchIn such a scenario, finding a competitive rate is not quite easy. It is the first requirement to look for.
2. Coverage: The coverage amount needs to be high and you need to go through the clauses before signing the agreement. Some companies will tell you that the rates are good and they cover all sorts of problem such as fire, theft, flood etc. but when you actually go tofile claims, claim you will find that there was a clause that binds you from getting the required money. You need to be totally sure of the clause before taking such insurance.