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A way to resolve insurance crisis

I can't figure out why a relatively logical solution to the cries of pain about high homeowners insurance costs cannot be resolved though the use of a "Chinese menu" of homeowners' choices of budgeted selections.

What I advocate ought to have some chance of acceptance ( if not complete joy) by both the insurance providers and homeowners. All it requires is a bit of thought and evaluation on the part of both.

Here's how it could work: The big problem is hurricanes, and hurricanes cause basically, five kinds of damage: Wind damage to shingles and peripherals, trees falling onto structures, flooding, sinkholes and catastrophic destruction.

My "Chinese menu" solution consists not only of selecting among those categories of damage, but also including a percentage of insurance to apply to each homeowner's coverage.

Each of the preceding categories could carry various levels of coverage, such as zero percent, 25 percent, 50 percent, etc., as selected by the insurer. Homeowners could select from what is offered. Those who have no fear of sinkholes might choose zero percent coverage for this category, with the other categories' percentages chosen via personal fear or of confidence.

I can foresee two things in such a plan:

First, some homeowners might attempt to finagle the system. Second, the insurance companies will face a need to verify the details of the applicants' applications.

I really don't think this is unsolvable. The insurance companies might have to inspect the homeowners' premises as a condition of the acceptance of the policy.

A fee for such an inspection would be in order.

How can a homeowner object to a system that gives him the freedom to select only those risks he personally chooses at a rate of recompense that he also chooses?

How can an insurer object to having the ability to prescribe the rates at which it will pay for its own actuarially calculated obligations?

Robert W. Bryson , Spring Hill

Undercover may be chief's forte

Re: In regard to Chief Ed Tincher being approached by a streetwalker, we could have used him on the NYPD in the '60s and '70s to clean up Times Square.

The department was always looking for quiet, unassuming "Average Joe- looking officers for that job. Perhaps he is wasting his time as police chief, sitting at a desk figuring out statistics and logistics. If he was able to fool a savvy (alleged) lady of the evening so easily, he could better serve the community in a full-time "undercover" position (no pun intended.)

Gene Huber, Spring Hill

Hickory Hill is a win-win project

In regards to the growth and development of the county, positive generation of tax dollars is a benefit to the community.

The proposed Hickory Hill subdivision will bring in tax dollars that will aid with county services.

As well as providing an economic benefit, the proposed design of the community will further enhance the aesthetic landscape of the county.

I support the Hickory Hill Project and would request you do also.

Shaun Andrew, Brooksville

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[Last modified December 11, 2006, 06:51:44]