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Today's Letters: Insurance law needs changing

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published April 9, 2007

In the summer of 2006, I was advised by Allstate that it would not renew my homeowners policy. Royal Palm Insurance Co. was suggested.

In November 2006, I was in touch with Royal Palm's agent. He drafted a new home policy.

The premiums and the deductible were more than double what I paid Allstate. However, I agreed on the terms of the new policy. Within a week, I received the policy and invoice for the premiums, which I paid in full the first week of December. I thought that my property insurance was now signed, sealed and delivered for one year. Not so.

The end of February 2007, I received another policy declaration and invoice in the mail. The numbers on it were different from the original declaration.

The premiums were increased by $500 and the deductible was increased by $2,000. Royal Palm said my home is valued $30,000 more than it was in November.

I understand that some insurers have underwriters inspect and review properties after the policy is signed, sealed and delivered. In most states, this is illegal. I also understand that most insurance companies have underwriters inspect properties before the policy is issued, not after.

In my opinion the reason these insurers have underwriters inspect and review properties after the policy has been signed, sealed and delivered is they are afraid that the customer would walk away when they hear the true cost of the policy.

Have no fear. It seems that our lawmakers gave the insurance companies another loophole to rip off the property owner.

It seems that an insurer has 90 days after a policy is issued to have the property inspected and reviewed by an underwriter, according to a law Florida has on the books. In my opinion, this law should be repealed.

I have a word for all future property insurance buyers: Be on guard, ask questions and don't forget an agent is a salesman. Frank DeAngelo, Hudson

State lawmakers on wrong path

I just received my auto insurance renewal from GMAC and was surprised at the rate increase. After speaking with the GMAC customer service office, I was told that it was due to a rate increase authorized by the state last November. And, in addition, my mother just received her homeowners insurance renewal and instead of the 17 percent reduction in rate that our state representatives have been telling us about, her rate increased $700.

What are they doing in Tallahassee to address the insurance crisis and the tax burden that all of us are feeling? Instead of working on those two major issues, I see stories about useless, inconsequential legislation regulating the number of people who can be in a teen driver's car, obtaining DNA samples of aborted fetuses to pursue child abuse action and the list goes on.

I guess the legislators of the Florida are above what happened to many U.S. congressmen and senators in the last election. It's time they wake up and listen to the people they represent. Tim Everett, Port Richey

Family grateful for Habitat's work

On March 31, an event took place that will forever change the lives of my children and me. We received the keys to our own home through East Pasco Habitat for Humanity. In this time of Easter, when we talk about new beginnings and new life, it is completely appropriate that we are able to celebrate this holiday in our new home.

There are too many individuals to thank personally, and I would hate to leave anyone out. First and foremost, my sons and I would like to thank the staff members of East Pasco Habitat for Humanity. Without their vision, we would have not achieved our dream of home ownership. The countless hours they work raising funds and awareness of the need for affordable housing in our area is overwhelming. Everyone I have encountered through Habitat for Humanity genuinely cares about those in need. This is a first-class organization, with a staff to match. I need to thank the numerous volunteers. I am in a state of admiration and absolute awe of the sacrifices these people have made for my family.

The Care-A-Vanners are simply wonderful. They travel around building houses for other families like ours. They don't do this for money or fame. It is simply out of love and their desire to help others.

I would also like to thank the community members who have helped us, including various businesses. I have learned how blessed we are. We have a wonderful support system and people who care about us.

I encourage others to donate to East Pasco Habitat for Humanity. The need for quality, affordable housing in this area far exceeds the resources of one organization. However, if other organizations and individuals came together and worked together, miracles could happen. Other families could experience the joy we have. It is an amazing feeling. Jenny Timms, Dade City

[Last modified April 9, 2007, 08:07:15]