Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/29/2013 -- A new study shows South Floridians are among the least able to afford a new car and auto insurance.

According to the study, which analyzed the cost of buying and insuring a new car along with median income, the South Florida metropolitan area ranked second to last in new-car affordability.

"A new car is not the most affordable option for every family," said a representative of FloridaInsurance.com, a Florida auto insurance agency. "Many people find that a better option is to purchase a lightly-used car while maintaining a comprehensive insurance policy to protect what you have."

The average cost of a new car has risen to a record high of $31,228, according to a March report by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. That translates to a monthly payment of about $600 with financing. Some of the increase is due to more pricey electronic options being made available. There are also fewer cash rebates available.

Auto insurance costs in Florida are the 10th-highest in the country, which also increases the cost of owning an automobile. Whether personal injury protection (PIP) costs will go down in the future remains to be seen.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, median household income for Miami-Dade has fallen to $40,552 for 2011, with a median of $48,880 in Broward and $48,953 in Palm Beach County.

Experts say that South Florida median-income households should plan to spend a maximum of about $15,000 on a vehicle, make a down payment of at least 20 percent and try to take out a loan for a term of not more than four years.

"Automobile costs are one part of the household budget that people actually have a good deal of control over," said a FloridaInsurance.com representative. "Consumers should choose a vehicle that is affordable for them and that they can keep well-insured."

Of the 25 largest metropolitan areas in the country, only median-income households in Washington, D.C. can afford to purchase the average new car. Those in areas like New York, San Francisco and Boston did not fall as short as South Floridians, but they were still not able to afford the average new vehicle.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

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Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/16/2013 -- Property insurers must offer sinkhole coverage, a Florida court has ruled.

The Florida First District Court of Appeal upheld a decision by the state Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) that requires property insurers to offer sinkhole coverage up to the full coverage limit for the dwelling.

"Sinkhole coverage is increasingly important in Florida, and this decision requiring sinkhole coverage is good news," said a representative of FloridaInsurance.com, a Florida home insurance agency.

Farm Bureau had asked for approval from state regulators for a change in its endorsement form that would restrict sinkhole coverage to one quarter of the total coverage. The OIR declined to approve the change, and Farm Bureau took the matter to the state courts.

According to the court, the sinkhole coverage amount should be the same as the total coverage provided by the policy. In addition to optional coverage for sinkholes, property insurers in Florida are required to provide insurance for catastrophic ground cover collapse.

The relevant rules for property insurance are set down in Florida Statute 627.706. However, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection, sinkhole coverage may be denied if a sinkhole has been reported in the "area" near the property the owner wishes to insure. The definition of "area" in this context remains nebulous, and may only be resolved by more specific legislation or by the courts.

One problem with the current rules is that homeowners may avoid having minor sinkhole damage repaired, for fear of losing their coverage. State Rep. Mike Fasano has stated that it should be illegal for an insurance company to drop a homeowner's policy for that reason.

Others have said that the definition of sinkhole damage is too vague, and that when homeowners make a claim because of minor cracks in driveways or patios, insurance rates go up. Between 2007 and 2011, sinkhole claims nearly tripled, but a bill passed in 2011 tightened loopholes on such claims.

A Seffner, Florida man died recently when a sinkhole opened up under his home. Officials called off a search for the man because it was too dangerous, and the house was ordered to be demolished where it stood. Days later, another large sinkhole opened up outside of Tampa.

While such large sinkholes are relatively rare, the entire state is particularly prone to the phenomenon, due to its geological makeup. Sinkholes can occur suddenly or gradually, and they can be large or small. Only Florida and Tennessee require insurance companies to offer sinkhole coverage.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

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Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/26/2013 -- As insurance industry leaders prepare for the upcoming state legislative session, they are faced with a seeming contradiction: even though Florida has not been struck by a hurricane in the past six years, property insurance rates have continued to increase.

"There are a number of factors that may cause property insurance rates to increase," said a representative of FloridaInsurance.com. "However, well-informed consumers will still be able to find good deals on homeowner's insurance."

Lynne McChristian, a representative of the Insurance Information Institute, said that insurance rates were increasing because of the increase in non-catastrophe losses. Even with no hurricanes, property insurance claims in the state have gone up by 17 percent per year for the past five years. This includes rising sinkhole claims and water losses, which are a frequent claim with older homes.

According to McChristian, the increase in rates is also due to the rising cost of construction materials, which makes rebuilding more expensive. She said that the price of homeowner's insurance compared to coverage is actually lower than in 2005.

McChristian also spoke out against Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, the state-run "insurer of last resort," which covers homeowners who cannot get property insurance elsewhere. She said that Citizens can charge all Florida policyholders through assessments on their insurance bills, and that many people are unaware of this because they do not read or do not understand their insurance policies. According to McChristian, this means people are paying an assessment and not receiving coverage for it.

By some measures, Citizens is one of the largest insurers in the United States, but all of its risk is concentrated in the state of Florida. The Florida Insurance Council wants the state legislature to raise Citizens' rates and lower its overall risk.

Citizens was created from two other entities in 2002 to provide general property insurance and hurricane coverage for homeowners who could not otherwise obtain it. It is the largest insurer in the state, with $2.8 billion in revenue. Barry Gilway is the President and CEO.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/14/2013 -- The Florida state legislature has introduced bills that would shrink the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (Cat Fund) and would likely increase home insurance premiums. The bills would reduce the Cat Fund over three years, from $17 billion to $14 billion, but would probably raise homeowners' bills by an estimated 3.6 percent.

"This is a factor that could lead to increases in home insurance premiums," said a representative of FloridaInsurance.com, a Florida home insurance agency. "However, careful consumers will always be able to find affordable policies."

House Bill 1107 to shrink the Cat Fund was introduced by state Rep. Bill Hager, Republican of Boca Raton. Sen. Alan Hays, Republican of Umatilla, introduced a similar bill, 1262, in the Senate.

If a bill passes, it would likely result in more business for private reinsurers, foreign companies with unregulated rates that can run more than twice the cost of the Cat Fund.

Supporters of the bill claim that a smaller Cat Fund would make it easier to find financing after catastrophes and make it more likely that claims will be paid.

Opponents say that the bill would create an undue burden for policyholders and that it is unnecessary.

The Cat Fund is a state trust fund that is tax exempt. It is directed by the State Board of Administration, which receives advice and information from an advisory council of nine members. It was created in a special legislative session in November 1993, after Hurricane Andrew. The Cat Fund provides insurers with reimbursements for a portion of hurricane losses.

In other legislative matters, the Florida Insurance Council supports efforts to decrease the size of Citizens, the state-run insurer, by such measures as reducing vacation home coverage.

Regarding car insurance reforms, a Florida representative of the Insurance Information Institute said that it remains unclear for now how changes in Personal Injury Protection, which took effect January 1, will affect rates. According to industry officials, out of 136 filings approved since the change, only one in four reached the 10 percent decrease that was a target. There were smaller decreases in 32 percent of the filings, 25 percent with no change, and 38 percent with higher rates.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/20/2013 -- Car accidents cost Americans more than $1,000 each year.

Floridainsurance.com strongly suggests that if the family vehicle is not adequately insured, it is time to obtain proper coverage. Not having enough insurance is not an option, when every year car accidents cost $162.4 billion, or $1,051 per person. Those costs include loss of quality of life, property damage, medical care, rehabilitation services, emergency and police services and loss of wages.

Close to 43,000 Americans die each year in car accidents leaving families heartbroken and financially trapped.

In Florida, the average cost of a car accident varies, depending on how serious the accident is. A low-speed accident without injuries may range up to $500, or cost as little as $100. If the cost is relatively low, most of these accidents are not reported, as neither driver wishes to increase their insurance premium (this not recommended, as all accidents should be reported to the authorities). Accidents involving catastrophic damages, multiple cars, injuries, can cost half a million dollars or more which is past onto to ever insured driver.

If an individual adequate coverage limits, and is involved in an accident, their out-of-pocket liability is usually limited to their deductible. Those without insurance or those that are underinsured could lose their assets to pay for damages and expenses related to the accident.

Florida requires all drivers to maintain minimal auto insurance coverage. Those that own vehicles must have PIP coverage and an additional $10,000 of property damage liability. The policy consists of four parts, A through D, and is broken down into A dealing with liability, B covering medical, C handling uninsured motorists and D dealing with auto damages.

The limit purchased is a very serious matter, and customers are always advised to buy more than the minimum required by state law as the minimum is often insufficient to cover an entire claim.

Floridainsurance.com advises all drivers to help keep insurance rates down by driving safely, being cautious, and maintain safe speeds.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/14/2013 -- Most home-based businesses do not have enough insurance.

Many Florida home-based businesses do not have enough insurance to cover them should something go wrong. Interestingly enough, the reason for them being underinsured has to do with a belief that their homeowner's policy covers their business. But that is not always true.

It should be noted that a typical homeowner's policy, in most cases, covers up to $2,500 in damages on the premises of the business and $250.00 in damages off the premises. This is not enough coverage, and any other liability that arises relating to a home business is not covered.

There are a few common choices when business insurance in needed for a home business such as a business owner's package, an in-home business policy or endorsements to the main homeowner's package policy.

The reasonably priced business owner's package is a simple product designed for small businesses. It is ideally suited to a company that has more than one location, or makes products outside of their workplace. It has the ability to cover a business that may be as large as 25,000 square feet, with gross sales of up to $3 million, and comes with special features that are not in general business policies. The policy still covers business property, equipment, loss of income, extra expenses and liability, but on a much wider scale.

The in-home policy may insure a business property for $10,000 and general liability is included. An owner may buy from $300,000 to $1 million in liability, and if a home business is sustains damage, the policy may cover expenses such as payroll and lost income for up to a year. Business owners may also look into extra coverage for loss of use of equipment, accounts receivable and valuable documents.

Depending on what kind of business is on the premises, a homeowner may get an endorsement on their homeowner's policy with higher limits or coverage for specific risks or perils. Again, depending on what the circumstances are, this may cost the homeowner very little. It is best to ask for specifics when contemplating whether an endorsement would be sufficient. Bear in mind that endorsements are usually only available for a home-based company that sells $5,000 or less in a year.

Floridainsurance.com released a statement saying, "These insurance options are not always available in all areas and coverage limits and terms may vary. It's important to talk to your licensed insurance agent about your unique situation and terms associated with your exact policy."

To learn more about Florida home insurance for home-based business owners call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/18/2012 -- Florida is well known for its beaches, poolside summers, and tropical climate. However, Floridians always get a few months of chilly weather, during which they cover the pool and warm up the hot tub.

Hot tubs are a popular patio accessory offering many therapeutic benefits as well as a way to unwind and relax. But as with any pool of water, regardless of depth, hot tubs pose a drowning risk, and homeowners should know that in the event of a tragedy, they could be held liable.

Florida home insurance agency, Floridainsurance.com, says "After a hot tub is purchased, you have to notify your insurance company so that they know it has been installed. If you fail to report the installation to your insurance carrier, they may have grounds to deny a claim related to the hot tub."

At first, homeowners may think that children are most at risk of drowning. However, adults are also at risk, and homeowners must take steps to ensure their guests' safety when relaxing in a hot tub on a cool Florida night.

Floridainsurance.com advises hot tub owners to take the following steps to make sure their guests are safe.

1) Never allow a guest who has consumed drugs or alcohol to use a hot tub. The high temperatures can accelerate and intensify the intoxicating effects and cause them to pass out while in the water.

2) Elderly friends and family members or guests that have diabetes, heart conditions, or other serious ailments should consult a doctor before using a hot tub. Also, the hot water can interfere with certain prescription drugs.

3) Cover the hot tub when it is not in use. Installing a thick, heavy-duty cover can make it difficult for children to get into the water without adult supervision.

4) Keep warm towels nearby so guests are not exposed to cold air immediately after exiting the hot tub. Rapid changes in temperature can cause hypothermia.

Floridainsurance.com advises homeowners to check with their licensed insurance agent to make sure they have adequate liability coverage with their Florida home insurance policy so that they are protected in the event that an accident takes place on their property.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/18/2012 -- Many Floridians have a new car on their shopping list this year. This time of year has traditionally been a popular one for buying a new car as many auto makers pull out the stops on discounts, credits, and preferred financing.

However, before signing on the dotted line, Florida drivers should contact their auto insurance agent to find out if that great deal is going to be offset by a higher insurance premium.

In a statement released by Floridainsurance.com, they said "This is a great time to get a new car. Manufacturers are introducing their newest models, and dealers are eager to clear older models off of their lot. It is definitely a buyer's market. When shopping for a car, you should first find out how the car will affect your insurance rates."

An increase in a driver's insurance premium is not always related to the high value of the new car. Replacement value of a vehicle is just one element that determines a policy's rate. Auto insurance companies look at other things such as:

How often is this make and model involved in an accident? A performance vehicle is more likely to be involved in an accident than a minivan or basic sedan.

How much damage could the vehicle cause? Insurance companies are not only thinking about the damage to the vehicle, they are also considering liability for injuries or property. If a compact car causes an accident, it will usually cause less third-party damage and injuries than a full-size sport utility vehicle.

How safe is the vehicle for the driver and passengers? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires all cars sold in the United States to pass a crash test. However, the insurance industry has taken crash tests further through the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS put vehicles through rigorous test and scenarios that go far beyond the head-on-collision simulation performed by the NHTSA. How a car performs in these tests will impact insurance rates for that vehicle.

Is the car a favorite among thieves? If a particular make and model are a favorite pick among lock-pickers, Florida auto insurance companies will see the car as a higher theft risk, which could affect the cost for comprehensive coverage.

This year, before driving off the lot, make sure a good deal does not turn into an expensive insurance premium.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/21/2012 -- A recent report confirms that injury rates are higher for automobile accidents in smaller vehicles compared to larger ones.

A report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the Highway Loss Data Institute examined vehicles of model years 2009 through 2011 and concluded that injury rates are higher for crashes in smaller vehicles than the injuries sustained in larger vehicles.

"All other things being equal, a larger car will protect its occupants better than a smaller car in the event of a crash," Floridainsurance.com said in a statement commenting on the report. "Of course, safe and defensive driving is the best way to avoid getting into an accident in the first place."

Drivers should be aware that vehicle crash tests simulate a crash with a vehicle of similar size and weight. This allows car manufacturers to differentiate their models from the competition within a certain class of vehicle. In the real world, of course, compact cars can and do collide with larger cars, tractor-trailers, and concrete highway barriers.

The IIHS demonstrated the disparity between vehicles of different sizes in 2009, when it crashed midsize vehicles into compact cars. The dramatic results can be viewed online at http://youtu.be/vcTf78b8WfY.

The HLDI study examined insurance claims on various 2009–2011 model year cars, correcting for factors such as driver demographics, deductibles, and geographical variables. Vehicles with higher-than-average payouts on personal injury claims include smaller cars such as the Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, and Hyundai Accent.

Insurance payouts for personal injury claims were 73 percent higher for drivers of mini cars, such as the Ford Fiesta, than the average vehicle, according to the report. Vehicles with the lowest insurance claims for injury were large SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans.

"Crash test reports are very useful for car shoppers in determining which vehicles within a given class perform best," a Floridainsurance.com representative went on to say. "But it is good to keep in mind that those crash tests tell only part of the story."

To learn more or to get a Florida auto insurance quote call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/18/2012 -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released a report showing that seat belt use among U.S. drivers declined one percent in the past year. Overall seat belt use nationwide declined to 84 percent from 85 percent.

Floridainsurance.com, an agency providing Florida auto insurance quotes addressed the news in a statement. "This is troubling news for all drivers," the company said. "Seat belt use saves lives and keeps insurance costs lower for everyone." Despite the decline, drivers are still buckling up more often than in 2004, when the NHTSA recorded a recent low of 80 percent.

The state with the lowest recorded seat belt usage is the "Live Free or Die" state, New Hampshire, at 72.2 percent. New Hampshire has no law requiring adults to use seat belts. Two states, Hawaii and Washington, tied for the highest seat belt usage at 97.6 percent.

The District of Columbia joined fifteen states in achieving use rates above 90 percent: Delaware, Alabama, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Texas, Maryland, Michigan, California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. According to NHTSA estimates, an increase of just one percentage point in national seat belt usage results in an additional 220 lives saved per year.

The NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis estimates that seat belts saved 12,546 lives in the United States in 2010, down from 12,763 in 2009. If all occupants had buckled up in 2010, up to 3,341 additional lives could have been saved. In the five years from 2006 through 2010, more than 69,000 lives were saved by the use of seat belts.

"These statistics aptly demonstrate the reliable effectiveness of regular seat belt usage," read the statement from Floridainsurance.com. "Thousands of lives are lost on our nation's roads each year. But many of those deaths can be prevented by the simple act of buckling up every time you get into a vehicle."

To learn more or to get a Florida car insurance quote call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/29/2012 -- Parents of Florida teen drivers should not look to their auto insurance as a place to save money. Statistics show that teens are not only more likely to get into an accident, but also more likely to cause catastrophic damages.

Every parent's worst nightmare is that phone call from the hospital. Teen drivers are less experienced to deal with uncertainty on the road and also more likely to engage in high-risk driving habits like cell phone usage, high speeds, and texting. Teenagers that have multiple passengers are at a higher risk than teens driving alone.

Because teen drivers pose significant risk to an auto insurance company, parents are often faced with high auto insurance policy premiums after their children head for the highway. While tempting to do so, downgrading coverage to save money can lead to an expensive mistake. As the owner of the vehicle and guardian of the teenager, their actions can become the parents' liability.

"Parents are responsible for the actions of their children," stated Floridainsurance.com. "Once they start driving, they could cause an accident that costs far more than the combined net worth of their parents, which could put a family into bankruptcy. Therefore, parents should increase, not reduce, their policy coverage after their children get driver's licenses."

Auto insurance covers both the parent's owned property (the vehicle the child is driving) and the property of others. It also covers injury liability. While the state of Florida does not require vehicle owners to insure their own vehicles, they are required to carry liability coverage to cover the losses of others in the event that they cause an accident.

If a teenager is going to be driving in a high-wealth area like Boca Raton, Miami, Orlando, or coastal regions, they could be sharing the road with $100,000 performance cars. If they should cause an accident and damage one of those vehicles, their parents could be held liable for those damages, which would most certainly exceed the policy limits if they only carried minimum coverage.

In most cases, medical expenses and liability exceed the cost of property damage. If a teen driver causes a serious car accident or multi-car accident, the medical cost alone could surpass $50,000. The auto insurance policy should cover up to the maximum policy amount, but everything above that will have to come from the parents' assets.

When teenagers get behind the wheel, parents should make sure their Florida auto insurance covers the worst-case scenarios. Once the accident happens, it is too late.

To learn more about Florida auto insurance call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/17/2012 -- The hot Florida summers seem to continue well past the official boundaries of summer and into the fall. For many, this warm weather is why they live in and love Florida. But before hosting a fall pool party, homeowners should make sure their policy provides substantial liability coverage in case of unfortunate accidents.

Many Floridians look to their backyard pools to get relief from long, hot months that begin in the late spring and go well into early fall. While newer community developers offers pools as a developer upgrade, owners of older homes often install pools after they have built some equity or saved a little money.

The addition of a pool can add substantial value to a property, but Floridainsurance.com cautions that pools often bring some liability risks. In a statement, the insurance agency said, "According to Florida's Injury Prevention Program, the Sunshine State leads the nation in unintentional drownings of children ages one through four. This is tragic. Adults need to keep a close eye on children, especially small children, when they are swimming in the backyard pool."

Homeowners are responsible for pool safety whether they are home or not. A screen, fence, or other barrier is advised to keep unwanted swimmers out. Also, homeowners adding pools to existing homes must inform their FL home insurance companies.

Floridainsurance.com continued by saying, "If you are hiding your pool from your insurance company and someone is injured or drowns in your backyard, your insurance company may not protect you. The addition of a pool may increase your insurance premium, but the threat of losing everything you have worked for is too high not to have coverage. After adding the pool to your home, you insurance agent can shop around to find a company that may be able to give you a better rate."

If the pool is already part of the insurance policy, homeowners are strongly advised to check their liability limits. In the tragic event that a small child drowns, the homeowner could face insurmountable punitive damages if the parents of the child sue. Having high liability coverage is a small investment considering the risk.

Aside from adequate financial protection, homeowners should keep safety equipment in clear view around the pool. Having safety polls, life vest, and flotation devices can help prevent drownings. If the homeowner has small children, they should complete swimming classes. Also, the entire family should know CPR.

With safety in mind and a solid home insurance policy in place, Florida pool owners can relax and enjoy those extra months of warm weather.

To learn more about Florida homeowners insurance call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/09/2012 -- The high cost of rising home insurance premiums is driving potential buyers from the market. But according to Florida state leaders and executives at state controlled insurance company Citizens, the increased rates are necessary to bolster the private insurance market and to protect against potential future "hurricane taxes" if a storm created enough damage to wipe out Citizens' cash stores. Hurricane taxes are levied on nearly all Florida residents and are needed as a safeguard against future destruction, says Citizens.

Governor Rick Scott has stated he is in favor of limiting Citizens' reach. Meanwhile, the rate hikes levied by Citizens are suppressing the housing market, say critics, chilling purchases and increasing home foreclosures. Citizens' board chairman Carlos Lacasa has stated that Citizens recognizes Florida's housing issues, but must follow the law. Citizens has recently changed policies to end coverage for new homes being constructed as well as for some older homes.

The housing market in Florida has been hit hard by the mortgage crisis, and is in the top ten states for extensive property insurance costs. One-fifth of the state's homeowners report that they are behind on mortgage payments, while half of all mortgages are currently underwater. Florida also has a higher percentage of delinquent mortgages than any other state, followed by Las Vegas. Numerous home owners have reportedly emailed Gov. Rick Scott with complaints about insurance rates skyrocketing to the point where mortgages were in danger of default due to cost. Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, has rallied against Citizens, and reports that homeowners are contacting his office to complain that their homeowner insurance premium is now higher than their mortgage payments.

In early 2012, Citizens halted its builders' risk insurance program, which had offered coverage to new construction. Home builders then had to look for limited private market property insurance.

Florida has long attempted to limit Citizens's reach and Florida home insurance regulators just announced an additional 60,000 Citizens Property Insurance Corp policies will be approved for removal, following the Office of Insurance Regulation approval of some 150,000 policies slated to be given in November to domestic, Florida-based. On October 1, Citizens' policyholders are to be notified of the take-out request and given 30 days to asses to offer. A lack of response on the part of the policyholders will allow a private sector company to assume them.

To learn more call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/09/2012 -- It is no secret Florida is subject to violent winds and hurricanes, and hurricane season, with high winds, flooding and damage, comes every year. Florida home insurance companies are advised to be aware that they soon might find their jobs greatly impacted by new changes made to mitigation inspections. Florida Citizens Property Insurance Corporation has stated that they are re-examining their mitigation inspection program to try to make some much-needed improvements. One issue currently in the works is the possible removal of credits for homeowners if they do not have attic access to their roofs. Currently, the credits can be used for hurricane refurbishment and construction.

With the economy still on uncertain ground, many homeowners are delaying the investment in, or choosing to not invest in, windstorm insurance to protect their home. However, it is advised that homeowners not only get windstorm insurance coverage, but also have their home undergo a wind mitigation inspection prior to any traumatic weather event, to best understand how to prepare for potential damages. With proper preparation, the potential damage from wind can be mitigated.

State lawmakers first established the My Safe Florida Home program in 2006, designed to help Floridians safeguard their homes in the event of high-wind storms. The program includes free wind inspections and grant funds to people who own single-family, site-built homes to eligible homeowners.

A wind mitigation home inspection will allow the homeowner to find out of he or she qualifies for lower insurance rates and get discounts if the structure is found to be more resistant to high winds than average.

Local Florida mitigation inspectors will inspect a structure and determine the wind resistance features, check roof types, roof straps, shutters, elevations, glass structures and additional features. A detailed report will be generated and sent to a windstorm insurance company, which will calculate the structure's hurricane wind resistance rating. The homeowner can use the report to find ways to improve the home's wind resistance and can then apply for another inspection.

When there are policy changes at the insurer level, the public often does not notice any changes. It is best to work with an experienced Florida home insurance agent to ensure the safety and security of your home.

To learn more about homeowners insurance in Florida call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/26/2012 -- In the wake of Tropical Storm Debby, which caused torrential rains throughout the state of Florida and extensive damage and flooding in some areas, homeowners need to remember to make sure their flood insurance is up to date.

"Winds and flooding from Tropical Storm Debby caused a lot of damage, but some homeowners were in a better position than others," said Lee Rogers, of FloridaInsurance.com. "Those with flood insurance may be able to file a claim for their material damages."

Hurricane season has come early to Florida this year. On June 23, Tropical Storm Debby became the fourth named storm of the season, the earliest fourth named storm on record. Debby made landfall on June 26 in Steinhatchee, Florida.

Beginning on June 24, Debby caused rainfall, tornadoes, and flooding, especially in the central and northern parts of the state. In some areas, more than 20 inches of rain was recorded. Debby also spawned at least 21 tornadoes, resulting in two deaths, one in Highlands County, Florida and one in Alabama. In all, the storm was responsible for nine deaths, and the property damage is still being calculated.

Voluntary evacuations were issued for large parts of northwest Florida, and a mandatory evacuation for St. George Island. Gov. Rick Scott declared a state of emergency.

Due to the storm's slow progress, Florida residents were subjected to several consecutive days of rain, and widespread flooding. Some homeowners who experienced flooding were under the impression that they did not need flood insurance.

According to a report by BayNews 9, several Pasco County residents whose homes were damaged by water said that they were told that flood insurance was not necessary in their area. However, the homes are located in a "Zone A" flood zone, and areas throughout the state of Florida are prone to flooding.

To learn more about Florida home insurance or to get a Florida home insurance quote, visit http://www.floridainsurance.com/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/23/2012 -- A video posted recently on YouTube provides evidence of an auto insurance scam that might have been successful, except for one thing: the intended victim had installed a dashboard camera. The video reveals a driver backing up on the highway to strike the vehicle behind him, then demanding payment for the damage to his vehicle.

"This type of auto insurance scam is unfortunately more common than one would think," said Lee Rogers, of FloridaInsurance.com. "This person could have easily become a victim of insurance fraud if not for his dashboard camera. While this particular video was not from Florida, this type of fraud is common throughout the sunshine state."

The video shows the view in front of Herman Sham, a motorist, as he drives on a busy highway. He appears to come to a stop, and the car in front of him appears to roll backward and strike his vehicle. Sham is seen getting out of his vehicle to discuss the situation with the driver in front, Raguruban Yogarajah. According to Sham, Yogarajah demanded a $500 payment, or he would call the police.

Sham explains in the video that rear-end collisions are generally assumed to be the fault of the driver in back, and that without the dashboard camera, he would have had no way to prove his innocence, and he would have faced an increased insurance premium.

Because Sham captured the event on video, it was Yogarajah who ended up in trouble. According to the Toronto Star, he is now facing charges of fraud, attempted fraud, and public mischief. Yogarajah denied the charges, saying that he was not sure who was at fault, but now realizes that, because his vehicle has a standard transmission, it rolled backward when he thought he was at a stop.

Sham posted the video on YouTube under the title, "scam foiled." The video tells viewers, "This is why you need to install a camera in your car."

To learn more or to get a Florida auto insurance quote, visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Auto insurance rates in Florida are among the highest in the nation. However, drivers can take steps to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/21/2012 -- The State of Florida requires all drivers within the state to have personal injury protection and liability insurance. If a driver causes an accident, their insurance pays a claim up to the limits of their policy. Beyond those limits, the driver's assets are at risk.

Some drivers have discovered ways to take advantage of law abiding motorists and the money behind them through their auto insurance policy.

FloridaInsurance.com released a statement today cautioning Florida drivers which said, "You should be aware of the drivers around you and watch out for suspicious behavior. Someone could be trying to get you involved in an accident to file a claim against your insurance."

Someone trying to commit fraud may weave in and out of traffic. This is generally done when a lot of cars are on the road so traffic is moving a little slower. Rather than maneuvering through traffic to get ahead, the driver will brake immediately after they change lanes. If the driver behind them does not stop in time, they could hit the reckless driver.

In Florida, the driver that causes an accident from behind is usually determined to be at fault. Thus any damages caused to the front car or liability would be paid by the driver of the rear vehicle. In the example of the weaving driver, they would get into a low speed fender bender. They would then give a false statement to the police officer and file a claim stating that they are suffering from pain in order to get a larger payout.

This trick is also pulled at traffic lights where it is easy to cut in front of another driver before stopping at a red light where it looks less suspicious.

A lot of accidents occur on Florida highways and interstates and many people are seriously injured. In those events, they deserve the protection offered by Florida auto insurance companies. But drivers that commit fraud cause everybody's rates to go up as these cases increase the risk for insurance companies.

FloridaInsurance.com says, "A vigilant driver is the safest. If you see someone swerving, being suspicious, or driving in unpredictable patterns, distance yourself from them. Let that driver get as far ahead of your as possible. While insurance fraud causes everybody's rate to go up, an at-fault insurance claim against your policy will directly affect what you pay in the future."

To learn more or to get a Florida auto insurance quote, visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/14/2012 -- Every year, hurricane season puts people on edge. The experienced agents at FloridaInsurance.com are ready to help homeowners protect their most valuable asset.

Every Florida resident is aware of the risks with living in the Sunshine State. In fact, many Floridians have not fully recovered from hurricanes that swept through the state a few years ago. FloridaInsurance.com cautions residents to make sure they are adequately prepared for hurricanes, as every summer is unpredictable and with Hurricane Beryl hitting Florida one week before Hurricane Season officially begins this is not the year to look the other way on home coverage.

As Florida enters hurricane season, residents should start buying extra food, canned goods, and other supplies such as flashlights, batteries, and personal items. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends storing 1 gallon of water per person per day. In the past, Florida residents have had to go up to a week without running water. There are other considerations should an evacuation becomes necessary.

A good home insurance policy will cover the material things. Evacuees should make sure they have an adequate supply of medications, clothing for all weather conditions, and necessary travel items.

Computers should be backed up using an online service. For personal use, several services are available for less than one hundred dollars a year. As many people store photos, financial information, and work related data on their home computers, having an online backup service in place will help protect that information.

FloridaInsurance.com stated, "You should talk to your agent about your electronic items. Make sure the policy that you have in place covers all of your computers and entertainment devices."

The company advises Floridians to increase wind damage coverage before a storm is in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic coast. Insurance companies have a system they use to decide when it is too late to write home insurance policies or increase wind damage coverage. In most cases, once someone is concerned about the storm, it is already on the map, and insurance companies will not do anything until the storm has passed.

Sitting down with a Florida home insurance agent before hurricanes are in the news can provide peace of mind through the summer and financial protection when it's needed most.

Learn more at http://www.floridainsurance.com/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/24/2012 -- Florida's legislature made two moves in 2012 in an attempt to cut back on insurance fraud in the sunshine state.

The first move was to pass long-awaited personal injury protection reforms. This law is aimed at closing phony health care clinics that exist to aid career criminals that stage car wrecks to collect on the no-fault insurance. The new law puts controls on the health care industry that forces them to be more accountable.

The legislature also passed a bill this year that is geared toward slowing workers compensation fraud by regulating the money services industry. Criminals have been using check-cashing businesses to fraud the workers' compensation business. Tighter controls on the money services sector could make it more difficult for criminals to defraud the people of Florida.

"Any time we take steps to cut back insurance fraud, we are helping Floridians keep their insurance rates low," said Lee Rogers of Orlando's Florida Insurance Group. "This is a good deal for Florida residents. It is a signal that the state government is paying attention to law enforcement officers when they hear stories of criminals defrauding the system."

The new personal injury protection law was the subject of a great deal of political debate this year and has been under consideration for several years. The new law eliminates many practices from being eligible for PIP payments and closes the window of opportunity for criminals.

"I am so glad that these laws are changing and it is going to become more difficult for criminals to operate in our state," Rogers said.

To learn more about an Orlando home insurance agent or an Orlando auto insurance agent call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/18/2012 -- The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season is supposed to be less busy than the past two seasons, which may give some homeowners and business owners a false sense of security.

In each of the past two seasons, 19 hurricanes have formed, but only one made it's way to the U.S. coastline. Forecasters have said that even though it is likely there will be fewer hurricanes this year, the atmospheric conditions indicate that the chances are better that they not all stay out over the Atlantic Ocean.

"It is easy for people in Florida to get lulled into a false sense of security when we have a couple of years with no hurricane threats," said Lee Rogers of Orlando's Florida Insurance Group. "The beginning of the season is the right time to review a hurricane insurance policy to make sure you are covered."

The same weather that kept the country warmer than usual this winter is expected to be a factor in hurricane direction this summer.

"It is certainly a fallacy to assume that just because the skies have been quiet in Florida for the past few seasons, they will continue to be quiet," said Rogers, who works with clients on their Orlando home insurance. "We all need to be ready."

Forecasters expect a weak El Nino this season that could produce pressure levels that are higher than the norm. This could reduce the number of storms. The warmer water closer to the U.S. coast is what has forecasters concerned. They think this will mean storms may be more likely to make landfall.

To learn about Orlando home insurance or Orlando auto insurance, call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/20/2012 -- The Florida Legislature passed sweeping auto insurance reform in March aimed at reducing fraudulent claims and potentially lowering insurance rates.

Florida's no-fault insurance laws require drivers to carry $10,000 in personal injury protection. The state has been plagued by insurance fraud.

The state House and Senate drafted bills this season with different approaches to the same goal of reducing criminal insurance fraud and lowering insurance premiums for consumers.

The final agreement will do the following to prevent fraud:

- Injured motorists have 14 days to seek health care treatment. This provision of the law falls short of House's version of the bill, which also proposed to limit care to emergency rooms in hospitals or other emergency care facilities.

- Massage therapists and acupuncturists are removed from the list of covered health care treatment for accident victims. This provision falls short of the House's version of reform, which also would have removed chiropractors from the list.

- There will be no caps on attorneys fees.

- Insurance companies will be allowed to examine policyholders during investigations of accident fraud.

The bill now goes to Gov. Rick Scott's desk. He is expected to sign it.

"This bill will go a long way toward cutting down on insurance fraud in Florida," said Orlando auto insurance agent Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. "It could have gone further, but this is how politics works sometimes. We expect that fraud will continue to be an issue in Florida, but hopefully this new law will make it harder for criminals to abuse the system."

To learn more about Florida auto insurance, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, Florida -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/14/2012 -- Devastating tornadoes can be the most difficult natural disasters to clean up after because in addition to destroying a home, they can toss a family's belongings across town or even across the state.

Business owners and homeowners are encouraged to keep diligent records of personal property in order to help adjusters pay off claims promptly and thoroughly.

"We recommend keeping an itemized list of belongings including a description of the item, when it was purchased and how much it cost so we can determine its replacement cost," said Orlando home insurance representative Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. "Everything of value in the home or office needs to be listed and that list needs to be kept in multiple locations – not just on the computer."

Keeping a list of valuable items in a safe deposit box or a relative's home can help make sure the list of valuables is not lost with the valuables themselves, he said.

There are web-based services that make it easy to inventory the articles in a home or business because walking around the house with a pad and pencil can be a challenge. Knowyourstuff.org is a website from the Insurance Information Institute that helps with inventorying the items in a home or business and stores the information for homeowners and business owners.

"Online services can make inventorying the valuables in the home easier than the traditional pad and pencil way of doing things," Rogers said. "This way, if a homeowner buys a new tennis bracelet for his wife or some expensive stereo equipment in the man cave, he can add it to the itemized list without having to find the list in a drawer somewhere and copy it for the relatives or the safe deposit box."

To learn more about Florida home insurance, call 1.888.525.2210 visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/22/2012 -- Valentines Day can be a big holiday for gift giving. Sometimes Valentines is celebrated with candy or flowers and other times, people use the holiday as an excuse to go on a trip.

Still other people choose to adorn their lovers in jewels – in fact, jewelry stores are depending on it. It is important to remember that all valuable assets need to be recorded and added to the insurance policy soon after they are purchased.

"Valentines Day gifts are often overlooked when it comes to insurance policies," said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group, an Orlando home insurance provider. "It is important to have all of the valuables in the home added to the policy."

Popular gifts such as diamond earrings, a tennis bracelet or a pearl necklace all need to be included in a policy so that they can be replaced in the event of a problem. And women often buy jewelry for men for the holiday such as a watch or a nice pair of cufflinks. Those things need to be added to a policy, too.

It does not have to be jewelry. People buy each other cars, boats and any number of pricey items for Valentines Day and it all needs to be recorded. Vehicles need insurance from the moment they hit the streets.

"It is a good thing to keep in mind to get the insurance taken care of on a new vehicle before giving it as a gift so that the person receiving the gift can use it right away," Rogers said.

To learn more about Florida home insurance policies call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/09/2012 -- Efforts by the Florida Legislature to cut back on insurance fraud in the Sunshine State are being met with praise by insurers.

"Personal injury protection fraud has gone from being a growing problem in the state to an outright disaster," said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group, a Florida auto insurance provider. "It is not fair for the law-abiding citizens of Florida to have to pay higher premiums because of people who stage accidents to cheat the system."

Two bills are being considered in Tallahassee this session that attempt to cut back on PIP fraud that is said to cost Florida drivers as much as $910 million. Each of the bills would cut back on fraud either by prioritizing hospital claims to weed out unscrupulous "pain clinics" or by adjusting the fee schedule.

"A complete overhaul of the PIP system is called for to reduce fraud," Rogers said. "The fixes being considered now do not appear to have the teeth to truly fix the system."

Sheriff Department detectives spoke to lawmakers late last year about what they see when working undercover to reduce fraud. There are entire pain clinics full of victims of accidents that were staged to defraud the system, according to the detectives.

State Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater's office put together a report showing that insurance premiums have gone up significantly over the past several years even though the number of drivers has remained the same and the number of accidents has gone down.

"It is sad to watch our state's laws get flaunted like this and to watch the law-abiding consumer have to suffer for it. I hope the Legislature does everything it can to cut back on personal injury protection laws," Rogers said.

To learn more about Orlando auto insurance, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Orlando, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/23/2012 -- If Santa tucked a new pair of diamond earrings into the stocking last year, then it is time to adjust the home insurance policy to make sure new valuables are covered.

"A holiday gift with monetary value needs to be added to the insurance policy in case of a catastrophic event," said Lee Rogers of the Florida Insurance Group. "People often overlook the valuables they bring into the home."

That means new jewelry, new electronics or artwork all need to be catalogued and added to the insurance policy. Rogers recommends keeping the receipts for newly purchased items to help keep track of the values. He also suggests adding heirloom items that grandma may have given out as everyone gathered at her house during the holidays.

"If grandma gave you grandpa's cufflinks or a valuable old watch, those things can be significant and you will want to add them to the policy," Rogers said. "Sometimes it doesn't seem like much, but added together heirloom jewelry and artwork can have tangible value."

A wider variety of catastrophes can threaten the electronics in the home. A fire or flood can create havoc, but an electrical storm can do major damage, too. "High-end electronics often get overlooked when updating insurance policies," Rogers said. "People put a projector up in the ceiling that drops down to create a movie theatre in the family's 'man cave.' Those are cool to have, but it is smart to get it insured, too."

It is important to remember to adjust the policy as soon as the gifts are brought home to make sure coverage is sufficient, Rogers said.

To learn more, call 1.888.525.2210 or visit http://www.floridainsurance.com.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm