If you follow my ranting and raving, you know I have written extensively about the homeowner's insurance problem in the state and particularly in our area. Since the politicians failed to act in the last session, all hell is about to breakout. You feel it doesn't concern you because you are not planning to buy another piece of real estate or sell the one you own.
YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY DEAD WRONG!
Thanks to the inaction of the last session, insurance companies are canceling policies by the THOUSANDS! Not just homes, businesses, waterfront properties, but also Condo Associations. If you are cancelled, expect to pay dearly if you can find insurance. This is a crisis of major importance. If the unavailability of insurance continues, buyers can't buy, sellers can't sell and the value of your property will plunge through the floor boards.
Four things need to be done NOW!
The first is to contact all politicians including the Governor to demand a special session of the legislature to address the problem.
Second, the law needs to be rewritten that mandates Citizens Insurance maintain the highest rates. It is now the largest insurer in the state.
The third thing that needs to happen is to force any insurance company presently selling life, health, auto, etc., to take on a proportionate amount of homeowner policies.
The fourth item that needs to be dealt with is to take the politics out of the running of Citizens. We need a business minded individual who knows how to run a PROFITABLE company.
If you don't act now, then don't complain when your insurance is cancelled or your home can't be sold.
Ric Cornelius is the Broker/Manager of Sand Key Realty Sales and Rentals, Inc. Sand Key Realty has three offices with 40 agents. One office is at 740 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, 727-443-0032; the second office is at 2701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach, 727-595-5441; and the third office is at 309 Belleview Blvd., Belleair, 727-461-4200.