State Rep. Ron Saunders Informing Public About Citizens Insurance Rate Hikes

 Florida State Representative Ron Saunders is giving a presentation on “Citizen Windstorm Insurance Coverage, Problems, and Changes” 

This presentation, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Ed Powell, is scheduled for Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 5:00 PM, in the Royal Palm Clubhouse, located at 2700 North Gate Place, in the North Gate neighborhood of Keys Gate. 

Please convey this information to your fellow residents in the most prompt, efficient, and effective method possible.  Additionally, in order for Mr. John Beck, the conscientious and hard-working Manager of the Royal Palm Clubhouse, to have at least an approximate “head-count” for the presentation, anybody who plans to attend this presentation should email Mr. Beck at RPCKG@bellsouth.net.  

 Thank you for your assistance and cooperation in this matter, and for your continuing efforts on behalf of your fellow residents.

Sincerely,

   Tim Craig

Timothy L. Craig

Community Liaison

Keys Gate Community Association

Vice Chair – Steering Committee

City of Homestead Centennial

Supervisor and Treasurer

Homestead Educational Facilities Benefit District

State Rep. Ron Saunders said actions taken by the state insurer of last resort, Citizens Property Insurance Corp., are hurting Keys property owners and driving up costs for basic windstorm coverage.

"Actions by Citizens are hurting consumers and threatening our economic recovery," Saunders said.
He's asking Citizens policyholders to contact his office if they've recently been notified of any hike in premiums or re-inspection for wind mitigation credits.
Things like hurricane-approved shutters, impact-resistant glass, roof systems that use straps and screws instead of nails all help harden structures against wind damage.

"Citizens has instituted a re-inspection program to see if customers are entitled to mitigation incentive credits for items such as shutters and hurricane straps," Saunders said.
"Unfortunately, the program seems to be working against consumers rather than for them. Out-of-state inspectors unfamiliar with our area's building codes are wrongfully denying mitigation credits, which cause a large increase in premiums. "I have asked Citizens to hire local inspectors that are familiar with our area," Saunders added, "and make sure that everyone who deserves a credit receives it."

The Monroe County lawmaker, who served as House Minority leader in the 2012 legislative session, warned that Citizens governing board has announced plans to require new policy holders "to pay as much as 30 percent more than existing customers."
That, Saunders said, "contradicts a cap of 10 percent per year approved by the Legislature. I strongly disagree with Citizens that the 10 percent cap only applies to current policyholders and have expressed my opposition to Citizens.

"Real estate transactions and construction projects are falling through solely because of the actions of Citizens and we cannot allow this to continue."
The Key West native said that Citizens has discontinued writing builders' risk coverage and denying coverage to transient rentals. "All of these actions have a negative effect on our economy," he said.
Policy holders experiencing problems with Citizens are asked to contact Saunders' office at 853-1947 or email him at: ron.saunders@myfloridahouse.gov.