State officials scramble as insurance companies abandon at-risk homeowners: ‘It’s the perfect storm’
State officials scramble as insurance companies abandon at-risk homeowners: ‘It’s the perfect storm’

“We just do not have companies willing to write business in Louisiana right now, and you can’t blame them.” Facing down a natural disaster is never ideal, but things are about to get even worse for Americans who are losing home insurance primarily as a…
Insurance companies are increasingly scrutinizing the state of the inside of your house
Insurance companies are increasingly scrutinizing the state of the inside of your house

Predict and prevent is the aim of the insurance industry’s latest approach to forestall the need for them to replace. Insurance companies aren’t just scrutinizing your roof. They are snooping more closely at fixtures under the sink and around the toilet, too. Particular kinds of…
Insurance coverage law certification proposal pitched
Insurance coverage law certification proposal pitched

‘It’s a very nuanced area of the law that requires continuous work, continuous study’ Certification logoTampa insurance lawyer Debbie Crockett has good news for Florida consumers and colleagues who believe their years of experience in a complex practice area sets them apart. On August 12,…
Guest Blog: Navigating My Safe Florida Home Program
Guest Blog: Navigating My Safe Florida Home Program

I noticed my neighbor had just replaced her windows and not only did they look nice, but also strong.  To my surprise she told me she had been motivated to make the changes due to a State Program that reimbursed her for two thirds of…
Drones May Determine Whether You Get To Keep Your Property Insurance Policy
Drones May Determine Whether You Get To Keep Your Property Insurance Policy

Drones are used for so many things now, and that includes checking to see if your home meets policy requirements. But not everyone is happy about that. Amy Bach with consumer advocacy group “United Policyholders” says a lot of people are losing their insurance this…
Insurance companies are using drones to inspect homes
Insurance companies are using drones to inspect homes

If you’re a homeowner and you notice a drone flying over your house, it might be your insurance company checking to see if your home is meeting policy requirements. Insurance companies are using drones to take images of homes to avoid insuring high-risk homes and…
Want to bounce around on a trampoline? You might want to check your insurance coverage
Want to bounce around on a trampoline? You might want to check your insurance coverage

Surveilling you by drone, checking on your home sales listing and observing your address via satellite: Your insurance company might be sounding like a jealous ex. A trampoline in the yard or debris on the roof can also get you dropped from coverage these days.…
United Policyholders available for hurricane recovery information
United Policyholders available for hurricane recovery information

Hurricane recovery and insurance questions? Road map to recovery help is available Tuesday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Greater Pine Island Alliance office at 10484 Stringfellow Road, Suite 2, St. James City. For additional information, contact Julitza Perez @ julitza@uphelp.org…
GPIA gives update on island’s recovery
GPIA gives update on island’s recovery

Representatives of United Policyholders attend meeting, provide information to assist islanders Last Tuesday, June 18, the Greater Pine Island Alliance providing an update on the island’s recovery during its monthly meeting at the Pine Island Community Church where guest speakers from United Policyholders were asked…
As homeowner’s insurance prices climb, more Americans ask: Is it worth it?
As homeowner’s insurance prices climb, more Americans ask: Is it worth it?

It was 2019 when Anjali Tierra decided that homeowners insurance wasn’t worth the price. The retired high school teacher, 58, took out a policy in late 2018 after purchasing a three-bedroom home nestled in the Tehachapi Mountains of southern California. She considered the insurance affordable…
States beg insurers not to drop climate-threatened homes
States beg insurers not to drop climate-threatened homes

Property insurance companies say they’re taking losses amid escalating disasters. In the coming years, climate change could force Americans from their homes, not just by raising sea levels, worsening wildfires and causing floods — but also by putting insurance coverage out of reach. In places…
Insurers are using drones to inspect homes
Insurers are using drones to inspect homes

Insurers are figuring out if your home is worth their risk without even stepping foot on your property. Consumer advocates worry this will make Florida’s insurance crisis even worse for homeowners. Industry experts believe using drones is a better way to assess homes. Just Google…
No special session on home insurance is ‘truly disappointing,’ state Rep. Jervonte Edmonds says
No special session on home insurance is ‘truly disappointing,’ state Rep. Jervonte Edmonds says

‘Right now, it doesn’t look like Tallahassee is focused on the insurance crisis,’ Edmonds says Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made it clear earlier this week that lawmakers will not be tackling any more issues in the near future. “I have no plans to call a…
How much will the insurance premium tax cut save policyholders?
How much will the insurance premium tax cut save policyholders?

‘I think that the legislature has done a lot of tinkering and I’m not sure we’re seeing great benefits come out of that,’ Amy Bach says The savings should start in October for homeowners insurance policyholders, as a one year cut in the tax on…
As Home Insurance Bills Go Up, Owners’ Coverage Is Going Down
As Home Insurance Bills Go Up, Owners’ Coverage Is Going Down

Frequent natural disasters and high inflation have led insurers to raise premiums, and forced many customers to pare back their policies. Robert Shiver’s bill for his homeowner insurance jumped from $3,800 in 2022 to $8,000 in July. “I remember opening the bill and, honestly, laughing,…
Bach Talk: An insured future depends on bold public/private innovation
Bach Talk: An insured future depends on bold public/private innovation

By Amy Bach, Executive Director, United Policyholders So far 2024 has brought more bad news for property owners, public officials, lenders and home builders on the insurance availability and affordability fronts with non-renewals, scant options and high premiums. Front page news across the country. Rate…
Community Foundation grant to help DeSoto residents still recovering from Hurricane Ian
Community Foundation grant to help DeSoto residents still recovering from Hurricane Ian

A nonprofit agency created after Hurricane Ian to aid DeSoto County residents in need of disaster assistance has been awarded a $105,000 grant, the group announced on Tuesday. The Hope DeSoto Long-Term Recovery Group received the grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The…
Grant to help DeSoto residents still recovering from Hurricane Ian
Grant to help DeSoto residents still recovering from Hurricane Ian

DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) – A nonprofit agency set up after Hurricane Ian to aid DeSoto County residents still in need of disaster assistance has been awarded a $105,000 grant, the group announced Tuesday. The Hope DeSoto Long-Term Recovery Group received the grant from the…