Crist cancels inaugural ball

[Killer]

I'm glad I voted for this guy.anyways...

AP) - Governor-elect Charlie Crist has decided to cancel his inaugural ball. Crist says he didn't feel right about an expensive party when many people are struggling with higher insurance and property tax bills.

Other free events, including a prayer breakfast, parade, the swearing-in ceremony and tours of the governor's mansion will still continue.

The ball was to be a $100 a ticket celebration and concert at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center. Crist says he had been thinking about canceling the event over the past week.

Other inaugural events will precede the Jan. 2 swearing in.

http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2006/12/10/205772.html

[mambo#5]

cool, sounds like a fiscal conscious governor. Let's wait and see how long before that novelty wears off.

[Pull_T]

What does keeping people from spending $100 a plate for tickets to that ball have to do with taxes?

Why not cancel the functions that use public funds?

[Killer]

cool, sounds like a fiscal conscious governor. Let's wait and see how long before that novelty wears off.

Yep. I have my fingers crossed. the homeowners insurance crisis is terrible here. Mine tripled last year..and it is through the state now...higher deductables and the coverage is not as good. Problem being no REAL insurance companies are wring policies in Fla anymore. :bigcry:

[Killer]

What does keeping people from spending $100 a plate for tickets to that ball have to do with taxes?

Why not cancel the functions that use public funds?

The 100 dollar charge doesn't come close to paying the actual tab for the dinner and concert.

[Pull_T]

Hmm...didn't realize the ball wasn't paying for itself with those huge prices.

And I'm not sure what you are wanting the governer to "do" about property insurance rates...subsidize them?

[Killer]

Hmm...didn't realize the ball wasn't paying for itself with those huge prices.

And I'm not sure what you are wanting the governer to "do" about property insurance rates...subsidize them?

Read up on Florida's "Citizens Insurance" and you will understand a litlle of what I am talking about. We had NO landfall hurricanes last year yet our rates tripled. It is terribly mismanaged.

[Pull_T]

Read up on Florida's "Citizens Insurance" and you will understand a litlle of what I am talking about. We had NO landfall hurricanes last year yet our rates tripled. It is terribly mismanaged.

The actual number of hurricanes you had last year should have very little bearing on the rates. The rates should be based on the expected claims plus administration and profit margin. If insurers have chosen to rework how they calculate your rates, that is their option to do so. If their is a true diconnect between the premiums and the risks, then competitive insurers will whittle that difference down to appropriate levels.

Again...what would you have the governer do about it?

[Killer]

Again...what would you have the governer do about it?

Fix it. We are being raped.

[Killer]

Florida faces a looming economic crisis. I am not speaking of an unemployment crisis, an inflation crisis, a banking crisis or even a tourism crisis, though I may very well be talking about those things soon enough if we continue down this spiraling path.

What I am speaking of is an insurance crisis, and it has the potential to decimate every aspect of our state's economy.

Many homeowners, landlords, renters and business owners across the state would argue that this is already occurring, that the rising costs of property insurance, windstorm insurance and sinkhole insurance are discouraging investment in our state and making people think twice about buying a new home or even moving to Florida in the first place. I agree with them, and, unfortunately, it's about to get a lot worse.

On March 1, Citizens Property Insurance Corp. - the state-run insurer that provides insurance to home and business owners in high-risk areas and others who cannot find coverage in the open, private insurance market - will begin charging policyholders a premium that includes enough of an increase to cover Citizens' cost of purchasing reinsurance. This was mandated last year by the Florida Legislature in Senate Bill 1980.

However, Citizens is not required to actually buy the reinsurance and has no plans to do so. Citizens is simply required to pass along the fictitious costs to Floridians as if it were purchasing reinsurance.

What does this mean for home and business owners? It means an average rate increase of nearly 56 percent for most of Citizens' residential policies and an average 610 percent increase for its commercial policies.

How did this happen, you might ask?

It is no mystery that property insurance has become unaffordable in Florida. Last year, the Florida Legislature attempted to provide some relief through the passage of Senate Bill 1980. However, in the closing hours of the 2006 legislative session, insurance industry lobbyists managed to sneak language into the bill requiring Citizens to raise its rates as if it were purchasing expensive reinsurance, even though Citizens does not plan to actually buy it.

That leads us to a second question: Why? Why would private insurance companies care how much state-operated Citizens raises its rates?

The answer is simple: Insurance companies have been seeking state approval of record rate hikes during the past couple of years, and in many cases, their requests were lowered or denied. But if Citizens raises its rates by an astronomical amount, then the high rate requests that private companies submit don't look quite so bad anymore. It's a numbers game, and it is being played with Floridians' hard-earned money.

Obviously, this situation is ludicrous, and something must be done. In our state, insurance is a necessary burden that all home and business owners must bear, especially considering the constant threat of hurricanes. Because of this, the availability and affordability of insurance is a vital component of our state's economy. And the lack of such insurance is an economic disaster waiting to happen.

As insurance becomes increasingly expensive, several things begin to happen.

Homeowners purchase less coverage or completely drop their policies in an effort to save money. Prospective homeowners are priced out of buying the home they want or are forced to forgo the American dream of owning a house altogether. Landlords are forced to pass along rising insurance costs by increasing their tenants' rents. Small business owners, who often lease their space, are similarly impacted through increased rent, and businesses that own their facilities experience insurance rate increases just like homeowners. Just as landlords pass on insurance rate hikes to their tenants, businesses pass such increases on to their customers in the form of increased prices for their goods and services.

Increased prices mean less purchasing, and considering Florida's No. 1 industry is tourism, I don't have to explain what sort of economic impact that would have on our state.

So what is the answer to this crisis? There is no single solution. The Florida Legislature attempted to provide some answers last session with Senate Bill 1980, but with the inclusion of the insurance industry's latest ploy to increase rates, I could not in good conscience vote for the bill. The reasons why I did not support the legislation are now evident for all to see, as drastic insurance rate hikes are on the horizon for those who have nowhere else to turn but Citizens Property Insurance, which is in essence the insurer of last resort.

A special session of the Legislature has been called in January to once again address the insurance crisis. At that time, the two provisions in Senate Bill 1980 requiring home and business owners to bear the cost of reinsurance that Citizens is not even going to purchase must be repealed.

This is, by no means, the only solution to providing for a healthy and affordable insurance market in our state, but it is a much-needed beginning.

Sen. Mike Fasano represents District 11 covering parts of Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.



http://sptimes.com/2006/12/06/Citrus/Insurance_crisis_a_th.shtml

[Pull_T]

Fix it. We are being raped.

Fix it how? Imposing an artificial ceiling on rates certainly didn't work because it forced companies out of the state altogether as well as created a spike in rates.

Again...what would you have him do...other than "fix it" or "somehow make Florida not a windblown, sinkhole laden paradise of shit"

But while we are at it, let's also do the following:

- Fix tensions in the middle east
- Fix our education system
- Fix cancer
- Fix AIDS
- Fix the LA Clippers

[mikester]

- Fix the LA Clippers

Fucking utopian hippy :uhh:

[mambo#5]

Fucking utopian hippy :uhh:

:lol: or the Arizona Cardinals for that matter.

[Killer]

Fix it how? Imposing an artificial ceiling on rates certainly didn't work because it forced companies out of the state altogether as well as created a spike in rates.

Again...what would you have him do...other than "fix it" or "somehow make Florida not a windblown, sinkhole laden paradise of shit"

But while we are at it, let's also do the following:

- Fix tensions in the middle east
- Fix our education system
- Fix cancer
- Fix AIDS
- Fix the LA Clippers

I for one have also watched my property taxes increase as well. Fixing the insurance crisis can be done. It is all a matter of fiscal management. Something Jeb was not that good at.

Your examples ment to parody my post are rediculous and not comparable. I mean really...the Clippers? :lol:

[Killer]

:lol: or the Arizona Cardinals for that matter. :rofl2: :werd:

[Pull_T]

What does Jeb's poor fiscal management have to do with prices insurance companies charge you for casualty coverage?

So you want the state to put a more stringent ceiling on rates? Want the state to subsidize property insurance? How do you want to "fix" high insurance rates?

Restating "there's a huge problem" over and over isnt really a solution, IMO.

[Killer]

What does Jeb's poor fiscal management have to do with prices insurance companies charge you for casualty coverage?

So you want the state to put a more stringent ceiling on rates? Want the state to subsidize property insurance? How do you want to "fix" high insurance rates?

Restating "there's a huge problem" over and over isnt really a solution, IMO.


I guess you missed where i said "Better Fiscal Management" (The Crisis was morphed on Jebs watch) if that includes tourism (hotel) taxes, sales tax increase or some sort of pork being cut out...but I for one don't have an answer. I would think..I mean HOPE our Governor might have a clue...:dunno:

[sakigt]

What does Jeb's poor fiscal management have to do with prices insurance companies charge you for casualty coverage?

So you want the state to put a more stringent ceiling on rates? Want the state to subsidize property insurance? How do you want to "fix" high insurance rates?

Restating "there's a huge problem" over and over isnt really a solution, IMO.

Insuring a FL home on the dunes is like insuring Tina Turner's legs.

And Im not even joking.

I agree. The insurance "crisis" is no more than another example of people refusing to be priced out of homes. If these northern birds would stop building top-heavy mcmansions on sand thats already eroding we wouldnt be in this situation.

Companies like Allstate just threw the baby out with the bathwater. Cant say I blame them. :dunno:

[Pull_T]

I guess you missed where i said "Better Fiscal Management" (The Crisis was morphed on Jebs watch) if that includes tourism (hotel) taxes, sales tax increase or some sort of pork being cut out...but I for one don't have an answer. I would think..I mean HOPE our Governor might have a clue...:dunno:


"Better Fiscal Management" is great. But what is the government supposed to do about the price of a casualty insurace contract between a private entity and an idividual?

Always a strong solution when you use the vague "do things better" approach

Saki is completely correct. People live in houses too expensive for them. They were leveraged to the hilt to begin with, then as the value of the home increases, the taxes and casualty insurance becomes more than they can handle.

But yes Killer...waving one's arms around crying for the government to bail consumers out of the poor economic positions consumers have put themselves in might work this time...of course you'll have to spend tax money to finance the subsidy given to homeowners.

[Killer]

"Better Fiscal Management" is great. But what is the government supposed to do about the price of a casualty insurace contract between a private entity and an idividual?
Citizens Insurance company is owned by the State of Florida.

Always a strong solution when you use the vague "do things better" approach

Maybe...but please understand this crisis was totally "Overlooked" by Jeb and Co.

Saki is completely correct. People live in houses too expensive for them.
In some cases this is indeed the truth. but in mine and most everyone I know the houses are basic family homes. Not "On the sand" or even near the water.
Example: My home is 1636 Sq. ft. and 2 miles from the Gulf. It is 51 years old and not ostentatious by any means. We bought a home we could afford easily with plenty of $$$ left over for savings the future..etc. Two years ago our Homeowners Insurance Co. cancels us and no other companies are writing in my area. We were then left to Citizens Insurance (Fla State Company) which initially was double the cost with higher deductables now triple the cost. My thinking is Jeb should have stepped in years ago to manage this better. How? I don't know...but it is highway robbery. Many of Florida's long time residents are losing their homes due to this.

They were leveraged to the hilt to begin with, then as the value of the home increases, the taxes and casualty insurance becomes more than they can handle.
So, in this line of thinking a retired couple who is on a fixed income and owned their home outright must now cough up the dough or leave/foreclose?

But yes Killer...waving one's arms around crying for the government to bail consumers out of the poor economic positions consumers have put themselves in might work this time...of course you'll have to spend tax money to finance the subsidy given to homeowners.
The Government should step in. That is my opinion.

[sakigt]

Saki is completely correct.

Finally, we agree. ;)

[sakigt]

Citizens Insurance company is owned by the State of Florida.

Maybe...but please understand this crisis was totally "Overlooked" by Jeb and Co.

In some cases this is indeed the truth. but in mine and most everyone I know the houses are basic family homes. Not "On the sand" or even near the water.
Example: My home is 1636 Sq. ft. and 2 miles from the Gulf. It is 51 years old and not ostentatious by any means. We bought a home we could afford easily with plenty of $$$ left over for savings the future..etc. Two years ago our Homeowners Insurance Co. cancels us and no other companies are writing in my area. We were then left to Citizens Insurance (Fla State Company) which initially was double the cost with higher deductables now triple the cost. My thinking is Jeb should have stepped in years ago to manage this better. How? I don't know...but it is highway robbery. Many of Florida's long time residents are losing their homes due to this.


The Government should step in. That is my opinion.

My baby with the bathwater comment was specifically for you (and me! Are we forgetting Im a homeowner as well? Lucky for me women can still own property).

If FL there are some particularly risky areas (uhhh...how about the whole goddamn shoreline?!) of course theyre going to leverage their costs on others. Duh! Thats what insurance companies do! The fact that last year was an easy going season only means that statistically they probably covered a bit of the year before and maybe some of next year.

Im all about the government stepping in when necessary, but in this OBVIOUS case of supply and demand, I say no. Its as silly as offering a price ceiling on gasoline. The only S/D case Id let the government handle is when it involves the environment. But in that case youre paying more, not less.

[sakigt]

May I also add the snobs on Ponte Vedra beach, that wont allow public access to "their beaches" are also desperately trying to get public funds to build ginormous dunes to solve the beach erosion problem.

THAT disgusts me. People worry about small potatos welfare moms and their lexus. 2.5 million a year to "save" beachfront property a couple miles long? Ugh. Theres hypocracy on both sides.

[Killer]

May I also add the snobs on Ponte Vedra beach, that wont allow public access to "their beaches" are also desperately trying to get public funds to build ginormous dunes to solve the beach erosion problem.

THAT disgusts me. People worry about small potatos welfare moms and their lexus. 2.5 million a year to "save" beachfront property a couple miles long? Ugh. Theres hypocracy on both sides.

True dat. :werd:

[Pull_T]

So basically you want non-homeowners to help subsidize your insurance payments?

Great idea.

[Killer]

So basically you want non-homeowners to help subsidize your insurance payments?

Great idea.where did I say that drunky? Hittin' the bottle again? :drunk:

What I said is i want better management of the states insurance program. The money has to come from somewhere...sales tax revenue, tourism revenue...my taxes (Homeowner) have already been raised. This money is already being collected...where is it going? Starting to get the picture yet?

[Killer]

FWIW: There is no Income Tax in Florida.

[Wraab Wall]

Fix it how? Imposing an artificial ceiling on rates certainly didn't work because it forced companies out of the state altogether as well as created a spike in rates.

Again...what would you have him do...other than "fix it" or "somehow make Florida not a windblown, sinkhole laden paradise of shit"

But while we are at it, let's also do the following:

- Fix tensions in the middle east
- Fix our education system
- Fix cancer
- Fix AIDS
- Fix the LA Clippers


how did I miss this gem? :rofl2:

[Killer]

how did I miss this gem? :rofl2:

Pay closer attention? :snicker:

[Wraab Wall]

Pay closer attention? :snicker:

ADD FTW :mhihi:

[Killer]

:rofl2:

[mambo#5]

2 miles from the ocean is nothing to a Hurricane. Do you share the same zipcode with the beach front houses. If you do, then you're SOL.

[Killer]

2 miles from the ocean is nothing to a Hurricane. Do you share the same zipcode with the beach front houses. If you do, then you're SOL.

I am over 45 feet above sea level and do not share the same zip code. There has never been a sink hole or landfall hurricane in my zip code either. This goes for MANY Zip Codes in Florida. That is one of the reasons why it is being called an "Insurance Crisis".

[stinkboy]

they are not targeting riskier areas, they are going after the whole state regardless of whether or not you have a trailer on the beach or a home built to handle a cat 5 hurricane built on a hill miles away from water.

instead of making billions on premiums they lost some money. its like an investment sometimes you have good and bad years but overall they are in the black and still want to make their billions.

i think i read correctly that NJ is having issues as they are now a hurricane target. anything for a buck.

[Pull_T]

where did I say that drunky? Hittin' the bottle again? :drunk:

What I said is i want better management of the states insurance program. The money has to come from somewhere...sales tax revenue, tourism revenue...my taxes (Homeowner) have already been raised. This money is already being collected...where is it going? Starting to get the picture yet?

It's exactly what you're saying. You might want to ease off the "drunky" comments because even when i was knocking back a fifth a day I could walk circles around you in the matter of thought.

Sales Taxes and Tourism Taxes WOULD shift some of the burden of homeowners insurance onto non-homeowners...in other words, subsidizing YOUR homes casualty insurance.

[Killer]

It's exactly what you're saying. You might want to ease off the "drunky" comments because even when i was knocking back a fifth a day I could walk circles around you in the matter of thought.

:spit: Sure thing Einstein :lol:

Sales Taxes and Tourism Taxes WOULD shift some of the burden of homeowners insurance onto non-homeowners...in other words, subsidizing YOUR homes casualty insurance.
OK then...your solution Einstein?:dunno:

[Adam_Schwartz]

So basically you want non-homeowners to help subsidize your insurance payments?

Great idea.

Sounds good to me - US citizens are already subsidizing non-citizens' costs, i.e. healthcare, education, etc.

[Adam_Schwartz]

It's exactly what you're saying. You might want to ease off the "drunky" comments because even when i was knocking back a fifth a day I could walk circles around you in the matter of thought.



Only a fifth a day? And you call yourself an alcoholic.

[Killer]

Sounds good to me - US citizens are already subsidizing non-citizens' costs, i.e. healthcare, education, etc.

:werd: At least this money would go to Americans who own homes. :patriot:

[Killer]

Only a fifth a day? And you call yourself an alcoholic.and how does someone with such a superior intellect get up to a Fifth a Day? :spit:

[Adam_Schwartz]

I consider myself a decently intelligent person, but was smoking more weed in college than Cheech and Chong put together. People do weird things sometimes.

Todd just had brain cells to spare.

[Killer]

I
Todd just had brain cells to spare.

Perhaps...but saying that you do seems rather...stupid. Couldn't think of a better word than stupid...I'm a dumbass. :lol:

[sakigt]

:werd: At least this money would go to Americans who own homes. :patriot:

Because two wrongs make a right? :uhh:

The "solution" is to let supply and demand run its course. Cant afford the insurance? Perhaps you cant afford your home.

Im inland (15 miles or so) and everyone around me pays reasonable amounts. My exterior insurance is covered by my condo association but everything else is $600 a year. Mom pays about double that for a 1400sqft 3/2. Seems reasonable to me :dunno:

[Pull_T]

OK then...your solution Einstein?:dunno:

I never called for a solution.

I'd lift the artificial ceilings on insurance rates so real companies could do business there. Then the free market would allow them to write policies based on the actual economic realities and risks.

If you can;t afford the policy, too bad....move or buy an SUV every 4 years rather than every 3 years.

[Killer]

Because two wrongs make a right? :uhh:

The "solution" is to let supply and demand run its course. Cant afford the insurance? Perhaps you cant afford your home.

Im inland (15 miles or so) and everyone around me pays reasonable amounts. My exterior insurance is covered by my condo association but everything else is $600 a year. Mom pays about double that for a 1400sqft 3/2. Seems reasonable to me :dunno:

I can afford it..no problem. But what about those who cant? Did you see my example on the previous page?

I have owned 4 different homes own 2 now...some larger some smaller...NEVER have I paid so much for homeowners insurance. I am pissed because now I cant put away as much in savings or make the investments i would so like to make. I still own a townhouse out in Arizona which I rent...it's larger than my house here in Florida yet the insurance is more than a third less. granted no hurricanes there...but I mean really.

[Killer]

I never called for a solution.

You were so quick to tell me how wrong I was and how you were so much smarter than me I thought you did. :dunno:

I'd lift the artificial ceilings on insurance rates so real companies could do business there. Then the free market would allow them to write policies based on the actual economic realities and risks.

If you can;t afford the policy, too bad....move or buy an SUV every 4 years rather than every 3 years.

Real companies do business here already...but if you live in certain zip codes they wont write new policies. As I said...affording it is NOT the issue.

And I wouldn't own an SUV if you gave it to me.:mhihi:

[sakigt]

I can afford it..no problem. But what about those who cant? Did you see my example on the previous page?

I have owned 4 different homes own 2 now...some larger some smaller...NEVER have I paid so much for homeowners insurance. I am pissed because now I cant put away as much in savings or make the investments i would so like to make. I still own a townhouse out in Arizona which I rent...it's larger than my house here in Florida yet the insurance is more than a third less. granted no hurricanes there...but I mean really.

THOSE WHO CANT AFFORD IT SHOULD MOVE. THE PRICE OF INSURANCE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE PRICE OF A HOME.

Same rationale my father used when buying me my first car. I wanted an old Datsun Z, he wanted to get me a Ford Escort. Both were around the same price but I ended up with the Escort... Why?? Because the insurance on the Z was much more.

And if were going to talk finances, if you cant afford to put more away for retirement, and dont want to move, perhaps other areas of your budget should be cut. Its not like you drive a 12 year old corolla. :dunno:

I just dont get how people can say "If you drive an SUV and the price of gas goes up you can sell your SUV or shutup" yet have the opposite rationale when it comes to homes :sqnteek:

[mambo#5]

THOSE WHO CANT AFFORD IT SHOULD MOVE. THE PRICE OF INSURANCE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE PRICE OF A HOME.

Same rationale my father used when buying me my first car. I wanted an old Datsun Z, he wanted to get me a Ford Escort. Both were around the same price but I ended up with the Escort... Why?? Because the insurance on the Z was much more.

And if were going to talk finances, if you cant afford to put more away for retirement, and dont want to move, perhaps other areas of your budget should be cut. Its not like you drive a 12 year old corolla. :dunno:

I just dont get how people can say "If you drive an SUV and the price of gas goes up you can sell your SUV or shutup" yet have the opposite rationale when it comes to homes :sqnteek:

:werd:


my Earthquake coverage was canceled by ALLSTATE. Never mind that there hasn't been an earthquake in Memphis for the last 100 years. I know that the New Madrid fault is here, but nobody can predict when the next big one will hit, but I can't fault ALLSTATE for playing it safe after they were kicked in the balls in FL, LA and MS.

[Adam_Schwartz]

Just get Matthew Lesko's book on ways to get free money. Problem solved!

[Pull_T]

You were so quick to tell me how wrong I was and how you were so much smarter than me I thought you did. :dunno:


Real companies do business here already...but if you live in certain zip codes they wont write new policies. As I said...affording it is NOT the issue.

And I wouldn't own an SUV if you gave it to me.:mhihi:

They won't write new policies because the state does not allow them to charge premiums in line with the economic risk they take on.

So you're down to:

1 - Live where you can afford to
2 - Ask govt for handout
3 - Make florida into something other than a windblown, sinkhole-riddled penninsula of shit

[mambo#5]

Just get Matthew Lesko's book on ways to get free money. Problem solved!

or watch the Suze Orman show... :snicker:

[Killer]

THOSE WHO CANT AFFORD IT SHOULD MOVE. THE PRICE OF INSURANCE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE PRICE OF A HOME.

THEN ALMOST HALF OF THE STATES POPULATION WILL HAVE TO LEAVE CAUSING EVEN MORE ECONOMIC PROBLEMS.

It just isn't that simple..I wish it was...but it's not. Sorry. This states main income is tourism. The states main employer is the Service Industry (not the greatest paying). The second largest employer is the Construction Industry. Again, not the best paying but the SECOND Largest. People need to live somewhere. If we force all these folks out of thier homes due to high insurance rates...what then?

Same rationale my father used when buying me my first car. I wanted an old Datsun Z, he wanted to get me a Ford Escort. Both were around the same price but I ended up with the Escort... Why?? Because the insurance on the Z was much more.
Cute analogy but just does not work here. Sorry.

And if were going to talk finances, if you cant afford to put more away for retirement, and dont want to move, perhaps other areas of your budget should be cut. Its not like you drive a 12 year old corolla. :dunno:

No, I drive a PAID FOR 70 k Mile Acura. The wifes car is leased @ $188.00 a Month. So your points are moot here.

I just don't get how people can say "If you drive an SUV and the price of gas goes up you can sell your SUV or shutup" yet have the opposite rationale when it comes to homes :sqnteek:
There is a little more to it when it comes to a roof over your head, but I admire your opinion on cars and Insurance rational...I wish my daughter was more like you.:smile:

[Pull_T]

OK...half of your state's population will have to move away and you're complaining?

That's like the greatest thing ever.

[Killer]

They won't write new policies because the state does not allow them to charge premiums in line with the economic risk they take on.

So you're down to:

1 - Live where you can afford to
2 - Ask govt for handout
3 - Make florida into something other than a windblown, sinkhole-riddled penninsula of shit

Neither you nor Saki is looking at the LARGER Economic impact of this situation. Read my post to her.:smile:

[Killer]

OK...half of your state's population will have to move away and you're complaining?

That's like the greatest thing ever.
Hey...we may be onto something here. :mhihi:

[Killer]

:werd:


my Earthquake coverage was canceled by ALLSTATE. Never mind that there hasn't been an earthquake in Memphis for the last 100 years. I know that the New Madrid fault is here, but nobody can predict when the next big one will hit, but I can't fault ALLSTATE for playing it safe after they were kicked in the balls in FL, LA and MS.

How many earthquakes in memphis in say... the last 50 years where Allstate had to pay claims? Do you realize Allstate's profits were up over 300% last Year?

Christ..I am starting to think you all WORK for Insurance Companies....:lol:

[Pull_T]

Who cares how high their profits were?

I can sell gallons of milk for $45 each and if people buy it...good for me. If Allstate insurance is too expensive, don't buy it.

[sakigt]

Ill bet my car ( hey, you can ebay it) that if everyone was forced to move at least 3 miles inland, Allstate would come hop-skipping back to the state.

FL's insurance crisis is self-induced. End of story. Saying half of the state would have to move is sensationalist and without merit.

But while were subsidizing the wealthy's idiocy, lets give a tax break gasoline usage of 2 door sports cars that get less than 10 mpg. :wired:

[Killer]

Who cares how high their profits were?

I can sell gallons of milk for $45 each and if people buy it...good for me. If Allstate insurance is too expensive, don't buy it.

Again, milk isn't a sustaining part of Florida's economy and other things must be considered. We are talking about Homeowners Insurance...not milk.

It's Homeowners Insurance and what happens is homeowners purchase less coverage or completely drop their policies in an effort to save money. Prospective homeowners are priced out of buying the home they want or are forced to forgo the American dream of owning a house altogether. Landlords are forced to pass along rising insurance costs by increasing their tenants' rents.
Small business owners, who often lease their space, are similarly impacted through increased rent, and businesses that own their facilities experience insurance rate increases just like homeowners. Just as landlords pass on insurance rate hikes to their tenants, businesses pass such increases on to their customers in the form of increased prices for their goods and services.
This is a very volatile economic situation and trying to attach simple analogies to it will not suffice in its repair.

[Killer]

Ill bet my car ( hey, you can ebay it) that if everyone was forced to move at least 3 miles inland, Allstate would come hop-skipping back to the state.

Then why are not many companies writing new policies in all of Florida now?

FL's insurance crisis is self-induced. End of story. Saying half of the state would have to move is sensationalist and without merit.
I was answering your post honey. :dunno:

But while were subsidizing the wealthy's idiocy, lets give a tax break gasoline usage of 2 door sports cars that get less than 10 mpg. :wired:

When you are ready to get real, please come back and post again.:mhihi:

[sakigt]

Underpriced insurance policies + Overvalued properties in FL + a major series of hurricanes over 5 years = Kaboom

[mambo#5]

Christ..I am starting to think you all WORK for Insurance Companies....:lol:

:secret: :nod:

[Pull_T]

Prospective homeowners are priced out of buying the home they want

Boo fucking hoo.

[mambo#5]

Boo fucking hoo.

I am priced out of the home I want... :cry:

http://images.forbes.com/images/2003/02/10/how1_415x290.jpg
Donald Trump's $125 Million Palm Beach estate

[Killer]

Boo fucking hoo.for a guy who thinks he is so smart you really have not added anything of value to the thread except a vague attempt of humor. maybe you should take up drinking a fifth a day again since you seem to think you were so brilliant then.:mhihi:

[Killer]

I am priced out of the home I want... :cry:

http://images.forbes.com/images/2003/02/10/how1_415x290.jpg
Donald Trump's $125 Million Palm Beach estate

OK..admit it...you are the President of Allstate aren't you. :lol:

[Adam_Schwartz]

I think the underlying idea is that supply/demand will kick in and when less people are buying homes because insurance is too much, then prices will drop because supply>demand, thus allowing more people to buy homes because they can afford the mortgage + insurance. It's really a nifty concept.

[Pull_T]

I think the underlying idea is that supply/demand will kick in and when less people are buying homes because insurance is too much, then prices will drop because supply>demand, thus allowing more people to buy homes because they can afford the mortgage + insurance. It's really a nifty concept.

That's absurd.

It's a much better idea to use leverage upon leverage to inflate demand and inflate prices and buy a home that you can absolutely barely afford by a razor's margin. Then when any variable changes, making the home a burden for you to own, reach your hand out and ask the government for a bailout.

I could be passed out drunk in a gutter and be smart enough to realize this. In fact, I *have* been passed out drunk in a gutter and been smart enough to realize this.

[sakigt]

I think the underlying idea is that supply/demand will kick in and when less people are buying homes because insurance is too much, then prices will drop because supply>demand, thus allowing more people to buy homes because they can afford the mortgage + insurance. It's really a nifty concept.

We dont need all that fancy school talk here, smarty pants.

[Killer]

Every single one of you has avoided the real issue. Nice. Must be great to be a republican and not give a fuck about anyone but yourself.

[Killer]

I think the underlying idea is that supply/demand will kick in and when less people are buying homes because insurance is too much, then prices will drop because supply>demand, thus allowing more people to buy homes because they can afford the mortgage + insurance. It's really a nifty concept.And how many folks will fall by the wayside while this is occuring? (If it does) It won't happen overnight. CRISIS is the Key Word here...even our Republican Governor realizes it.

[Killer]

We dont need all that fancy school talk here, smarty pants.

Stick to being a cashier at Publix...you seem better at that.

[Killer]

Florida's insurer of last resort is found to suffer from lax management and wide potential for exploitation.

By JONI JAMES
Published January 27, 2006

TALLAHASSEE - A state audit released Thursday blasted Citizens Property Insurance as being poorly managed and wholly unprepared to handle thousands of hurricane claims the past two years.

Citizens, the state-run insurer for those who cannot find property coverage on the open market, has been repeatedly derided for ethical and management shortfalls in recent months.

But the 47-page report by the Florida Legislature's auditor general marks the first official condemnation by a government agency of a lax operational system ripe for exploitation by insiders.

The audit repeated many previous criticisms, including calling inappropriate the hiring of a vendor to audit claims processed by a sister company.

It also painted the clearest picture yet of a systemic management problems at Citizens, including:

Citizens never formalized any contracts with 23 adjusting firms it hired in the wake of the 2004 hurricanes.

It never put in writing when or how it expected claims to be processed, how the adjusters' records would be maintained or whether the adjusters had to be licensed in Florida.

Contractors for other services, such as printing or legal work, were almost never sought through competitive bid, adding unknown costs to the operation.

There also was no evidence that company officials considered if the work might be done cheaper inside.

Citizens may have paid more on 2004 and 2005 hurricane damage claims than it needed to because it didn't penalize policyholders who carried less insurance than it cost to replace their home. A Times story last month disclosed the problem.

"I don't know what to say," Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey. "I'm just totally disgusted. There's no question in my mind that people other than homeowners benefited from Citizens, individuals who were unethical or immoral benefited on the backs of insured homeowners."

Citizens' missteps have angered its policyholders for years.

Now, any Florida homeowner with insurance has an interest in the company's operation. Under state law, when Citizens runs a deficit, as it did for the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, all property insurance policyholders are assessed to pay it. For the homeowner with a $1,500 annual premium, the estimated cost is about $270 between 2005 and 2006.

Citizens has made significant changes, and systemic problems are being addressed, the auditor noted, such as a tougher screening process for future employees.

A new contractor selection process is also in the works.

Citizens officials said they were confident their company was on the path to improvement.

"The results of this audit confirm that Citizens has taken and continues to take all the right steps to improve customer service," chairman Bruce Douglas said in a written statement.

Citizens already was under fire for its poor claims processing in the wake of Florida's unprecedented 2004 and 2005 seasons.

But the scrutiny ratcheted up in September after the Times reported Citizens' chief operating officer had quietly resigned after his bosses learned he had accepted a motorcycle from an adjuster he had hired.

The former employee, R. Paul Hulsebusch, remains under criminal investigation.

The Times later reported it wasn't Hulsebusch's first potential conflict of interest.

A month earlier he, two other Citizens officers and a then-Citizens board member, planned unsuccessfully to launch a private insurance firm that would assume some Citizens policies.

In a separate case, Citizens' longtime outside general counsel, Michael Colodny, resigned in October after the Times noted that other insurance companies represented by his firm routinely took policies out of Citizens' pool, a procedure that qualified them for a hefty payment from Citizens.

The contract for legal services had never been put out for bid.

Scott Rothenberg, a Texas lawyer representing a Texas adjuster suing Citizens for nonpayment of work from the 2004 hurricanes, said he's not surprised.

"The whole cornerstone of our case is that we would give them information (about individual claims) and the response we'd get back from them was like they never got it," Rothenberg said. "The bottom line is the adjustor is the fact-finding eyes of the insurance company, and if the insurance company puts on blinders and refuses to acknowledge what it's seen, the system falls apart."

The auditor general said a lack of verbal or written contracts with adjusters after the 2004 hurricanes meant the company had no agreement on how or when adjusters would file claims, how they would be compensated for reinspections, or how they would be penalized for poor work.

In a review of 17 other kinds of contracts, auditors found only one contained evidence that it had been competitively bid or included an explanation as to why an emergency or sole-source contract was needed.

And at least 10 of the contracts included no analysis of whether the work might have been done cheaper in house.




http://www.sptimes.com/2006/01/27/Business/State_s_auditors_sava.shtml

[Killer]

That's absurd.

It's a much better idea to use leverage upon leverage to inflate demand and inflate prices and buy a home that you can absolutely barely afford by a razor's margin. Then when any variable changes, making the home a burden for you to own, reach your hand out and ask the government for a bailout.

This would be great if there wasn't a real estate glut as well in the State right now. Being in texas you are not aware of what is happing here. Do some research and find out all the facts drunky.

I could be passed out drunk in a gutter and be smart enough to realize this. In fact, I *have* been passed out drunk in a gutter and been smart enough to realize this.
WOW! You are a genius!:lol:

[Killer]

More info:

http://zimmermann2006.com/issues/homeowners-insurance/

[sakigt]

Stick to being a cashier at Publix...you seem better at that.

Wow. Because making an insult makes you correct :rofl:

Rachael was right. Discussing things with you is like arguing with a brick wall.

[sakigt]

Every single one of you has avoided the real issue. Nice. Must be great to be a republican and not give a fuck about anyone but yourself.

:spit: Im a democrat!

Im just not a nigger democrat who thinks EVERYONE should be taken care of by the government. Fall on hard times? Fine. But raping the government?

Just do yourself a favor and move to Canada. At least their taxes come close to the services they can afford to provide.

[Killer]

:spit: Im a democrat!

Im just not a nigger democrat who thinks EVERYONE should be taken care of by the government. Fall on hard times? Fine. But raping the government?

Just do yourself a favor and move to Canada. At least their taxes come close to the services they can afford to provide.


You have not read anything I posted on this page have you? read the links..then MAYBE you will understand. I am not looking for a Government Bailout. :doh:

Canada is too cold BTW.

[Killer]

Wow. Because making an insult makes you correct :rofl:

Rachael was right. Discussing things with you is like arguing with a brick wall.

Just pointing out the fact that supply and demand may work if we were not in a CRISIS. Supply and demand takes time. How many seniors or low income families have to lose their home before it finally kicks in. Also, are you not aware of the Real Estate problems the state is faced with as well? Nobody is buying because nobody can get insurance. look at the MUCH LARGER economic picture please.All these issues must be taken into account. Sorry for the insult...but your red text message warranted it.:smile:

[Killer]

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s vast real estate market and ultimately the economy of the state are threatened by spiraling insurance rates, says a University of Florida researcher.

“The entire economy will have to adjust to these higher insurance costs,” said Wayne Archer, director of UF’s Center for Real Estate Studies, which recently completed a new quarterly survey of Florida real estate trends. “It’s a big enough hit, just like gas prices, that it will ultimately affect every business and every price that is property intensive.”

The unusually active 2004-05 hurricane season precipitated the higher rates, and while these have already struck homeowners and apartment owners, who are passing costs on to tenants by raising rents, commercial tenants have not been affected yet on a large scale, Archer said.

Commercial leases are usually for longer periods of at least five years, and as these agreements are renewed over the next few years, businesses are likely to respond to the cost by increasing rents, resulting in their tenants raising the price of their products, he said.

“The most dramatic increases will be in the cost of real estate, but consumer prices will also go up some, just as rising gas prices put pressure on costs across the board,” he said.

The insurance crisis was identified as the biggest trend in Florida’s real estate market in the center’s new statewide quarterly survey. Industry executives, real estate lawyers, market analysts, title insurers, financial advisers, market research economists, real estate scholars and other experts in the field from around the state were asked a series of questions by UF’s Survey Research Center in July. The softening housing market was the second most mentioned trend.

“The respondents were very conscious that the housing market is softening,” Archer said. “With inventories of single-family homes building up, they’re apprehensive about what might begin to happen to prices and sales. They’re even more concerned about condos and think prices could begin to fall in some cases.”

While 69 percent of the survey respondents expect condo prices to lag behind inflation or even decline, only 47 percent of the respondents were as pessimistic about single-family home prices, Archer said. And while nearly 70 percent expect a downturn in absorption rates – the rate at which properties are able to be leased or sold – 61 percent expect the same pattern in single-family housing, he said.

Condos typically are a more volatile market than single-family housing and frequently a magnet for speculators who have no professional real estate experience, Archer said.

“Condos seem to be an easy way for fairly immature investors in real estate to speculate in a market they think is trending upwards,” he said. “Often they are naïve about when overbuilding occurs and as a result tend to be overly optimistic.”

The recent explosion in apartment-to-condo conversions is beginning to slow and will slacken even more as the housing market continues to soften, Archer said.

Unusually low interest rates over the past few years encouraged many people to buy homes, which left a weak market for apartments, encouraging apartment owners to convert their rental units into condos to capture would-be buyers, he said.

Archer said if a sharp downturn in the housing market occurs, as some predict, Florida will be less affected by it than other states because of the insulating effect of its high population growth rate. Despite some people’s worst fears, housing is unlikely to suffer the same fate as tech stocks at the beginning of the decade, he said.

“Unlike tech stocks, housing has a use, which means it can’t just evaporate,” he said. “Even in the worst cases the prices may go flat, but unless the project is just unbelievably poorly conceived and constructed, it won’t lose its value.”

The highest percentage of survey respondents was optimistic about the investment outlook for property in Miami-Dade County, the southwest coast and in the Lakeland-Winter Haven area. They were least optimistic about the Daytona area, Orlando and Tampa-St. Petersburg.

http://news.ufl.edu/2006/09/19/insurance-costs/

[Pull_T]

1. Allocating money towards people higher that average on the socio-economic ladder (homeowners) is a Republican mainstay...I'm a democrat. I don;t want to see funds diverted to irresponsible homeowners

2. I don't live in Texas

3. Have fun with your CRISIS caused by people acting nigger-rich and buying more home than they can afford

4. Google all the articles you want about the situation...it all came about because people like you who didn't want to pay market rate on policies had the state put a ceiling on rates. The private sector companies left and now you have the rubber band snapping back from your state run insurance.

[Pull_T]

And btw...googling "OMFG FLORDIA INSURANCE CRISIS" and posting links doesn't make you correct here.

No one is saying that Florida desn't have high insurance costs it has to deal with...you should have high insurance costs...you live on a windblown, sinkhole-laden shitstain of a penninsula. Deal with it, move, or just stfu.

[Killer]

Quite frankly ..you are a dumbass. Please don't post in this thread unless you have some sort of idea what is really happing here. Which obviously...you DO NOT.


Okie.

[Pull_T]

OMFG I CAN LINK OP-ED PIECES THAT CRY FOR HANDOUTS SO I AM RIGHT!!!

[Killer]

OMFG I CAN LINK OP-ED PIECES THAT CRY FOR HANDOUTS SO I AM RIGHT!!!not one is asking for a hand out. Can you even read?:dunno:

[Pull_T]

Higher gas prices have made fueling my SUV I am financing with $900 a month payments a burden to me.

I'm not saying I want a government handout, but I will stand here and wave my arms around while yelling "Look at the CRISIS" and state that "Something needs to be done"

Then I can even copy-paste like 14 articles showing that gasoline prices are at a CRISIS.

[Killer]

Again...showing that you don't understand the WHOLE ECONOMIC PICTURE...keep digging...deeper...deeper....:lol:

[Pull_T]

Yes...the old "whole economic picture" line...

Always used when people want to favor the wealthy with handouts, tax credits and tax breaks. "If you don't give us money, we won;t be able to hire as many poor people!!"

[Killer]

Yes...the old "whole economic picture" line...

Always used when people want to favor the wealthy with handouts, tax credits and tax breaks. "If you don't give us money, we won;t be able to hire as many poor people!!"again you show your ignorance to the situation. Deeper, deeper, and even deeper.

[mambo#5]

OK Killer, seriously explain to me what the crisis really is?


So far I have understood that your beef is that the state run insurance co. is hiking rates and making it difficult for current homeowners and businesses to afford the insurance.

I will agree with you on this point just because the fact is, any government (state or federal) run company will always be inefficient. It shouldn't have to be that way, but that's how it always is. That is the nature of the beast. Government fucks things up with bureaucracy and inefficiency. But that's not where the real problem lies. That's just the icing on the cake.

The real problem or your so called crisis was created by 2 factors which many of you have already explained before.

First and foremost, is the battery of Hurricanes that Florida has suffered in the last few years, and one doesn't have to be Nostradamus to know that more will come in the future. Insurance companies have to cover their risk, and Florida is a high risk to them. I don't care how much profit they made last year as a company, the actuary (the person in charge of figuring out the rates) figures out the rates by computing the past loss experience + potential future loss (trivial number but there are strict and approved formulas for this) against the premiums collected in the state. His formula doesn't take into effect how much money the company made as a corporation in the previous years to somehow give you guys a break in your rates. Also, rates don't just happen for no reason. They have to be approved by the state insurance dept. and there has to be a shit load of data to support the rate hikes. Now, you might say that your home has never suffered from a hurricane but their rates are based on territories. Territories are comprised of several zipcodes. Your zipcode might be lumped with a higher risk zipcode. Bottom line, if your territory loss experience wasn't that bad, then the state ins. department would not approve the rates, period. Furthermore, the state ins. co being that is state owned probably is more lenient in applying a higher risk factor than a private ins. co would. Which leads to the next issue.

Second, the real estate market went bunkers in FL almost as much as it went in California and the Northeast for the last few years. Homes appreciated tremendously in your area. What that means, is a higher cost for insurance companies to fix your home to its original value in the case of a loss. Also, since ins. premiums are factors applied against the value of the house, then obviously you know that higher home value means higher premiums. You are bitching about your premiums, but I don't hear you mentioning how much your house appreciated in value in the last few years.

Now, let's talk about the example you mentioned with regards to the retired people living on a fixed income. Well, I can tell you that originally those homes they live in now, did not cost them anywhere near where their value is today. Their equity in those homes have gone through the roof. If they can't keep up with the ins. premiums, I would suggest they do something like some of my family members did in California. Leverage that equity and move to cheaper state like Texas or Arizona where it doesn't get too cold.

I would suggest you convince your state senator to pass a bill that would reinstate Fl home values to their original pre-realestate-bubble prices and you'll see how your premiums will come down dramatically and everyone should be able to afford their policies, or the dems favorite strategy to increase (in FL case is create) a state income tax to subsidize the home owner's insurance premiums. Worst comes to worst, ask Tiger Woods to donate his winnings next year to the pot and Donal trump to chip in with his Palm beach mansion sale price :dunno:

[stinkboy]

i would consider home owners ins an issue not a crisis. a lot of the blame about claims fall on the home owner and the insurance agent. it wasnt until after the hurricane that most home owners found out their flood insurance was underwritten by the govt and not the private ins company. lack of communication between agent and home owner. then when claims were filed you had two major issues. 1. private ins blaming flood damage and govt blaming wind damage that allowed water in the house. no one wanted to pay and 2. garages and lower floors that were not lived in were not covered period under flood insurance. another agent communication issue.

so then what happens, well a bunch of litigation because obviously you have no home and no one wants to pay a penny. those that had little damage got triple premiums or were flat out cancelled. with no insurance companies underwriting new policys wtf is a home owner to do?

my ins company at work just cancelled the policy on the building but will cover all the other policys i have. we had two direct cat 3 hits and i had zero claims. so they made 10K on the building policy with zero payout over that two year period. they might re issue the policy if i put the building's roof up to the new hurricane code. im like why, i had no damage and no claim. they dont care.

so is it an issue yes, crisis ah probably not.

[stinkboy]

if i cant get building insurance then i will probably just ins it myself.

edit: im pretty comfortable knowing the building handled two cat 3 hurricanes one of which took out an interstate bridge. i find it odd an ins co wouldnt take the money and run just like they did the last two years.

[Killer]

OK Killer, seriously explain to me what the crisis really is?


:

*Corruption and mismanagement of Citizens’ Insurance Company, the State sponsored “insurer of last resort”
* Too few solvent insurers to underwrite Florida risks
* Availability of affordable homeowners’ insurance in Florida
* Too many risks that have high risk exposures e.g. sinkhole and hurricane that are not acceptable to the underwriting guidelines of most insurers underwriting in FL
* Too many risks that have risk elements e.g. old roofs, out-dated electrical and plumbing, that do not meet underwriting criteria of most insurers underwriting in FL
* Too many risks that have been forced into Citizens, the ‘insurer of last resort’
* Under funded expenses/losses of Citizens requiring a 7% surcharge on all policyholders — Even those not insured by Citizens — creating a “tax” on all insured’s in Florida
* CAT fund now under funded for future hurricane losses

The 2 bolded issues are my main concern.

[Killer]

i would consider home owners ins an issue not a crisis. a lot of the blame about claims fall on the home owner and the insurance agent. it wasnt until after the hurricane that most home owners found out their flood insurance was underwritten by the govt and not the private ins company. lack of communication between agent and home owner. then when claims were filed you had two major issues. 1. private ins blaming flood damage and govt blaming wind damage that allowed water in the house. no one wanted to pay and 2. garages and lower floors that were not lived in were not covered period under flood insurance. another agent communication issue.

so then what happens, well a bunch of litigation because obviously you have no home and no one wants to pay a penny. those that had little damage got triple premiums or were flat out cancelled. with no insurance companies underwriting new policys wtf is a home owner to do?

my ins company at work just cancelled the policy on the building but will cover all the other policys i have. we had two direct cat 3 hits and i had zero claims. so they made 10K on the building policy with zero payout over that two year period. they might re issue the policy if i put the building's roof up to the new hurricane code. im like why, i had no damage and no claim. they dont care.

so is it an issue yes, crisis ah probably not.

All true...but lets look at Citizens Ins. Company. It has widespread corruption and mismanagement.

[Pull_T]

Citizens Insurance Company only exists because people like you want to suppress the economic realities of insuraing property in Florida. Taxpayers, regulators and government officials cried bloody murder when AllState and other legitimate private insurers went to raise rates to appropriate levels. So ceilings were put in place. AllState (etc) said "fuck you" and left the state. Now the rubber band is snapping back when the CIC realizes they can't artificially supress rates forver and your rates spike suddenly.

Tough shit...you reap what you sow.

and why didn't you bold:

"* Too many risks that have high risk exposures e.g. sinkhole and hurricane that are not acceptable to the underwriting guidelines of most insurers underwriting in FL"

That's the main reason rates are high...cause you live in a windblown, sinkhole laden shitstain of a penninsula and are finally having to pay a premium appropriate to the risk inherent in the policy.

[Killer]

and you live in the Paradise of Oklahoma. :lol:

The reason that was not bolded is the sinkholes and hurricanes have been here forever. The fact that the Ins. Co.s are using that as an excuse NOW is moot. Fact is this...they don't like to pay out claims.

So when a tornado comes thru okieville and wipes it off the map, then you rebuild and want insurance...then they say NO way..what happens then?

[Pull_T]

and you live in the Paradise of Oklahoma. :lol:

The reason that was not bolded is the sinkholes and hurricanes have been here forever. The fact that the Ins. Co.s are using that as an excuse NOW is moot. Fact is this...they don't like to pay out claims.

So when a tornado comes thru okieville and wipes it off the map, then you rebuild and want insurance...then they say NO way..what happens then?

What happens then? Rates go up, and people pay them or live in something they can afford.

There were like 5 million killer tornadoes around here in 98-00...things got fucked up...claims got paid...people paid higher rates. We didn't have a moronic regulatory and govermental push here to artificially suppress insurance rates after all those tornadoes. We also don't have a huge spike in rates like you guys have when the lid blows off the whole thing either. We also didn't run off all the insurance companies with the artificial price fixing.

You (Florida) fucked up...too bad.

[stinkboy]

All true...but lets look at Citizens Ins. Company. It has widespread corruption and mismanagement.

as does every fucking govt entity everywhere.

[stinkboy]

*Corruption and mismanagement of Citizens’ Insurance Company, the State sponsored “insurer of last resort”
* Too few solvent insurers to underwrite Florida risks
* Availability of affordable homeowners’ insurance in Florida
* Too many risks that have high risk exposures e.g. sinkhole and hurricane that are not acceptable to the underwriting guidelines of most insurers underwriting in FL
* Too many risks that have risk elements e.g. old roofs, out-dated electrical and plumbing, that do not meet underwriting criteria of most insurers underwriting in FL
* Too many risks that have been forced into Citizens, the ‘insurer of last resort’
* Under funded expenses/losses of Citizens requiring a 7% surcharge on all policyholders — Even those not insured by Citizens — creating a “tax” on all insured’s in Florida
* CAT fund now under funded for future hurricane losses

The 2 bolded issues are my main concern.

most home owners in florida are up to the new roof code due to all the hurricanes. ones that didnt get replaced must be good to go since they got no damage. i mean, only a newly built house is up to date on the lastest codes, yet you dont have to make your house up to code every time the code changes. this is every city i am talking about in every state. not fair to single out florida.

[stinkboy]

yeah but when something effects everyone like gas, the whole country wanted the govt to do something. same thing, gas company's made a shit load on something that is in common use.

[Pull_T]

What was with the "federal tax dollars" comment in the lounge thread?

Who the fuck stated anything about federal money?

And why the "THANK YOU" like it somehow proved some remarkable point you had?

[Killer]

What was with the "federal tax dollars" comment in the lounge thread?

Who the fuck stated anything about federal money?

And why the "THANK YOU" like it somehow proved some remarkable point you had?

Go fuck yourself little man. You don't deserve my retort. I would love to squash you like the little boozer insect that you are. You haven't a clue as to what's going on so just shut the fuck up. MMM'kay! OKTHANKSBYE

[Pull_T]

That was hurtful.

[Killer]

That was hurtful.

:mhihi:

[Killer]

I will say this...you sure wound me up this morning...:lol:

[Throtex]

Fact is this...they don't like to pay out claims.

Insurance companies aren't in the business of losing money. :sqnteek:

[Killer]

Insurance companies aren't in the business of losing money. :sqnteek:
But they do have a responsibility to their policy holders. And just because of a couple of bad years in Fla they quit writing policies and start dropping people?

Terrible.

[Throtex]

But they do have a responsibility to their policy holders. And just because of a couple of bad years in Fla they quit writing policies and start dropping people?

Terrible.

There's a limit to their responsibility ...

[Adam_Schwartz]

SOCIALISM NOW!!

[stinkboy]

the good ole days when you could actually shop around for the best insurance based on price, CS and coverage. now you keep who you got and pay whatever they want and hope they dont cancel you.

[stinkboy]

What was with the "federal tax dollars" comment in the lounge thread?

Who the fuck stated anything about federal money?

And why the "THANK YOU" like it somehow proved some remarkable point you had?

i assume this was with regards to my post.

point was, you have a hard on like floridians are some how taking money out of your pocket. my point was that tax paying floridians have a right to ask for intervention if they so wish. they have rights and since no fed dollars are involved, my point was basically GFY.

the thank you was not that any true point was made but a proper consideration to another person.

thank you again.

[Adam_Schwartz]

Go fuck yourself little man. You don't deserve my retort. I would love to squash you like the little boozer insect that you are. You haven't a clue as to what's going on so just shut the fuck up. MMM'kay! OKTHANKSBYE

Quoted just for the archives.

[Pull_T]

Didn't realize I had to live in Florida to post in here.

Sorry stinky.

[Adam_Schwartz]

When there is a "Dust storms rock OK" thread, then you can post.

[Killer]

Didn't realize I had to live in Florida to post in here.

Sorry stinky.no... but understanding what we are talking about sure does help.:mhihi:

[Pull_T]

no... but understanding what we are talking about sure does help.:mhihi:

Let's see...

What you and stinky think vs. every other person who has chimed in saying you are an idiot...

[Killer]

Let's see...

What you and stinky think vs. every other person who has chimed in saying you are an idiot...
Could it be that none of you live here, work here, own homes and pay taxes here? Maybe...I guess the Governor of our fine State is an idiot too. And roughly 75% of our population that elected him too. I will take those numbers over an OKIE living in the dirt lot known as Oklahoma any day. :rofl:

saki gets an exclusion due to her age.:smile:

Just out of curiosity, how DOES such a genius such as yourself get up to drinking a fifth a day? :loser:

[Adam_Schwartz]

But does discussing the issue in Florida mean you need to be a resident of the state? The same issue could be happening in Texas (and to some extent it has occurred, especially with flood coverage) or any other state. The idea of state-funded insurance being underfunded and its residents having to take on extra financial burden is not exclusive to Florida, yes?

[Killer]

But does discussing the issue in Florida mean you need to be a resident of the state? The same issue could be happening in Texas (and to some extent it has occurred, especially with flood coverage) or any other state. The idea of state-funded insurance being underfunded and its residents having to take on extra financial burden is not exclusive to Florida, yes?

That is not the whole story. Again...do some research.:smile: Personally Aaron I believe you to be one of the sharpest guys here. If you read up on what has happened over the last 5 years with Citizens Ins and other companies you will start to understand I believe.

If you lived here you would all feel differently I believe, knowing that you tax dollars were being terribly mis-managed. Not living here you just spout out that we want a free handout. This is not the case in its most remote form.

[Adam_Schwartz]

That is not the whole story. Again...do some research.:smile: Personally Aaron I believe you to be one of the sharpest guys here. If you read up on what has happened over the last 5 years with Citizens Ins and other companies you will start to understand I believe.

If you lived here you would all feel differently I believe, knowing that you tax dollars were being terribly mis-managed. Not living here you just spout out that we want a free handout. This is not the case in its most remote form.

We are kind of getting into a side discussion here though, i.e. you don't have to live in Florida to comment on Florida issues.

I honestly don't know what is going on enough to make SERIOUS comments, hence only providing lame off-the-cuff remarks. And to be 100% honest, don't care enough right now to research it.

It sounds similar to mismanagment that has happened with large pension funds, which sucks. But it happens. Usually the only solution is to temporarily fuck over the person who was supposed to receive the benefits to get back into the black, sadly.

[Killer]

We are kind of getting into a side discussion here though, i.e. you don't have to live in Florida to comment on Florida issues.

I honestly don't know what is going on enough to make SERIOUS comments, hence only providing lame off-the-cuff remarks. And to be 100% honest, don't care enough right now to research it.

It sounds similar to mismanagment that has happened with large pension funds, which sucks. But it happens. Usually the only solution is to temporarily fuck over the person who was supposed to receive the benefits to get back into the black, sadly.

Point taken...and thanks.

[Pull_T]

I'd comment further but Killer's sharp jabs have caused me to take up drinking again

[Killer]

I'd comment further but Killer's sharp jabs have caused me to take up drinking again

Weak Suck.:snicker: