Citizens Property Insurance Customers offered free bus ride
Aug 26, 2011
The following article was published in Hernando Today on August 26, 2011:
Citizens’ customers offered free bus ride
By Michael D. Bates
Residents will get one more chance next month to formally air their concerns regarding the huge rate hike proposed by Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
Residents will get one more chance next month to formally air their concerns regarding the huge rate hike proposed by Citizens Property Insurance Corp.
The planned increase has prompted public outrage not only in Hernando County but throughout the area.
The next significant step in the rate hike battle happens Sept. 13 during a Citizens public hearing in Tampa. At that hearing, the Office of Insurance Regulation will consider the company’s application for sinkhole rate increases that average 429 percent statewide.
State Senator Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, is working with Policyholders of Florida to coordinate bus service to the hearing, to take place from 4-8 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 South Franklin Street.
“Recognizing that many people may not have the ability to drive to the hearing, or who would rather not drive after dark, we are securing buses to bring people down to Tampa so they can participate,” Fasano said in a prepared statement.
The hearing will be the final opportunity for the public to weigh in on the rate increase application. The Office of Insurance Regulation will be make its decision on the potential premium hikes in the days immediately following the hearing.
“Too many people will be hurt if these rates are approved,” according to Fasano. “I won’t stand for a single person to lose their home if these rate hikes force them out on the street. We need to stand strong as a community and show the Office of Insurance Regulation that the rate hikes being requested by Citizens won’t be tolerated. “
For people who live in coastal Hernando County, rates would go up 323 percent, from $1,356 to $5,734.
The remainder of the county will see an average 471 percent increase, from $1,084 to $6,192.
Rep. Robert Schenck, R-Spring Hill, is urging residents to show up in force at the Sept. 13 meeting.
“This is the best opportunity for citizens to be in front of the (Office of Insurance Regulation) to be sure their voice is heard that these increases are outrageous,” Schenck said.
“I believe this is Citizens’ ploy to make sinkhole coverage just unaffordable so nobody can buy it anymore and they will get out of the sinkhole business,” Schenck said.
To secure a seat on a bus, call Fasano’s office at (727) 848-5885. Once the number of riders is tallied, pick-up locations and times will be identified and riders will be notified regarding trip details.
Residents can also obtain more information about the hearing by calling Schenck’s office at (352) 688-5004.
Find this article here: http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2011/aug/26/271320/citizens-customers-offered-free-bus-ride/