DFS suggests Fla. homeowners reforms

The Florida Department of Financial Services in Tallahassee has announced a new round of homeowner-friendly insurance reforms to better protect and prepare Floridians for a catastrophic event, and to help them shop for property insurance.

The new reforms, initiated by a special committee created by DFS include consumer coverage checklists and quick-check guides to help Floridians buy enough coverage to rebuild their homes after a catastrophe.

The changes are designed to help consumers understand what their homeowners policies actually cover.

The Consumer Quick Check Guide outlines specific coverage and limits generally provided under most homeowners insurance policies. In addition, the Checklist of Coverage offers homeowners a checklist to use when buying property coverage.

The committee also recommended insurance agents be required to review the checklist with customers at the time policies are bought.

The new Consumer Quick Check Guides and Checklist of Coverage, as well as the committee’s report, is available at www.fldfs.com/StandardPersonalLinesAdvisoryCommittee.