Fla. special session will tackle insurance, vows incoming Gov. Crist

Florida’s Gov.-elect Charlie Crist expressed confidence recently that lawmakers would be productive in a special session to address the state’s property insurance problem.

He said he favors some of the goals in a bill prepared by Gov. Jeb Bush, including giving homeowners the choice of accepting higher deductibles or not including windstorm in their coverage, which could be pitfalls if a catastrophic hurricane hit Florida.

A special task force appointed by Bush recently sent several insurance recommendations to the Legislature. Among the panel’s recommendations were making it easier for insurance companies to get reinsurance from a state fund, and allowing consumers to get a variety of policy types to try to lower their rates, such as those with higher deductibles or those that don’t cover as much.

“I support choices, I like freedom of choice and if a consumer wants to make that choice, they ought to be empowered to do so. Whether I would opt to do it myself is another question,” Crist said.

“People will have a higher deductible on their auto insurance for a cost-saving measure, so why not give them the same choice here.”

Crist added that he would also like to see homeowners get credits for making their homes safer, much like safe drivers save on auto insurance.

“If you’ve been one of these homeowners that’s been real responsible and you’ve hardened your home, why shouldn’t you get a reduction on your rate, just like you would on your auto coverage?” Crist said.

The special legislative session has been called for Jan. 16.

According to Crist, solutions to the state’s property insurance problem will come from Bush, House and Senate leaders from both parties, as well as from his own advisers.

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