Florida Insurer Citizens Finds Inequities in Homeowner Discounts

Recent policyholder inspections by Citizens Property Insurance Corp. found some homeowners are getting more of a discount for fortifying their homes than they are eligible for.

The state-backed insurer looked at 452 policyholders. Of those, more than two-thirds were getting more discounts than they should.

The insurer said this week that 311 homes were receiving more than they are owed, while 39 aren’t getting enough.

Citizens Spokeswoman Christine Turner Ashburn says policyholders who owe more will be told they can fortify their homes to receive the discounts or their premiums will rise.

Ashburn says the company is trying to be fair.

All Florida home insurance policyholders pay fees to offset Citizens’ deficits from previous hurricanes.