State Lawmakers Prep for Special Insurance Session

We're getting an idea of some of the proposals state lawmakers might consider as they open a special session on the state's property insurance crisis on Monday.

Reports indicate one measure lawmakers are set to consider would block companies from denying coverage because of a roof's age---if that roof is less than 15 years old. For roofs older than 15 years, insurers would have to allow a homeowner to have an inspection on the condition before refusing coverage. If that inspection indicates that the roof has 5 or more years of life left, the company would not be allowed to deny coverage.

Rep. Randy Fine (R-Brevard) said, "There's a wide variety of solutions. We've got to do things that deal with lawyers' fees, we've got to do things that deal with fraudulent claims, and we've got to make sure that people do get their legitimate claims paid."

Other proposals are believed to include a $2 billion contribution to a re-insurance program to cover losses from a hurricane, and a fund for Floridians who want to upgrade their homes. Still, some lawmakers are saying "don't expect much."

"I'm very concerned that the solutions before us are anti-consumer," said Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando). "But there's just no simple answer, and I'm worried that, in the time frame we have, we won't find any solutions."

The session is set to begin Monday morning and last through the week.

photo: Getty Images


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