News from July 2006
Nationwide Insurance Hike
Nationwide Insurance Co has asked the state for a statewide premium increase of 71%. A county by county breakdown of the proposed changes for Central Florida is below. This is the second request for an increase since 2004 for the company, but part of a continuing pattern from all the insurance companies.
The Central Florida counties proposed breakdown:
Brevard County
All areas east of the West Bank of the Banana River: 25 percent
Remainder of county: 11 percent
Flagler County
All areas east of the West Bank of the Intracoastal Waterway: 27 percent
Remainder of county: 2 percent
Lake County
Zip Codes 34711 and 34756: 57 percent
Zip Codes 32159, 32162, 32726, 32735, 32736, 32757, 32778, 34731, 34748 and 34788: 58 percent
Remainder of county: 55 percent
Marion County
Entire county: 21 percent
Orange County
City of Orlando: 49 percent
Remainder of county: 6 percent
Osceola County
Zip Codes 34741, 34743, 34744, 34746, 34747, 34758, 34769, 34771 and 34772: 57 percent
Remainder of county: 50 percent
Polk County
Entire county: 29 percent
Seminole County
Entire county: 23 percent
Sumter County
Entire county: 55 percent
Volusia County
All areas east of the West Bank of the Intercoastal Waterway: 27 percent
Remainder of county: 4 percent
Posted on 19 July 2006
Termite Protection
Home buyers in Florida will now receive better information regarding the previous treatment of termites in their new home. Rather than simply being told the property has been treated, the buyer will know whether this was a ’spot’ treatment or a ’full house’ treatment.
Homeowners will also benefit from increased consumer protection. Contracts issued by pest control companies must now tell consumers if the contract offers cover for subterranean termites, drywood termites or both. If the agreement doesn’t cover Formosan termites, an aggressive subterranean termite, the company must clearly state that fact on the contract. Pest control companies must retreat infestations covered by contract within 90 days (180 days for multi-unit structures) where previously there was no time limit. Companies may also no longer refuse re-treatment or repairs where they are aware of a construction defect which may increase the likelihood of termite infestation (such as a water leak) without giving the owner time notice of the problem and a chance to rectify it.
Posted on 12 July 2006
