Thursday, December 11, 2008

New Citizens Property Insurance Co. requirement as of January 1, 2009

New Citizens Property Insurance Co. requirement as of January 1, 2009


Please Note:

According to regulations passed by House Bill# 7057 and effective January 1, 2009 all homes insured by Citizens Property Insurance Co. with an insured value of over $750,000 or more will have to be “hardened” (window shutters, hurricane proof garage doors) effective with the 2009 renewal date or the 2009 policy effective date. This order is inclusive of all personal lines residential structures located in the ‘wind-borne debris region’. Structures without opening protections as defined in s. 1609.2, International Building Code (2006) will not be eligible for coverage by Citizen’s Property Insurance Co. There are exceptions to the hardening procedure such as allowing for wood panels but these requirements are very specific even to the thickness of the wood itself and will only be allowed in accordance with Florida Statutes . All shutters and mitigative measures will need to have been installed by the 2009 policy effective date. This legislation (House Bill# 7057) is state-wide and therefore will include all Florida counties.
As far as the effects on the real estate process, these requirements will no doubt upset those policy holders who are forced to use Citizens Property Insurance Company but who feel that their property is safe from potential storm damage and wind-borne debris. Clients seeking coverage outside of Citizens may be able to find coverage by using the Florida Marketing Assistance Plan (www.FMAP.org). There they may be able to find agents writing insurance in their area. Also they may choose a non-admitted or surplus lines carrier such as Lloyds of London.

Wind-borne Debris Region Map
http://www.dca.state.fl.us/FBC/maps/Wind_borne_MAP021407v2.pdf


Navarre Real Estate

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