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Highlands Today

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Insurance Wars

R. B. Reaney

Published: February 7, 2009

Insurance Wars
I had a chuckle at the blog quoted in the Sunday article in the Highlands Today. I will tell "Abrand" that he should say "good riddance" to expensive Auto Owners as I did last year.
I too had Auto Owners for over 20 years with coverage on my house, boat and two autos. I had a small $400 claim after Charley, and they paid promptly. Last year I received notice that Auto Owners would not renew my homeowner's policy on the anniversary date.
After talking with my local agent, I found out that Auto Owners was "reducing their exposure" in their homeowner policies in Florida. I was assured that it was a random selection process, as they just couldn't drop the high risk storm surge policies on the coasts because it would be "discriminatory" and have repercussions. The local agent said that there were many such non-renewals in Highlands County and that they had appealed to no avail!
Of course, Auto Owners was more than happy to continue my auto coverage, but without the "homeowner" policy discount. They couldn't understand why I immediately canceled my policies and demanded refunds. My agent was able to find me the same coverage with other companies, at lower rates.
I am in agreement that if a company sells a full range of coverage in other states they must offer the same in Florida, but how do you stop them from reducing homeowner policies and heavily advertising for the more lucrative auto policies? I did it by insuring my property with a company that does not sell auto insurance, and my autos and boat with a company that does not sell homeowner insurance.
So, Abrand, maybe next year you will be one of the lucky ones in Highlands who gets a non-renewal notice. Then we will see if you still think that is what an insurance company is supposed to do!
R. B. Reaney
Lake Placid