A Delray Beach homeowner says a new roof and a switch to a new insurer have left her worried about money. Doris Fiorenza, 83, said she lives on Social Security and has a limited income.
After she replaced the roof on her villa at a cost of $14,000, Citizens Insurance dropped her policy. She found a private insurer, but the new premium is about $3,300 a year, compared with the $1,800 she paid Citizens. A $900 surcharge for a gap in coverage between the two policies added to the cost.
Robert Norberg of Arden Insurance in Lantana said roof and other upgrades can earn policy discounts, but homeowners need to ask their current company to apply them. He also said shoppers are finding lower rates, as competition among insurers has grown and many rates are falling.
For South Florida homeowners, the lesson is to avoid any gap in coverage when switching carriers and to report upgrades promptly so credits are applied.
