4 Florida Homeowners Insurance Companies DROPPING Rates… But Ouch Those Online Reviews
Homeowners insurance in Florida has become a joke over the years. You constantly hear about rates doubling and sometimes even worse. But Channel 8 reports tonight that there are 9 insurers that are actually filing for rate decreases this year. Good news right? Well maybe not.
That doesn’t necessarily mean these insurers have the best rates for you. Current customers can look forward to paying less. Maybe your Florida homeowners insurance provider is one of these. In that case, it’s definitely good news. But online reviews of these companies are mixed to say the least. Then again, do people really go online to praise an insurance company?
4 Florida Homeowners Insurance Companies Dropping Rates
Safe Harbor Insurance Company is one of the companies that made the list of Florida homeowners insurance companies dropping their rates this year. The company has lackluster reviews at Clearsurance, scoring 2.3 stars out of 5. A reviewer last year claimed to have been sent a letter of non renewal telling her to get rid of the chickens. Others don’t seem to be fans of their customer service.
Another that made the list is Florida Peninsula Insurance Company. They’re based in Boca Raton. They have over 200,000 policies in force according to their website. But unfortunately this is another one that seems to have some issues with keeping customers happy. Their Better Business Bureau customer review score is a 1 out of 5. Ouch. I’m not sure how the BBB comes up with their rating, but they do give Florida Peninsula Insurance an A+ score.
Southern Oak Insurance Company in Palm Valley, Florida seems to have a decent score at least on Google Reviews. Their 4.2 out of 5 stars is pretty impressive. But reading through the first 2 one-star reviews at the top when you sort by “most relevant” shows some issues. Reviewer Sarah said they make “everything impossible to accomplish.” Heath said he found Southern Oak’s rates 40% higher than everyone else.
I figured I’d try one more to see if there’s any hope! Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Company is based right here in St. Pete. They offer home, condo and rental property insurance according to their website. Unfortunately, their Better Business Bureau customer reviews score is also rather scary, 1.56 stars out of 5. Their score from the BBB is a B+.
Have you had any luck finding a good insurer?
This is all pretty bleak. I’d love to share some GOOD news and help our listeners find reliable, honest Florida homeowners insurance companies. Drop me an email ([email protected]) and let me know the company you like. What makes you a fan? Are their rates fair? Were they helpful when you had to file a claim?
Which Florida Cities Made The List For Best Places To Live In The U.S.
#1. Naples
We already told you that Naples was the named the #1 city to live in the U.S., even if most of its residents only live there during the winter months.
#11. Sarasota
Sarasota has a unique charm compared to its other coastal cities. It has a very vibrant art scene, beautiful beaches, great food and restaurants. Sarasota was also considered a “retirement community” but that is changing as more young professionals make it their own up-and-coming city.
#31. Pensacola
White sand beaches is the main reason why Pensacola is so desirable. U.S. News and World Report says “Year round, the city’s vibrant nightlife is balanced by an abundance of family-friendly activities and a community atmosphere.”
#35. Tampa
Finally Tampa made the list! We’re used to seeing Tampa higher up in these rankings, and definitely thought it would be higher based on all the people moving here just in the past year alone. The cost of living in Tampa is slightly higher than the national average, and the housing market has become so competitive in recent years. But out of all the cities in Florida, we’re happy to call Tampa home.
Photo: Tampa Hillsborough EDC
#37. Fort Myers
Situated between Tampa and Miami on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a growing city. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who loves humidity, Fort Myers is the place for you. The have miles of freshwater and saltwater channels for boating and fishing; trails for biking, hiking and paddling; and golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and shuffleboard courts.
#56. Jacksonville
Did you know Jacksonville is the largest metro area by land mass in the continental U.S? Jacksonville has also been listed in affordable Florida cities and one of the best places to start a career.
#68. Orlando
Orlando is so massive that it’s broken up into 3 different areas: Downtown Orlando, Residential “City Beautiful” Orlando, and of course, theme park capital Orlando. The cost of housing in Orlando is close to the national median sale price, although like with many markets, home prices have soared here in recent years.
