When it comes to homeowner costs, most of us are aware we have to cover the mortgage, property taxes and homeowners insurance as well as regular maintenance costs. However, there is another expense lurking in your home and if you are not prepared it can be a financial disaster. We are talking about surprise emergency […]
The roof on your house provides shelter, moves water or snow off your house and protects you from the elements. It is an essential part of any house and should be properly maintained and replaced when it has reached the end of its useful lifespan. Replacing a roof can be confusing and expensive. What many […]
Purchasing your first home can be scary and confusing as well as exciting. There are dozens of decisions to be made and if you are not careful you may make a mistake that you will have to live with for years. If you are in the market for your first home, or have been in […]
If you are retired or on a fixed income you may be considering using a reverse mortgage to access the equity in your home to help cover day to day expenses, fund a renovation or even pay for travel. While reverse mortgages can be an excellent tool in some situations, they are not for everyone. Here […]
The Florida House passed an assignment of benefits reform bill on Thursday despite objections from contractors and the Restoration Association of Florida. The bill passed on a 96-20 vote on hopes that the changes will help keep insurance prices steady or even make them more affordable. However, the House and Senate have not been able […]
Texas homeowners may have a new option when it comes to flood insurance. While flood coverage is always excluded from a standard homeowners policy, the Woodlands Insurance Co. which is located in Woodlands, Texas is offering a Texas homeowners policy that includes flood insurance coverage to all households that qualify. The coverage can vary depending […]
A recently added amendment to the Florida State House assignment of benefits (AOB) reform bill would prevent Citizens Property Insurance Corp. from raising rates unless they pass the savings from AOB reform along to their customers. “We are consistently told that AOB reform is necessary and will halt skyrocketing insurance costs in some areas and […]
While the assignment of benefits (AOB) form is a pretty standard practice in the United States insurance industry, rampant fraud in Florida has led to a shocking increase in the number of AOB filings over the past decade. An AOB contract signs over your insurance benefits to a third party such as a contractor or […]
This winter has been tough for many cities and states. Artic weather has led to record cold and snowfall in many places. Now that spring is on the way and the snow is starting to melt, the runoff could lead to flooding in many locations. If you are not protected by flood insurance, the cost […]
Recently, the Restoration Association of Florida (RAF) responded to two bills moving through the Florida Legislature that could affect the assignment of benefits (AOB) process. RAF stands in opposition to the bills (SB 122 and HB 7065), saying they fail to address the needs of both homeowners and contractors. RAF hosted a panel of attorneys, […]