Article Submitted by: Marge Meek a local Sanibel-Captiva independent insurance agent.
Several months ago, Citizens tested mitigation form accuracy and found sufficient cause to expand the re-inspection mitigation form program. Due to the errors that were discovered and because Citizens refunded so much money due to credits that resulted from the forms, the decision was made to send out Citizens inspectors and do it all over again. Earlier this year the state released a new mitigation form that is much more detailed and requires pictures to substantiate all the credits.
The contract to do all these mitigation forms again at Citizen's expense was given to Thomas Enterprises, who subcontracted to other inspection companies, who subcontracted to other inspection companies, who continue to try to hire general contractors to perform this important task. Suffice it to say, everyone gets some money to do this, so by the time it gets to the general contractor who is actually doing the work, his fee must be minimal. Therefore, many of the contractors who have done this work for our local property owners will not accept the job because it is not worth their time. That is problem number 1, who are these new inspectors?
Some of you have already started getting letters from Citizens saying they need to re-inspect your home and adjustments to your premium may result. Failure to let the contractor re-inspect your home could, it says, cause changes to your policy. Problem number 2, what about snowbirds and people who aren’t here due to vacations?
No official word has come out regarding what happens when your mitigation form and the new mitigation form are different. Is there an appeal? Do you have some time to correct problems arising from opening protection differences on high-value homes? When will any new rates go into effect?
The re-inspection program is off to a bumpy start with Citizens, but it is underway, and you will need to respond to the call you get from the inspector asking to come to your home. This will be after you get your letter. Stay in touch with your insurance agent to help get questions answered.