[bobnyce]

Originally Posted by davephan

In Florida, one of the higher costs is insurance. That’s just life in Florida! It just like the higher driving speeds are “normal”. But much more important, is the number of totally reckless drivers on the Florida roads. The small round signs and crosses next to the roads should be a reminder to you about the result of all the reckless and irresponsible drivers in Florida. Our auto insurance is almost double in Florida compared to Minnesota. If you wonder why, just look at all the reckless drivers in Florida.

There are several things that could be done, that aren’t being done. The police could concentrate on just the reckless drivers. Suspend the reckless driver’s driving licenses. If they are caught driving with a suspended driver, put them in prison for a year. Much fewer people would risk driving with a suspended driver’s license, if there was a risk of going to prison. They could also confiscate the vehicle. If their driver’s license was suspended multiple times, then revoke their driver’s license permanently. If they are caught driving with a revoked driver’s license, put them in prison for 5 years. If there’s teeth in the law, people will obey the law. The people who don’t obey the law, and go to prison will serve as examples to other people, and cause more people to obey the law.

People who have histories of reckless driving arrests, could have their rates drastically increased. Then the auto insurance for responsible drivers would decrease, and the costs would be shifted to the irresponsible drivers, because the responsible drivers are currently subsidizing the reckless drivers now.

The umbrella insurance is a little higher in Florida, but not drastically higher, like auto insurance. Have you ever noticed the billboard’s where the attorney got me $500K, or some other amount? Have you noticed all the attorney advertising on TV? While some people deserve compensation for their injuries, there are others who are faking their injuries for essentially a lottery payout.

If you maintain your insurance without periodically switching companies, the insurance companies will gradually increase your rates. It’s your task to periodically shop for insurance, and switch insurance companies periodically. If you stay with the same insurance company for decades, then the insurance company know that you won’t leave them if they gradually raise your rates.

In case you haven't noticed the trial lawyers and insurance lobby run Florida. Anything they want they get! Why arrest unlicensed drivers if they create the forum for suing your own insurance company when you have an accident involving an uninsured, unlicensed driver? Trial lawyers thrive in this environment. Home insurance has had several hidden changes in the last few years driven by the lobbyists. Standard homeowners insurance only covers sink holes if your house is uninhabitable now thanks to the insurance lobby. Oh yes, and if your roof blows off in a storm you better be prepared to subsidize a new one because it will be prorated based on whatever the insurance company thinks is reasonable. Doesn't matter if your roof was in perfect condition. No, they will decide since they could not win in court with the crooked roofers they went to the legislature to get what they wanted. Sound familiar - it is!