Crist Warns of Florida’s ‘Insurance Crisis’

Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) is countering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) as Floridians face insurance issues. Over the weekend, the gubernatorial hopeful took to social media to warn Floridians about impending insurance issues. During an interview with MSBC, Crist commented on the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, arguing that there is an “insurance crisis in Florida.”

On social media, Rep. Crist commented on Floridians filing insurance claims, warning of issues that could arise during the process.

“My message to Floridians after Hurricane Ian is simple: if you believe your insurer is shortchanging you, you do not have to take them at face value – seek a second opinion or legal advice,” Crist said.

“You paid your premiums for years and you deserve to be covered during your time of need,” he added.

Political pundits argue that the impact of Hurricane Ian is likely to push insurance companies into insolvency, and with Florida already listed as having one of the highest insurance premiums, Rep. Crist is directing the blame at Governor DeSantis.

In a statement early last week, Crist elaborated on his claim, arguing that “Gov. DeSantis let these insurance companies double Floridians’ rates and they’re still going belly up when homeowners need them most,” he said, adding that “you pay and pay and pay, and the insurance company isn’t there for you in the end anyway.”

During an interview with MSNBC, Crist further expressed his disappointment with DeSantis.

According to MSNBC, 29% of the 1.8 million homes in the nine counties that were affected by Hurricane Ian are insured with flood insurance.

In response to the numbers, Crist called it an example of an “insurance crisis in Florida that has just been exacerbated by this horrific storm.”

“Less than 30% of those in the path of the storm have homeowners insurance at all because so many companies are canceling,” Crist explained, saying that “they’re going bankrupt.”

“Our governor, unfortunately, has been focused on trying to help insurance companies instead of consumers,” Crist argued.

The interview with MSNBC can be viewed below.