Homeowners brace for insurance changes

PORT RICHEY - A January 1st deadline is fast approaching for Pasco and Hernando County homeowners.

That's when insurance companies can drop their sinkhole coverage.

It is making a lot of business for inspector Billy Fernandez.

"I see about one or two homeowners' associations a month. I've done more than 150 inspections over the last two months," he said.

Many people are eager to get their homes tested for possibly sinkhole activity because of the new rights insurance companies will have on January 1st.

"The insurance companies are going to have the right to not offer sink hole coverage or not offer it any more," according to Sharon Cavaliere of Beneficial Public Adjusting Service. "People who have paid for it up until now really need to address it while they have the opportunity."

Tuesday, Fernandez spoke to a group of home and business owners. Some in the audience were bothered by the approaching changes.

"I don't know what replacement costs would be," said Traci Czyznick, a homeowner who listened to Fernandez' presentation. "We've been in our house for five years, but we've seen little changes going on. It could be devastating. What would we do if there was a lot of damage? Where would we live, how would we pay for two places?"

Fernandez said he's inspected at least 50 homes in Pasco County a week. The inspections are free.

For more information call 813-926-2300