NU Online News Service, Aug. 12, 3:33 p.m.EDT

According to new polling data, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist didnot act in the best interest of his constituents when he vetoed anomnibus property insurance bill that would have addressedcost-drivers in the market.

A late July poll of 800 registered voters throughout Floridarevealed some surprising attitudes toward insurance.

Of those polled, 57 percent said the most responsible way toprepare for damage from a hurricane is before a storm, even if itmeans higher premiums.

Nearly three-quarters said long-term stability of insurancerates was the most important insurance goal compared to 20 percentwho said they sought immediate rate relief.

"I think this shows there is a clear understanding of thegravity of the situation among the people of Florida and it is upto us–the industry, lawmakers and regulators–to work together todeliver," said William Stander, assistant vice president andregional manager for the Property Casualty Insurers Association ofAmerica (PCI), who distributed the results with the Florida Chamberof Commerce.

The opinions of Floridians come without knowledge that theywould be responsible for funding a shortfall of the state-runinsurer. Only 39 percent said they knew they could be assessed–anumber that has actually improved since the last poll was taken inJanuary, Mr. Stander said.

The most surprising result, Mr. Stander said, dealt with aquestion asking how much time a person should have to file a claimfollowing a hurricane. More than two-thirds said one year.

"And we were battling tooth and nail to get three years," Mr.Stander said.

Gov. Crist vetoed SB 2044, though it was supported by InsuranceCommissioner Kevin McCarty and other industry leaders. A provisionin the bill would have limited the amount of time a policyholderhad to file a claim after a storm to three years from five.

The industry has been critical of public adjusters for reopening claims long after astorm.

"We were hugely disappointed that this bill was vetoed," saidChamber of Commerce spokeswoman Edie Ousley. "We believed itdelivered some long-term solutions the market needed."

Asked if they thought coastal homeowners should pay more forinsurance, 55 percent said yes. A large majority–86 percent–saidthey thought their homeowners situation has stayed the same orgotten worse.

The poll was administered by Public Strategies Inc.