Citing sinkhole losses and higher operating expenses, State Farm Florida asked state regulators Tuesday for a 28 percent premium increase on its homeowners’ policies.
The financial strength rating of State Farm Florida has been downgraded by A.M. Best Co. several days before the insurer begins non-renewing policies under a previous agreement with the state to keep it in Florida.
A bitter 17-month dispute between state regulators and State Farm Florida ended with a rate hike for the carrier and permission to shed up to 125,000 policies. Both sides say they are pleased with the outcome.
State Farm Florida has until April 14 to submit an amended petition for an administrative hearing regarding its plans to withdraw the company's property insurance business from the state, and the insurer said it plans to meet that deadline.