LEE COUNTY, Fla. – As the imminent arrival of hurricane season looms, thousands of homeowners in Southwest Florida are facing a sudden upheaval in their insurance coverage. ASI-Progressive has begun sending out letters to policyholders, announcing its plans to drop about 100,000 policies as part of its efforts to reduce hurricane exposure. This move has left many like John Cunniff of Bonita Springs scrambling to find alternative coverage, with potential increases in premiums being a major concern for those affected.
Progressive’s decision to scale back in Florida, citing risks associated with the region, has caught many policyholders by surprise. Doug Nellans, an agent at The Insurancenter in Fort Myers, has been assisting numerous clients impacted by this shift. Fortunately, ASI-Progressive has collaborated with another insurance provider to offer policyholders an alternative before their current coverage expires, easing the transition for some.
However, for many policyholders, the prospect of finding a new insurance company poses challenges. Limited options and potential uncertainties in coverage have left individuals like Cunniff with few alternatives. As the hurricane season approaches in just over a month, the urgency to secure insurance coverage has heightened for those affected by this mass policy discontinuation.
The partnership between ASI-Progressive and Loggerhead Insurance aims to alleviate concerns regarding sudden premium hikes for transitioning policyholders. Loggerhead Insurance has pledged to minimize any potential “sticker shock” during the initial stages of the transition, providing some relief for those in need of immediate coverage solutions. Despite these efforts, the reality remains that many individuals will have to navigate through the insurance market to find suitable coverage options.
With more non-renewal notices expected to be issued by Progressive in the following months, the uncertainty and pressure faced by policyholders continue to grow. The abrupt termination of policies underscores the importance of being prepared and proactive in securing insurance coverage, particularly in a region vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes. As homeowners in Southwest Florida navigate these challenging circumstances, the search for stable and reliable insurance coverage becomes a top priority.