Rising insurance prices leaving many in a bind

By Congressman Jo Bonner (R-AL)

There are no easy answers to the ever increasing and frustrating insurance prices the Gulf Coast has experienced over the past few years.

With insurance companies limiting their exposure in certain areas, homeowners are being left in a bind when protecting their homes and families from natural disasters.

The insurance crisis is not only in Alabama, it can also be found in our neighboring states of Florida and Mississippi as well as Louisiana.

Living fulltime in Alabama's First District, I understand - and share - your concerns and frustrations firsthand. Insurance traditionally has been regulated at the state level and not by the federal government.

In an effort to help address this issue, I recently cosponsored the Multiple Peril Insurance Act of 2007, H.R. 920, introduced by Congressman Gene Taylor, D - Mississippi.

Too often - in the aftermath of a hurricane - the debate between homeowners and adjusters is whether the damage was caused by wind or by water.

H.R. 920, if enacted, would create within the National Flood Insurance Program the option of purchasing coverage for both wind and flood in one policy.


In the end - damage is damage - and property owners should have the option of purchasing comprehensive coverage from one source. I am hopeful Congress will make this coverage option available to homeowners in the future.

In addition, I have been in frequent contact with Governor Bob Riley, Alabama Insurance Commissioner Walter Bell, as well as former Foley Mayor Tim Russell, who has been working hard to form a captive pool policy for homeowners and businesses in our area. I have also been in contact with numerous other state and local leaders - all with the hopes of urging immediate action on this critical issue.

Currently, H.R. 920 is awaiting markup in the House Financial Services Committee before it can be brought to the House floor.

Rest assured, if progress is made either at the state level or here in Washington, we'll be sure to make you aware of any new options that might be available.

Read the original in The Atmore Advance.

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