He backs more choices for homeowners

Gov.-elect Charlie Crist said he doesn't know all the specifics on how to solve the state's homeowners insurance problem, but expressed confidence Friday that legislators will be productive at a special session called to address the crisis.

"I campaigned all over the state and the issue that I heard about most was the insurance issue. Bar none. Everywhere we went that's what we heard people screaming about. I understand why. The rate increases are horrific," the Republican said.

 It was one of several subjects the state attorney general addressed in an interview with Associated Press editors and reporters, ranging from raising teacher salaries and lowering property taxes to supporting stem cell research and paper trails for ATM-style voting machines.

But he said insurance is the top issue facing him when he becomes governor Jan. 2, saying that he may now need to put an asterisk next to his campaign promise to sign no other bill before his proposed "Anti-murder Act" because of the Jan. 16 special session on insurance. His proposal, which would require judges to jail violent criminals who violate probation, can wait for the regular session in March, he said.

Crist said he hadn't read the entire 231-page draft insurance bill prepared by Gov. Jeb Bush's office and released Wednesday, when Crist was attending the Republican Governors Association annual conference in Doral. But he said he was familiar with the goals and favors them. "From what I know of it, it all sounds like very good things," Crist said.

That includes giving homeowners the choice of accepting higher deductibles or not including windstorm insurance in their coverage, which could be pitfalls for insurance customers if a catastrophic hurricane hit Florida.

"I support choices, I like freedom of choice and if a consumer wants to make that choice, they ought to be empowered to do so," Crist said. "People will have a higher deductible on their auto insurance for a cost-saving measure, so why not give them the same choice here."

He added that he would also like to see homeowners get credits for making their homes safer, much like safe drivers save on auto insurance. "If you've been one of these homeowners that's been real responsible and you've hardened your home, why shouldn't you get a reduction on your rate, just like you would on your auto coverage?" Crist said.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-fcrist02dec02,0,5330532.story?coll=sfla-news-florida