Got a notice from Citizens that I have the option to 'opt out' and go with a relatively new Insurance Company 'Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance' (HCPCI).. Does not sound like a bad deal on the surface but I have lots of nagging questions..

Every once in a while citizens gives a few of these new (non National) fledgling companies the opportunity to get some business, and gived them the sole right to solicit homeowners on their terms - In my opinion defintiely not theose favorable to the consumer and definitely slanted towards the 'company'.

1) I CAN NOT get comparitive Rate quotes for both BEFORE choosing..  If I leave Citizens I will never be able to get back in. Seesm unfair as a consumer that I have to jump without knowing the rates.

2) I do not see that this relatively new company has a reasonable track record of 'events' or payouts, neither the similar ones formed. 

I was under Citizens & had damage durng Francis/Jeannie.  While the paybacks dragged out (4 different adjusters & 2+ years,), we did eventually get reimbursed reasonably compared to many.

Many who not with Citizens, who also had way more damage, practically didn't get back shite..

As an engineer I worked with many owners rebuilding damaged homes - all insurers are definitely not created equal..

Are these new kids on the block adequately backed further up the chain (If they were insured w/ Lloyds of London I would get a 'warm fuzzy'),  am I wasting my $ on premiums..

The head of Citizen's bailed recently & went over to head HCPCI up? What's up?

Florida hasn't had a bad hurricane season in years so Citizens should be very solvent since they have been making $ hand over fist & should have boatloads of cash in it's coffers.

Am I to give any creedence to  'rumors' that Citizens is planning massive rate hikes.

Citiizens, like social Security, was not meant as a money making organization but what is this talk about closing them down about - whats going on with the $ in the coffers? A Rebate sound fair to me since we have been paying 'extra' since I bought theis house 12 years ago.. or put another way; who 'gets' vs 'deserves' this closeout 'bonus'?

I will have to make a decision between the 2 within a month - but it does not sound like I have much of a rational 'choice' since there is no info offered..

Is this the way pro-consumer insurance regulator division of government is supposed to work?

- Anyone on here ever switched from Citizens to one of the other 'companies'?

- Any claims experience with them to date?

- How much was your rate change/hikes after the switch as compared to Citizens prior to the switch?

Thanks for your input/feedback..

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