The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) approved changes to Citizens’ Personal Lines rates and factors for policies with effective dates on or after August 1, 2021, as outlined below.

Rate Changes (All Policy Types)

The rate increase, Citizens’ first since 2019, applies to new and renewal policies. The rate changes vary by line, product type and territory. Individual rate changes currently are subject to a 10% cap, excluding coverage changes, mitigation adjustments, rate changes for Sinkhole Loss coverage, assessments and surcharges, and a required rapid cash build-up provision for the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund, if applicable. 

To see the Rate Changes by Territory chart, log in to the Agents site, go to the Personal section, click on PR-M or PR-W on the left side of the page, and look for the chart under the Spotlight section on the right side of the page.

Changes to WLM Rating Tables

Based on updates to the Florida Building Code, Citizens made additional rule changes to the wind-loss mitigation (WLM) rating tables for homes built in 2012 and later under the following policy types:

• Citizens Homeowners 3 – Special Form (CIT HO-3)
• Citizens Homeowners 8 – Modified Coverage Form (CIT HO-8)
• Homeowners 2 – Wind-Only Form (HW-2)

WLM for Renewals

Citizens has enhanced the wind mitigation credit structure for homes built in or after 2002 to better address variations in the requirements for WLM in the building code. Citizens automatically will update existing policies for homes built in or after 2002 with the updated wind speed and Wind-Borne Debris Region information based on the appropriate Florida Building Code. If information for roof shape, secondary water resistance or opening protection has been provided for the policy, that information will be retained at renewal. The WLM premium discount will be updated to reflect any changes to the information.

Because these updates could affect HO-3 and HW-2 policyholders with homes built in or after 2002, Citizens will mail a letter approximately a month before renewal advising them to contact their agent to determine if they are eligible for additional discounts. For example, policyholders with newer roofs with improved roof deck attachment and/or roof-to-wall wrap upgrades could be eligible for further WLM discounts.

Agents will need to review available documentation with their policyholders to ensure eligible WLM discounts are properly applied.

Agents can use the Applied Technology Council’s Hazard by Location website to determine wind speeds for WLM discounts. Log in to the Agents website to see FAQ 4294 for step-by-step directions.

WLM for New Business

Citizens will send agents more information about WLM for new business in the next few weeks.

Resources

Log in to the Agents site, go to the Personal section, click on PR-M or PR-W on the left side of the page, then choose the specific policy type on the right side for the Rating Steps and Factors manuals and underwriting manuals, which are in the center column.