Upgrades could lower premiums

A bit of relief is on the way for beleaguered South Florida homeowners: The discounts insurers now offer for strengthening homes against hurricanes, such as adding shutters or roof straps, could double by December.

Activism provides strength to battle insurers

In the 1976 movie Network, Peter Finch throws open a window and screams out: ``I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore.''

FIU wind machine tests housing sturdiness

It's big, it huffs and puffs, it stands seven feet tall and belts out an earsplitting roar -- and it could yield secrets to keeping your house standing when the next big storm rolls in.

South Floridians pay most for windstorm insurance, stressing out homeowners

South Florida homeowners: Here's the reality. Other sections of the state, with miles of coastal development and plenty of hurricane risk, are still paying far less for windstorm coverage than you are.

The storm before the storm

FIU researchers study how construction methods and materials might withstand hurricane winds.

Owners of old homes take hit on insurance

A vintage home is cool, until you have to pay the insurance bill. That chic 1930s Mediterranean-style cottage is an architectural gem with inlaid wood floors, crown molding and a stone-carved fireplace. But most insurers see old water pipes, faulty wiring and maybe a leaky roof.

Sky-high premiums igniting a revolt by consumers

Under fluorescent lights and through a microphone that kept shorting out, Joe Fontana cleared his throat and addressed his small audience.

'A crisis' for business in Florida

The massive collapse of the hurricane insurance market for Florida businesses has morphed from an economic headache just weeks ago into a clear and growing threat to the region's economic vitality, experts say.

Businesses in a jam on windstorm coverage

When it comes to finding solutions to the windstorm insurance crisis, Benson's Lighting & Fans is in the dark.

State commissioner stands up to insurance catastrophes

Kevin McCarty laughed last Monday when he said he has the ``worst job in state government.'' His job assessment may be slightly off the mark, but McCarty's timing is certainly questionable. McCarty came to work at the state's insurance department just a month before Hurricane Andrew wrecked South Miami-Dade. He took the top job at the Office of Insurance Regulation in early 2004, just in time to cope with four hurricanes that crisscrossed the state.

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