Betty Haygood, 76, of Delray Beach used a state program to put a new roof on her home, hoping the project would lower her insurance bill.
Instead, her December homeowners insurance renewal will cost $300 more.
Here's what to know
After getting a replacement roof in August through Florida's My Safe Florida Home program, Haygood received a higher December homeowners insurance renewal, WPTV reported.
For Haygood, the increase greatly impacts her budget.
"They're saying it's $300," she told WPTV. "I'm upset about it because the simple fact that a person has replaced an old roof, if it doesn't stay where it is, there should be some kind of reduction."
WPTV reached out to Universal, Haygood's South Florida-based insurance company, for an explanation.
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According to Universal, the previous roof had been insured at only 25% of its value because of its age. The company said the newly installed roof now carries more comprehensive coverage, which is why the premium went up.
More background
Replacing an aging roof would seem like exactly the kind of upgrade that lowers risk and, in turn, insurance costs.
Even when rates decline, total premiums can still rise, especially during inflationary periods. For homeowners trying to cut household costs, that can make a protective upgrade feel frustrating.
Still, according to WPTV, experts and state leaders see Florida's market improving, citing more insurers, stronger competition, and greater pressure to lower rates.
Where can I learn more?
These stories discuss disputed payouts, proposed rate hikes, and state decisions that affect what people pay to protect their homes.
• After a hurricane, a homeowner said an $8,000 payout made rebuilding impossible despite their $300,000 insurance policy.
• State Farm pushed a 30% rate increase, deepening worries over rising home insurance costs.
• North Carolina's insurance department approved a home insurance settlement that officials called a step forward.
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