“These requested rate hikes are unacceptable, and are not consistent with the realities of the conditions in Florida. This improper request by State Farm warrants an immediate investigation by Congress into possible abusive business practices. I trust that the State of Florida will thoroughly examine this matter and believe Congress must also play a significant role to ensure that consumers are protected nationwide, particularly given the inappropriate behavior of insurance companies following Hurricane Katrina.

“For too long, I have seen the homeowners’ insurance rates of my constituents double and triple -- even when they have not made in a claim in years,” said Congressman Wexler.  “Now, when Florida has not been hit by a major hurricane in two years, State Farm’s requested adjustments could further spike insurance policies for South Florida families by up to 70%. South Florida is already one of the regions hit hardest by the mortgage crisis, and increasingly unaffordable homeowners’ insurance policies further threaten the ability of families to stay in their homes.”

Congressman Wexler is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe and a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee.

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