Florida is fortunate to have an engaged Insurance Consumer Advocate and leader in Tasha Carter. She is known for her tremendous work ethic, common sense, and accessibility even during COVID when most state offices were closed. I have worked with Tasha over a decade and her focus is clear in that she always puts the insurance consumer at the top of her list.
In observance of Consumer Protection Week, Tasha has launched Demolish Contractor Fraud: Steps to Avoid Falling Victim, an informative website that addresses one of the biggest contributors to increased insurance rates – fraud. She notes that insurance fraud costs more than $40 billion annually, which increases the average family’s insurance premiums between $400 and $700 a year.
Tasha Carter, Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate
The website has sections on how to tell if a contractor is breaking the law, including a link to a complete list of permissible and prohibited actions by a contractor and the violations, citing Florida Statutes. There’s also a link to Contractor Fraud Resources that includes contact information for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which licenses contractors and investigates unlicensed ones.
Tasha’s most recent efforts are to be applauded as she works to raise the awareness about those who prey on unsuspecting consumers, duping them into signing construction or roof repair/ replacement contracts that become a litigation nightmare. You can read more from her about her efforts here. Please spread this outstanding educational tool with all those in your world. Up next, the very latest on Florida’s insurance marketplace, the ongoing legislative session, plus tips on avoiding Zoom burnout!
LMA Newsletter of 3-8-21
