Governor
hopeful hears insurance fears Homeowners told state Sen. Tommy Moore,
Gov. Mark Sanford's Democratic opponent in the November election, that they want
state officials to find a solution soon to the skyrocketing insurance premiums
on the Grand Strand.
Moore visited Waterway Village on Thursday, a complex
in Carolina Forest that's seen a 600 percent increase in homeowners association
premiums. He said he came to listen to residents' concerns and suggestions for
improvement.
Among homeowners' ideas was a suggestion that Moore turn their
information over to the state attorney general to see if the increases they've
seen could be price gouging. They also proposed the insurance department offer
incentives to bring insurers to the state and create more competition.
The
meeting with Moore followed two insurance forums held Aug. 28 in which homeowners
questioned S.C. Director of Insurance Eleanor Kitzman and state lawmakers about
why costs increased so dramatically. Moore sent a representative to those meetings
but didn't attend, and Thursday Moore said he wanted to speak with residents himself.
Meanwhile,
Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said the governor recognizes the importance of the
issue and is working with the Department of Insurance to address the problem.
One
relief could come with a possible move for the wind pool line, which would increase
availability of insurance.
Kitzman said at the insurance forums she planned
to move the wind pool line soon.
The wind pool is currently an area east
of U.S. 17 Business, where homeowners can get wind coverage through a group of
insurance companies when they can't buy it through the standard market.
The
insurance department is "burning the midnight oil" reviewing all options
and effects related to expanding the wind pool, spokeswoman Ann Roberson said.
During
Thursday's meeting with Moore, some homeowners said they think the insurance director
position should be an elected position, instead of governor-appointed, so that
the director is more accountable to the public.
"I think it's time
for us to look at that," Moore said. "North Carolina and Georgia have
elected insurance commissioners."
Bill Hamilton, homeowners association
president at Sea Mark Tower on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront, said the building's
insurance will lapse in October and he's having trouble finding any company who
will write a policy.
He's been told it could be an increase of 800 percent.
Owners had been planning to restore the 20 year building, but that's been put
on hold.
"Our people are saying how much insurance do we really want
to purchase," he said at the meeting.
Sammy DeRemigio, homeowners association
president at Waterway Village, said he was glad Moore came to listen to his residents
since many are on fixed incomes and aren't sure how they'll pay the increases.
