Division of Consumer Services

Summary:

This brochure gives you information on the kinds of coverage required by law and explains ways you can save on premiums. In addition, it outlines a comparison of automobile rates from different insurance companies for different regions and other criteria.

Summary:

• Florida residents mandatory coverage
• Auto insurance options
• How to file a claim

• Ways to save on your premiums

Adobe PDF
English
Español
Size: 1.5MB

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If you own a boat, do you know if you have the proper type of coverage to protect yourself? This brochure will help you determine if you need insurance, if your homeowners coverage will adequately protect you or if you should consider additional coverage.

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Finding the best insurance plan to protect your business is one of the many important decisions you must make as a small-business owner. This guide explains the required and optional coverage you need to consider.

Size: 2.6MB
English
Español

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Consumers are protected from harassment by collection agencies. This brochure explains your rights when dealing with debt collectors.

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Tips on dealing with damage from hurricanes and other natural disasters, including numbers to call for assistance with insurance issues.

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HMOs offer an alternative to health insurance that has become increasingly popular. Learn how they differ from standard health insurance, and how to choose a program that is right for you.

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If you live in Florida and own personal possessions which are insured, are you prepared to create a list from memory? If not, this checklist can help you organize your inventory of possessions, room-by-room, to assist you in the event of a loss.

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When it comes to natural disasters, Floridians know from firsthand experience that it pays to plan ahead.  Dealing with hurricanes, wildfires, floods, tornadoes, winter storms and other disasters costs us millions of dollars each year.

• Actions to Take Before Disasters
• Actions to Take After Disasters
• How to obtain more information.

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The loss of personal items as a result of a hurricane or storm can be devastating. This guide will help you select the proper insurance as a homeowner, condominium owner or renter.

• Insurance shopping tips
• Obtaining hard-to-place coverage
• How to file a claim

HTML

Adobe PDF
Size: 1.61MB

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Mold can adversely affect homes in Florida’s humid climate. As an insured homeowner, you must take appropriate and swift action to minimize damage from unexpected water intrusion, and prevent further problems caused by mold.

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ID Theft
(English) (Español)

Summary:

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises today. Learn how to protect yourself, and what to do if you believe your identity has been stolen.

English
Español
Size: 1.41MB

Summary:

When considering purchasing an annuity, it is important that you understand your needs and the products that are available to meet them. This guide is designed to point out the differences between life insurance and annuities as investments, and how to find the plan that is right for you.

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Long-term care encompasses a wide range of medical, personal and social services. A person may need this care if he or she suffers from a prolonged illness, disability or cognitive impairment. This care includes services provided by home health care agencies, adult day care centers, traditional nursing homes and continuing care retirement communities.

Summary:

With the increasing number of advertisements and promotions of prescription drug and healthcare discount card programs, it's important for consumers to be aware of the benefits provided and the conditions. Because these programs are not health insurance, the Department of Financial Services does not regulate the companies and their marketing representatives.

While some programs may offer substantial savings, consumers should consider the issues outlined in this consumer alert before making the decision to join a plan.

Summary:

This guide will help you and other seniors evaluate your health care insurance needs.

• Medicare Supplement Insurance
• Sample annual premiums
• Medicare's legislative changes
• Other insurance for seniors
• Companies licensed to sell Medicare in Florida

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Even if you’ve never done meth, it puts you and your family at risk from toxic chemicals, deadly vapors, and the ever-present threat of fi re and explosion. This brochure will show you the telltale signs of a meth lab, and what to do if you suspect one may be operating near you.

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The Department of Financial Services is providing guidance on what you can do to strengthen your home against catastrophic storms and better protect you and your family. You can start by taking advantage of a new program, My Safe Florida Home, which offers free home inspections to measure how safe your home is against hurricanes.

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Changes in Florida law aim to crack down on predatory lenders who target those who can least afford to lose money. Predatory lenders offer easy access to money but often use high-pressure sales tactics, infl ated interest rates, outrageous fees, unaffordable repayment terms and harassing collection tactics..

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Tips on choosing an investment professional, considering the risks involved before you invest, and definitions of common terms.

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Sinkholes are an unpredictable part of the Florida landscape, especially in West Central Florida and the greater Tampa Bay area. Before you buy a home, make sure that you have these bases covered:

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If your insurance company has denied a claim for loss or damage that you believe was caused by a sinkhole, the Florida Department of Financial Services is available to assist you through its Neutral Evaluator program, explained in this brochure.

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Surplus lines insurance is an alternative type of insurance coverage for consumers who cannot get coverage in the standard or “admitted” market. Standard companies will not write policies for unusual, high-risk situations. This may include extremely old homes located in coastal areas, expensive boats and cars, day-care centers’ liability needs, or medical malpractice needs. Read the brochure to learn more.

Summary:

Guidelines on your rights as a victim of a crime, what to expect from the legal system, and resources for assistance.