Why a hurricane in the panhandle could affect insurance rates in central Florida

With a storm on track to make landfall as a hurricane in the Florida panhandle by this weekend, the financial impact could even be felt in central Florida or other parts of the state. That impact could come in the form of increased property insurance rates.Do you have a consumer complaint or need help from Jeff Deal and Action 9? Click the banner below to submit a tip. Sunshine State homeowners have seen it often over years, typically after a large storm causes significant damage. Insurance carriers spread the risks and costs to policies across the state, even to areas not taking a direct hit.When storms slam Florida, high winds and water can bring catastrophic damage, costing billions of dollars.“It’s happened before, Jeff. You and I both still remember the hurricanes of Charley, Francis and Jeanne in ’04,” said Diana Giron, owner of Universal Insurance Agency in Orlando. She told Action 9 Consumer Investigator Jeff Deal the damage from storms even in different parts of the state can