Tropical Storm Bertha makes ripples in Florida insurance market

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK)—Some insurance companies are pausing new policies as Tropical Storm Bertha moves through the Gulf. 

The Insurance Information Institute, an industry group, said storm warnings in the Florida Panhandle can lead to a pause on new policies in Southwest Florida. The institute said a storm warning in one part of Florida can ripple across all 67 counties, including property, flood, auto and renters insurance.

WINK News spoke with local insurance brokers to see how the storm is affecting their business. Several brokers said the storm is having a very minimal impact on the Southwest Florida insurance market. Chuck Harrod co-owns the Harrod Insurance Agency in Gateway.

He said most major insurers are still writing policies. 

"All in all, business as usual," Harrod said.

Harrod said the storm is a good reminder to check your policy now as hurricane season heats up. Mark Friedlander is with the Insurance Information Institute.

"We have a long way to go. We're only in our second month," Friedlander said.

Harrod said the only company that told him to stop issuing policies is Citizens Property Insurance, the state-run insurer of last resort. 

Harrod advised residents to track the tropics and plan ahead.

"Just watch the weather. Make sure that you reach out to your agent ahead of time," Harrod said.

The Insurance Information Institute said it can take a while for new policies to kick in. National flood insurance policies typically take 30 days to take effect, and around 14 days for private policies.