Defending Your Property: Insights on Navigating Insurance Challenges

Defending Your Property: Insights on Navigating Insurance Challenges

From Contractor Talk with Richie Kidwell by Richie Kidwell

June 5, 2026 · 52 min · Episode 145

About this episode

Richie Kidwell and guests discuss Florida's property insurance challenges and provide insights for homeowners.

In this episode of Contractor Talk, Richie Kidwell and co-host property damage attorney Hans Kennon break down Florida’s property insurance landscape and what homeowners should know right now. They cover why homeowners should be wary of calling insurers just to “ask questions” about claims, as well as common carrier tactics such as restrictive check language and direct repair programs that steer work toward insurer-approved contractors while limiting accountability. The discussion also touches on recent legislative changes that have reduced consumer protections, as well as broader market shifts, including insurer exits, Citizens depopulation, FIGA costs, and the impact of new carriers entering the state. Special guest Tony Busby of Great Florida Insurance shares practical advice on shopping for policies through an agent, reviewing renewals closely, and identifying red flags such as capped water-damage coverage and actual-cash-value policies. He also explains how simple inquiries can sometimes be logged as claims. The episode wraps with insights on hurricane season expectations, FEMA concerns, and proposed property tax changes affecting local services.

People in this episode

Host: Richie Kidwell

Guests: Hans Kennon, Tony Busby

Topics covered

  • property insurance
  • homeowner claims
  • insurance tactics
  • legislative changes
  • market shifts
  • hurricane season
  • property tax changes

Keywords

  • property insurance
  • homeowners
  • claims
  • insurance tactics
  • legislative changes
  • hurricane season
  • FEMA
  • property tax

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Great Florida Insurance

Places: Florida

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