Steffanie Rigetta Insurance Agency

by Chip Colandreo

Believe it or not, even in this economy, the cost of something crucially important is currently going down. It’s the cost of auto insurance (and potentially homeowners insurance, too), but according to Steffanie Rigetta, owner and founder of the Steffanie Rigetta Insurance Agency, consumers still need to do some due diligence to take advantage of new, lower rates.

“Several major auto insurance carriers have recently filed rate reductions with the State of Florida,” says Steffanie, “but the savings won’t automatically show up on your next statement. Now is definitely the time to shop around – not just to save money, but also to make sure you have the right coverage. Many of our customers are now getting better, more comprehensive coverage plans and paying less than they were before.”

Most auto policies run on a six-month term with the option to pay monthly. When an insurance carrier files a rate reduction with the state, those savings typically aren’t applied until your next policy renewal. And if your policy automatically renews, you could miss out on better rates or additional savings available in the market. That is why it’s essential to work with an expert. 

Steffanie recently discussed these new rate reductions on WESH 2 News. In the piece, Steffanie reviewed the personal auto insurance policy of WESH 2’s traffic expert Meaghan Mackey. By comparing new, lower rates from a variety of carriers, Steffanie was able to cut Meaghan’s six-month premium nearly in half, from $1,089.41 to $639. 

“But more importantly,” says Steffanie, “We were able to get her better coverage, including higher liability limits and adding uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, which is absolutely critical for every driver to have here in Florida.”

It’s Time To Shop for Homeowners Insurance Again, Too

Spiraling homeowners insurance rates have been a thorn in the side of Florida residents for years, but Steffanie says signs of stability and relief are finally starting to appear. Though the discounts aren’t quite as dramatic or widespread, a few major homeowners insurance carriers in Florida have also filed lower rates with the state in recent months.

“What matters most is that Florida’s homeowners insurance market is more stable today than it has been in 17 years,” Steffanie says. “Homeowners can finally shop with confidence again. There’s broader carrier availability, and the fear of companies suddenly exiting the state has significantly eased. For the first time in a long time, residents have real opportunities to lower their rates – and we’re here to guide them every step of the way.”