Bay area residents can blame fraud and South Florida if their Citizens Property Insurance rates go up next year.
Citizens officials say they will ask regulators for an average 1.3 percent increase for the average customer statewide because of a “disturbing” rise in water damage claims in South Florida.
Citizens says if it were not for those extra, many of which are likely fraudulent, customers statewide would have gotten a rate cut next year.
The new rates take effect in February if the Public Service Commission approves them.