Farmers Insurance plans to increase rates

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Farmers Insurance plans to increase rates

Dan Garcia

Story Created: Nov 8, 2008 at 8:31 AM CST

Story Updated: Nov 8, 2008 at 8:31 AM CST

 Austin (AP) - Farmers Insurance has filed for an average rate increase of 9.9 percent for homeowners insurance policies effective in February, state and company officials said Friday.

The Texas Department of Insurance says it is reviewing the rate increase, which is to take effect Feb. 16 on typical homeowner policies across the state.

"There will be ample time for us to make sure that it's a good rate," said insurance department spokesman Jerry Hagins.

Farmers spokeswoman Michelle Levy said the rate was filed earlier this week and that the increase is intended to cover the increased costs of labor and materials. It has been under consideration for several months and is not occurring because of Hurricanes Ike and Dolly, both of which struck Texas this year, she said.

Texas has a "file and use" policy that allows a company to file a rate and use it, though the state insurance department can review whether the rate is fair.

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