Suit charges Citizens with inflated premiums

A lawsuit filed in Pasco County alleges that state-backed Citizens Property Insurance inflated replacement costs, driving up customers’ bills, the Palm Beach Post reported. “We’re going to be asking for rebates,” said Mark Beausoleil, an attorney representing the customers. Citizens said it was simply looking to establish an accurate replacement cost. “Any assertion to the contrary is simply wrong,” said Christine Turner Ashburn, spokesperson for Citizens. The lawsuit, which was first filed by customer Joe Freitas, seeks class-action status. [Palm Beach Post]