Florida Man Stunned by Ongoing Insurance Bills for Sold Property
A South Florida resident, Eugene Boykins Jr., experienced a shocking financial oversight when he discovered he had been paying hundreds of dollars each month for home insurance on a property he sold over a year earlier. The situation left him out of pocket by thousands of dollars despite his efforts to cancel the policy at the time of the sale.
Decades of Memories Forced Sale Due to Rising Costs
Boykins had lived in the Miami Gardens house for three full decades, where he raised his children and experienced both joy and loss, including the passing of his wife. "I raised my children there. My wife died in it … Great memories," he reflected emotionally. However, escalating mortgage payments and a fixed income compelled him to downsize, leading to the sale of the home and a move to a rental property. "I downsized plus the mortgage was getting so high. So I sold it," he explained.
Unnoticed Payments Drain Finances for Over a Year
Despite informing his insurance company about the sale, Boykins continued to be charged approximately $600 per month in premiums for 13 months after the transaction. "I sold the house 13 months ago and I’m still paying insurance on it," he said, expressing frustration. "I mean it’s just like me throwing my money up in the air, they just take it and I ain’t get nothing for it. I don’t feel I should be paying insurance on a house I don’t live in." The payments went unnoticed until a significant sum had accumulated, at which point the insurer offered only a partial refund for recent months.
Legal Expert Highlights Crucial Cancellation Procedures
Seeking help, Boykins turned to the consumer assistance segment 'Help Me Howard'. Legal expert Howard Finkelstein clarified that homeowners are not obligated to pay insurance on a property they no longer own, but emphasized the importance of proper cancellation methods. "No, you don’t have to pay insurance on a home you no longer own. However, it is important to cancel the policy the correct way. It needs to be in writing to avoid a situation like this. In some cases, even if you don’t cancel properly, you can still get that money back," Finkelstein advised.
Successful Resolution and Full Refund Achieved
With intervention from the program, which included direct communication with the insurance company, the charges were halted within weeks, and Boykins received a complete refund. "It was the most beautiful thing ever. I received my money like I talked to the lady in charge. She sent both checks to me," he joyfully reported. Finkelstein reinforced the lesson by recommending that consumers always obtain written proof when canceling services, such as via email, letter, or text, and to follow up if confirmation is not received.
This case underscores the critical need for vigilance in financial transactions, especially when ending services tied to major assets like real estate. Homeowners are urged to document all communications and verify cancellations to prevent similar costly oversights.
