United Insurance homeowners rates rising 14 percent

United Insurance Holdings of St. Petersburg has received regulatory approval for a double-digit rate increase on homeowners and fire policies, its second sizable rate increase in less than a year.

Effective in March, rates on new and renewal United homeowners policies will rise an average of 14 percent while dwelling fire polices will rise an average of 14.7 percent effective in April.

The increases are in addition to a 12.7 percent average rate hike on homeowners policies and a 15 percent average rate hike on dwelling fire policies that took effect late last year, United said.