South Florida Man Continues Paying Insurance on Sold Home

Eugene Boykins Jr. was charged $600 monthly for over a year after selling his Miami Gardens house.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:50am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a cozy living room interior, with warm pools of light and color creating a nostalgic, intimate atmosphere.The emotional weight of selling a longtime family home is captured in the soft, dreamlike lighting of this intimate interior scene.Today in Miami

Eugene Boykins Jr., a South Florida resident, sold his Miami Gardens home over a year ago but continued to be charged $600 monthly for the home's insurance policy by his former insurance provider. Despite contacting the company to cancel the policy, the charges persisted, leading Boykins to seek help from the 'Help Me Howard' consumer affairs segment.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of properly canceling insurance policies when selling a home, as well as the challenges homeowners can face when insurance companies continue billing for coverage on a property they no longer own. It underscores the need for consumers to be vigilant about their finances and to follow up if unexpected charges persist.

The details

After selling his Miami Gardens home of 30 years, Boykins downsized to a rental property. However, he continued to be charged $600 per month for the home insurance policy on the sold property. Boykins says he contacted the insurance company to cancel the policy when he sold the home, but the withdrawals from his bank account continued for over a year. By the time he caught the issue, thousands of dollars had been taken. With the help of the 'Help Me Howard' consumer affairs segment, Boykins was able to get the insurance company to refund the full amount he had been overcharged.

  • Boykins sold his Miami Gardens home over 13 months ago.
  • The insurance charges continued for over a year after he sold the home.

The players

Eugene Boykins Jr.

A South Florida resident who sold his Miami Gardens home of 30 years and continued to be charged for the home's insurance policy by his former provider.

Help Me Howard

A consumer affairs segment on WSVN-TV that assisted Boykins in resolving the issue with the insurance company and obtaining a full refund.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Eugene Boykins Jr.

“Help Me Howard is the one to call.”

— Eugene Boykins Jr.

What’s next

Boykins plans to be more diligent about properly canceling any future insurance policies to avoid similar issues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of carefully managing insurance policies when selling a home, as well as the value of consumer advocacy programs like 'Help Me Howard' in assisting homeowners who encounter unexpected financial challenges.