Did you know that SB-408, which passed during the 2011 session, provided assistance to Citizens policyholders, those with claims, by reducing the amount they would have to pay a public adjuster (PA)? It does this by limiting the fee to 10% of the difference between what Citizens originally offered and what the PA’s intervention might have actually helped the claimant receive. [Read more…] about CITIZENS PA’s…Good for the Goose, Great for the Gander!
Public Adjusters
FOR MY READERS…A Simple Pledge!
I propose a pact. From now on, insurance agents, independent adjusters, business groups, private citizens, insurers, friends and family, all those who read my blog; let’s pledge that when articles are published, similar to the January 3rd “advertorial” for Public Adjusters in the Tallahassee Democrat, we will all do what we can to get the whole truth published in response. This post, numerous previous ones, and documents found in the “Library” tab above, should give you more than enough information to help set the record straight. [Read more…] about FOR MY READERS…A Simple Pledge!
SHAW SAYS… “Just Stop!”
It’s hard to imagine a more transparent epistle than the one Sean Shaw sent to the Tallahassee Democrat. He was attempting to recast an op-ed from Steve Pociask with the American Consumer Institute which pointed to Shaw as being, well…transparent. [Read more…] about SHAW SAYS… “Just Stop!”
ADJUSTERS…In Memoriam!
I often report the negatives of the adjusting profession and on those within it who may take advantage of Florida’s legislative enactments. But…I’m ashamed to say I haven’t mentioned that not all of them are so inclined and that the profession is not only an honorable one, but one involving difficult and, sometimes dangerous work. [Read more…] about ADJUSTERS…In Memoriam!
LAWYERS & MONEY….More Than Meets the Eye!
In my last blog, “A License to Steal”, I referenced some rarely seen public documents that prove there’s much more to Florida’s sinkhole equation than meets the eye. Sure, we see the rampant opportunism spawned by an ill-advised, poorly legislated mandate–residents of sinkhole alley, terrified by landsliding home values, filing claims for settlement cracks or, as often, for no damage at all. [Read more…] about LAWYERS & MONEY….More Than Meets the Eye!
CITIZENS PA’s…According to a Government Study!
Before publishing comments on any blog, especially mine, it’s usually a good idea to check previous postings to make sure that what you say hasn’t already been refuted. Public Adjuster Martyn Belben didn’t do this when he took umbrage with my post on public adjuster promotions, called; “PA Advertorials”. [Read more…] about CITIZENS PA’s…According to a Government Study!
CITIZENS SINKHOLES…Problem Solved?
Except for the possibility of writing about the killing lawyers make off of frivolous sinkhole claims, I promise this to be my last word on this frustrating subject. Besides, the issue of what rate would be approved for Citizens sinkhole activity coverage was always just a red herring–a distraction from the meaningful solutions already taking effect. [Read more…] about CITIZENS SINKHOLES…Problem Solved?
PA ADVERTORIALS–Need the Whole Truth!
Much has been said about unsavory advertising by public adjusters (PA’s), and…much has been done about it in Florida statutes, including provisions recently enacted in SB-408. However, statutory language falls short requiring full disclosure for institutional advertising that I call, “advertorials”–public service ads that use consumer advice to mask promotion of public adjusters or a public adjuster. [Read more…] about PA ADVERTORIALS–Need the Whole Truth!
CITIZENS SINKHOLES…Yet Another Look!
In my last blog on the Citizens sinkhole rate increase I commented on the fact that Senator Mike Fasano, consumer advocates, the media and the former state Insurance Consumer Advocate (ICA) Sean Shaw, were hurting Florida consumers; the ones they claim to be advocating for. One of those on my list took time to respond and clarify her position. Her name is Ginny Stevans and because her comments and my response go right to the heart of what’s taking place, I’ve reproduced both below. [Read more…] about CITIZENS SINKHOLES…Yet Another Look!
CITIZENS SINKHOLES..Not a Pretty Sight!
Staggering, unconscionable, devastating, incomprehensible…such is the hyperbole misshaping both the intent and impact of Citizens sinkhole rate increase–unanimously recommended by its board week before last. Leading the army of distortionists is Senator Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) and Florida’s former Insurance Consumer Advocate, now a staunch advocate for public adjusters, Sean Shaw. [Read more…] about CITIZENS SINKHOLES..Not a Pretty Sight!