Planning, Communications, Advocacy
I recently wrote a Foreword for Don Brown’s book; “The 9 Guideline Principles to Enact Change–A Legislators Memoir from Outhouse to Statehouse.” It’s a 576-page text I think every insurance person should buy and read, especially if you live in Florida. Rather than subject you to the standard sales pitch, I’ll just let you read the Foreword I wrote. The book is available on Amazon.
[Read more…] about Don Brown’s New Book
In Florida, and despite Homeowners rates declining due to legislative reforms, an alarming number of homeowners are considering going without insurance coverage. Those with mortgages may not follow through on their inclination but, Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate said the total number choosing to not buy home coverage could be close to 20%.
This is remarkably consistent with my agent friends telling me they’re fielding this question from clients, more than ever before. One agent even said he was going without wind coverage on his own home in Coral Gables.
So… I thought an article from JS contributor David Thompson might be helpful to those fielding such questions. It can certainly be used by any agent to provide a more complete perspective to clients who are literally asking if they should forego home premiums and instead, self fund the substantial exposures of home ownership.
Feel free to share far and wide.
[Read more…] about To Buy or Not to Buy–That’s the Question!
With this article Johnson Strategies (JS) proudly announces the addition of another content contributor complementing our existing four JS experts. His name is Don Brown. Don is a former Florida State Representative and a renowned expert in legislative reforms who has dedicated his career to addressing complex issues within Florida’s insurance market. He’s not only a friend, he’s the consummate partner for the existing JS team with numerous white papers in the hopper and one very informative book which you’ll soon learn more about, (see below).
This brief article is co-written with Dennis Ross who, like Don, also served in the Florida House and is a former U.S Congressman.
Agents struggling to explain the need to depopulate Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) will find this helpful and should feel free to share it with all homeowners, especially those insured in Citizens.
[Read more…] about Why Should Policyholders Care About the Size of Citizens?
This very old story, from JS contributor, Barry Zalma, recently caught my eye. Perhaps it’s because I believe Florida is the American epicenter for insurance fraud. Maybe it’s because I’m currently retained as an expert witness in a RICO case filed by one fed-up insurer against an alleged fraudster. Maybe it’s because I think insurers, property insurers in particular, should exhaust more options going after law breakers before just paying obviously fraudulent claims to save money short term. Please note, I understand it’s a formulaic process. I’m suggesting that sometimes the formula may be flawed and the decision myopic.
I also understand that recent reforms are helping in Florida–litigation is way down and property rates are likewise trending. But… attempts to defraud still linger.
In Zalma’s intriguing non-homeowners saga, the investigation costs, court costs, expert witness fees and attorneys’ fees exceeded half a million dollars. But the insurer defeated a one-million-dollar claim, including fifty million in punitive damages. Word went out: “This insurance company fights!” And that truth stymied additional fraudulent claims against all insurers.
The ownership and use of E-bikes has become increasingly important of late. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported more than 900,000 electric bicycles were sold in the US in 2021 alone, almost double the number of sales from 2020. This puts E-bikes on track to outstrip the number of electric car sales in the US. Who better to hear from on this subject than expert JS contributor, David Thompson, AAI, CPCU, CRIS. Enjoy! [Read more…] about What You Need to Know About E-Bikes!
It’s difficult for me to explain the value of “Collapse of an Evil Empire” and exactly why I published it. The Insurance Journal, specifically its veteran journalist William Rabb, took the time to burrow into my text and to interview me using a Q&A format. His approach, versus the usual press release, not only fostered some introspection but, created an opportunity for me to share how this book is a tool in our battle to protect Florida’s hard fought tort reforms. And, make no mistake, those reforms are under attack.
It’s a cautionary and factual true story of Florida’s collapsing property market turned inside out. By using the fortuitous disbarment of a prolific property litigator I was able to deep dive into every material source, media article, allegation, (over 1200 pages of linked backup) creating the perfect handbook for those writing or presenting about the need to protect the tort reforms going forward.
Please enjoy the Insurance Journal’s interview by William Rabb.
[Read more…] about Six Years After They Began, Strems’ Massive Litigation Actions Detailed in Book
While I was writing an article exposing media and trial lawyer mischaracterizations about Florida’s recent tort reforms, Kyle Ulrich, President & CEO of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) hit the nail on the head, publishing a piece covering all the key elements, including some timely examples. He also mentioned how my newest book could be helpful in fighting back.
Kyle’s article is reproduced below, with permission, and with the prayer that “Collapse of an Evil Empire!” can assist in getting the word out (the truthful word) on how badly needed Florida’s recently enacted tort reforms were. Please consider sharing my book on your website (a “news” tab for example) and/or placing this link www.collapseofanevilempire.com in an appropriate location on your social media. It’s a great way to put the right message into the right hands, right now.
Thank you and enjoy Kyle’s article. [Read more…] about Industry Needs to Fight Back!
One good thing about having so many knowledgeable experts contributing to this blogsite is that my readers (you) can learn, and hear opinions from, someone other than me. This is one of those times. Bill Wilson is one of the premier insurance educators in America on form, coverage, and technical issues; Founder and director of the Big “I” Virtual University; Retired Assoc. VP of Education and Research from Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America and the author of the following article. JS believes the more you know, the better off you’ll be. ENJOY! [Read more…] about The Invisible Exclusion!
As rates rise, complaints about rates rise. Agency clients want to know why their rates are so high. And, agency clients want to know what they can do about it.
Some things, like frivolous litigation, can be fixed. Other things, like Hurricanes, cannot. For Insurance agents looking to explain both, Johnson Strategies reached out to its Expert Contributor on such matters, David Thompson. He drafted the following paper you can use for clients, Home and Auto, who want to know what’s going on and what can be done about it.
Feel free to use David’s article in any way you see fit–send a link to your clients, copy/paste it onto your letterhead, learn from it and/or read it to them over the phone, it doesn’t matter. Hope this makes your life as a Florida agent a little easier during these troubling times.
If you have any questions or comments, see “Leave a Reply” below.
Enjoy!
By David Thompson, AAI, CPCU, CRIS
Whether it’s auto or home insurance, price is a significant consideration with any household budget. This article should help you understand some of the factors involved in insurance pricing and how they can impact your premiums both present and future. [Read more…] about “Why are my Insurance Rates so High?”