News broke recently that Elliot Spitzer, arguably the most exposed hypocrite in the history of American politics, was being sued for having libeled two former Marsh & MaClennan executives exonerated of any wrong doing in the most famous kickback scandal ever to hit the insurance agency/brokerage system. To this day, compensation disclosure issues plague independent agents, lawsuits are still underway in states like New York and contingency commissions under siege across the land; all a result of Spitzers original prosecutions. [Read more…] about KICKBACKS & CLIENT # 9
Florida’s Insurance Store…More Than You Want to Know!
This blog responds to comments made by Citizens Chairman Jim Malone about an RFP to study outsourcing of Citizens policy issuance and service functions. Malone’s comments were directed at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) and they were made during a public board meeting attended by the media and others. For these reasons and because the comments were both critical and inaccurate, there is a need to set the record straight. [Read more…] about Florida’s Insurance Store…More Than You Want to Know!
CITIZENS SINKHOLES–At Least Some Are Willing to Listen!
Since my last post on Citizens sinkhole rate increase; the one where I mentioned that some advocating for consumers may not fully understand the issue, I’ve had communications with all of them, except Senator Fasano. Chip Merlin and Sean Shaw have both, in their own way, indicated they will take a closer look at the facts. Sean Shaw has even indicated he is doing research on specific points. Frankly, regardless of whether minds are changed, this is what I’ve come to expect from two respected lawyers and advocates; the willingness to listen and, perhaps, learn. As for the Pasco County activist, Ginny Stevans, not so much! [Read more…] about CITIZENS SINKHOLES–At Least Some Are Willing to Listen!
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!
CONSUMER ADVOCATE..Right Person, Right Time!
It’s a little late to comment on the appointment of Robin Westcott to the post of Insurance Consumer Advocate, but…I thought I could share some historical perspective, point out the hypocrisy of those who criticize the appointment and congratulate Ms. Westcott all at the same time. [Read more…] about CONSUMER ADVOCATE..Right Person, Right Time!
“CHOICES”… new site, old problems.
The OIR just announced a “re-launch” of its homeowners rate comparison website penned CHOICES; for, Consumer Home Owners Insurance Comparison Electronic System. Like its predecessor, “Shop & Compare”, CHOICES displays premiums by county for “selected” companies including Citizens, then; ranks them from lowest to highest. Also, like its predecessor, CHOICES may cause even more shoppers to ask “where are my choices?” Or worse…”Why is Citizens my only choice?” [Read more…] about “CHOICES”… new site, old problems.
CASTLE KEY RATE HEARING–Gotta be a First!
It may have happened before but, I wasn’t in the room. During a televised OIR rate hearing this week, a major Florida homeowners carrier was criticized for, get ready…requesting too little of an increase! Yep, it’s true. And guess who was doing the criticizing? [Read more…] about CASTLE KEY RATE HEARING–Gotta be a First!
Public Adjusters & SB-408–Blog Responses
I received many reply’s to my last blog regarding SB-408’s impact on public adjusters (Pop Some Bubbly?). Most could not be published but, I did allow several that were critical of both my motives and manhood to appear, along with my responses. [Read more…] about Public Adjusters & SB-408–Blog Responses
Public Adjusters & SB-408–Pop Some Bubbly?
It’s hardly a secret the insurance industry would prefer having no Public Adjusters (PA’s) or certainly, having far fewer of them. Despite disappointment by some about this years’ bill (SB-408) with respect to PA’s generally, I think there’ll be cause to pop some bubbly in the not-too-distant future. [Read more…] about Public Adjusters & SB-408–Pop Some Bubbly?
CITIZENS PRIVATIZATION–Is It Possible?
Okay, I’m gonna go out on a limb here. I don’t understand what’s going on with this “new” (so called) idea of privatizing Citizens. Nor do I think those proposing it understand what they’re proposing. [Read more…] about CITIZENS PRIVATIZATION–Is It Possible?