No doubt Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC) is thankful its’ fifteen minutes of infamy is almost over. However, as is typical of some matters involving the media, complete closure may drag on a bit. [Read more…] about Post Loss Underwriting …A Tale of Two Pities!
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ICA’s Final Report…more than meets the eye!
State Insurance Consumer Advocate (ICA), Robin Westcott, has announced she will leave the public sector behind (See NOTE#1 below) but, upon her departure she also leaves behind a set of recommendations from the Homeowners’ Policy & Claims Bill of Rights Working Group, some of which could materially lower premiums for all Floridians…if implemented! [Read more…] about ICA’s Final Report…more than meets the eye!
CITIZEN’S Non-Residents…Matters of Fairness!
While I’m sure there’s no connection, have you noticed the emerging hoopla about Citizens subsidizing wealthy non-residents ever since I blogged on the subject? [Read more…] about CITIZEN’S Non-Residents…Matters of Fairness!
Citizens Clearinghouse…and State Farm Agents
With the caveat that it’s far too early to speculate on its’ market impact, I will say that I’ve had more than one conversation with an independent agent convinced that Citizens Clearinghouse is nothing more than a competitive reprieve for State Farm agents.
I believe it to be just the opposite. [Read more…] about Citizens Clearinghouse…and State Farm Agents
Celebrating Citizens Clearinghouse?!
There is much to report and to opine about with respect to Citizens new Clearinghouse. Two issues of note are its cost, a 10-year deal with Bolt Solutions projected around $45 million (See NOTE #1 below), and the flood of potential takeouts as carriers fight over low hanging fruit prior to the shaking of the entire tree. [Read more…] about Celebrating Citizens Clearinghouse?!
Emergency Remediation Fraud & The ICA Working Group
Insurance Consumer Advocate (ICA) Robin Westcott’s working group, the Homeowners’ Policy & Claims Bill of Rights Workshop has identified some pervasive problems in the emergency remediation business that, if resolved, could demonstrably reduce loss costs in the near term.
Identifying problems, of course, is light years from solving them but, it’s where any good fight begins. [Read more…] about Emergency Remediation Fraud & The ICA Working Group
Citizens Rates–a Matter of Fairness!
In an editorial published by the Orlando Sentinel at least one lawmaker gets it right describing the discounted rates paid by some policyholders insured in Citizens. He gets it even more right complaining about Citizens recent rate increase of 7.7% when the law was intended to authorize 10%. (See NOTE #1 below) [Read more…] about Citizens Rates–a Matter of Fairness!
ICA’s Workshop…Referral Fee’s & Kickbacks!
Robin Westcott’s working group, the Homeowners’ Policy & Claims Bill of Rights Workshop, concluded its deliberations Thursday, July 18th. It was, in my opinion, a thorough and professionally conducted exercise that will yield many helpful recommendations. Hopefully those recommendations will lead to better consumer education first, improved regulatory oversight second, and only if/when absolutely necessary…better laws. You can watch the entire workshop: Day 1; here and Day 2 here.
One topic in need of far greater scrutiny but not included on the agenda is that of exorbitant referral fees paid by water extraction companies to plumbers. I know this sounds picayune, but…it’s not! [Read more…] about ICA’s Workshop…Referral Fee’s & Kickbacks!
Florida’s Fraud Problem & the ICA’s Working Group
I’m hopeful that Insurance Consumer Advocate (ICA) Robin Westcott’s working group called, the Homeowners’ Policy & Claims Bill of Rights Working Group, will provide much needed information that will lower costs for Florida’s premium payers. I’m hopeful but, not yet convinced.
[Read more…] about Florida’s Fraud Problem & the ICA’s Working Group
PA Contingency Fee’s–NAPIA Responds
Response to my last post alleging that Florida’s contingency fee system for public adjusters is the “quintessential moral hazard” generated more than the usual commentary; all of it expected and much of it worthy of exploration. None, however, was more worthy than a four page letter from the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters (NAPIA) penned by Brian S. Goodman, General Counsel. [Read more…] about PA Contingency Fee’s–NAPIA Responds