The last meeting of Citizens was both painful and profitable. Board members followed Governor Scott’s directive to discuss various ideas that could reduce Citizens policy count and exposure and report their findings to the Cabinet on December 6th. [Read more…] about Citizens…The Case for Consumer Choice!
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OCCUPY CITIZENS…A Letter to the Editor
I was taken recently by a letter to the editor of the Florida Times Union. It was signed by Tom Smith of St. Augustine and titled; “A Botched Deal”. Not only did its use of sarcasm capture my fancy, but…it focused on the irony of Citizens “assessments” and how they stick in the craw of those assessed; which, in the case of Citizens, is a lot of craws.
I thought you’d like to see what Tom Smith had to say, and how I would respond had his letter been sent to me. Enjoy! [Read more…] about OCCUPY CITIZENS…A Letter to the Editor
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!
SINKHOLES…Florida’s License to Steal!
Before we look at the killing some law firms are making off of sinkhole claims, it may be appropriate to take a look at the killing being made by “some” of their clients and, of course, how they go about making that killing. [Read more…] about SINKHOLES…Florida’s License to Steal!
NAIC’s New President…It’s Official!
Often I report on things the OIR, and thus Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, has done, (or is not doing) to resolve this, that, or the other problem that may be confronting this, that or the other industry segment. Unfortunately, I’ve rarely taken time to tell you about Commissioner McCarty; the man who runs one of the largest, best funded, and most professional insurance regulatory agencies’ in America. Now perhaps I should. [Read more…] about NAIC’s New President…It’s Official!
PIP PACE PICKS UP!
Despite distractions provided by the Cat Fund and redistricting, the rhythm of PIP reform is picking up. Business and industry groups vary on the details of reform but, never the need for it. Those pushing repeal merely believe “real” reform is impossible…politically. [Read more…] about PIP PACE PICKS UP!
Life Without PIP…Worth the Risk!
Sitting on the board of the Florida Automobile Joint Underwriting Association (FAJUA) is like being in the sky-box for one of the most abused insurance systems in America; Personal Injury Protection (PIP). As both fraud and premiums have soared so, too, has the FAJUA’s policy count; rocketing from a low of “six” private passenger vehicles to nearly 800 4-wheel “defined” vehicles under Florida’s no-fault (PIP) statute…in less than a year! [Read more…] about Life Without PIP…Worth the Risk!
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!
Bill Newton…Facts are Stubborn Things!
In response to my last blog on actions Citizens board could take to curtail the influx of new policies, I received comments from the president of the Florida Consumer Action Network, Bill Newton. Bill and I have had some productive exchanges in the past. I believe there’s mutual respect and we’ve even seen eye-to-eye on a few depopulation issues. However, even if his heart is in the right place, his facts and reasoning are not. [Read more…] about Bill Newton…Facts are Stubborn Things!