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?
Citizens
Citizens Sinkholes…The Whole Truth Again!
I’ve been waiting for the dust to settle–for the editorials to be written, victory to be claimed by Senator Fasano and trial lawyers; accolades to be placed and misplaced–before writing about Citizens sinkhole rate hearing.
And, of course, I’ve been waiting for the statutorily mandated, actuarially sound rate request to be significantly reduced, as it has been.
It’s time now to pay homage to the powerful few who got what they did not need or earn, at the expense of so many who don’t deserve to pay. [Read more…] about Citizens Sinkholes…The Whole Truth Again!
CITIZENS SINKHOLES…The Whole Truth, Please!
On Tuesday, September 13th, the city of Tampa will host the mother of all rate hearings. Master of ceremonies, Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, has my sympathy. It will be a televised, choreographed, media event–with buses of pre-fab sign-wavers, some protesting to their own detriment duped into doing so by trial lawyers, public adjusters and one senator. [Read more…] about CITIZENS SINKHOLES…The Whole Truth, Please!
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…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!
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?
Sessions ’11 & ’12–Like Night and Day
I was reminded of the difference between last year’s legislative accomplishments and what’s likely to be accomplished in 2012 when OIR recently published its summary of the 2011 insurance bills. You may want to check it out, as it not only covers “all” insurance bills, property and otherwise but, also contains a brief explanation from Kevin McCarty on why his office endorsed SB-408. [Read more…] about Sessions ’11 & ’12–Like Night and Day