The Palm Beach Post did a bit of a number on OIR numbers regarding PIP reform. To be clear, its conclusion that PIP needs to be repealed is sound but, an editorial by Randy Schultz and the biased article upon which it was unfortunately based, both come across like attacks on entities the Post doesn’t like, rather than treatises on repealing No-Fault, which is its position. [Read more…] about AUTO/PIP… Post does a number on the numbers!
1st AMENDMENT…The Freedom to be Wrong!
I was forwarded an article by Jeff Barnard of the AP opining on a recent Federal Court decision from the 9th Circuit regarding the 1st Amendment–the very first federal appellate ruling affording bloggers, such as myself, legal protections similar to those of journalists generally.
While I’ve been threatened, to no result, multiple times, with lawsuits and other random attempts to dull my pen, this decision impacts beyond my desk to anyone giving wide circulation about an injustice, or an opinion on a “public issue.” [Read more…] about 1st AMENDMENT…The Freedom to be Wrong!
Flood Insurance …When Politics & Reason Collide!
There’s no telling where the federal foolishness over flood insurance will end up–I predict, not with actuarial premiums; especially not for NFIP policies and especially not anytime soon.
Precipitous NFIP rate increases are courtesy of ill-advised votes by almost every member of congress, especially Democrats, none of whom voted against the rate increases. This inexplicably includes Bill Nelson, a congressional veteran from America’s premier flood state–a lawyer and former insurance commissioner to boot, he should have known better. (See CFO Jeff Atwater’s letter to Bill Nelson). Also, (See NOTE #1 below). [Read more…] about Flood Insurance …When Politics & Reason Collide!
PIP Fraud…It’s Premise!
No-Fault isn’t just besieged by fraud, it is a fraud. That’s one take from a paper titled “The Fraud of No-fault” written by Sean Fowler, a 27 year claims veteran and Assistant Vice President of Claims for the IAT Insurance Group. And, it’s the missing argument in the four decades old PIP debate. [Read more…] about PIP Fraud…It’s Premise!
PIP Reforms …In Denial!
Immediately after pressing “send” on my last blog (PIP Debate…All About Wasted Time!) news arrived that Florida’s First District Court of Appeals (DCA) had denied the Chiropractors, Acupuncturists and Massage Therapists request for a rehearing. See: McCarty v. Myers [Read more…] about PIP Reforms …In Denial!
PIP Debate…All About Wasted Time!
Now that 2014 is almost here, to still be debating repeal vs. reform of No-Fault is like déjà vu all over again. [Read more…] about PIP Debate…All About Wasted Time!
Post Loss Underwriting …A Tale of Two Pities!
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!
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