Last week I participated in a panel discussion at a conference of carrier claim representatives; The Sunshine Claims Conference. Before, during, and after the program panel, I had numerous informal discussions about general insurance fraud–all of which eventually narrowed to comments about the public adjuster contingency fee system being part of Florida’s problem. [Read more…] about Contingency Fees–A Moral Hazard?
FACT & FALLACY…Such A Deal!
Going back to May of 2011, I have researched, written and posted an average of one article every week on this blog site. If that doesn’t sound like much, remember…I’m not only retired but, postings at Johnson Strategies, LLC are not your typical blogs–merely rephrasing press releases or meeting announcements.
I opine on controversial subjects and always try to provide a new way of looking at existing, often complicated matters, simplifying them so that those who want to, including the media, can see another perspective.
I also go out on a limb occasionally and am proud to say that, in just two years, I’ve been threatened with two lawsuits.
That’s once a year–I must be doing something right! [Read more…] about FACT & FALLACY…Such A Deal!
UPCIC…Fines & Penalties!
No need belaboring details of what Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company (UPCIC) has been doing–waiting until after a loss to underwrite, cancelling policies back to inception for alleged “material misrepresentation” for reasons unrelated to the claim or any attempt at fraud by the claimant. [Read more…] about UPCIC…Fines & Penalties!
Assessments–Citizens vs. FIGA
Recently, after reading yet another editorial implying that FIGA (Florida Insurance Guaranty Association) assessments are similar to deficit assessments levied by Citizens, I found myself in a conversation with an industry associate who seemed to accept this dislogic and the resulting conclusions spread by the likes of the Sarasota Herald Tribune, the Palm Beach Post and perhaps a few other media outlets and consumer groups. [Read more…] about Assessments–Citizens vs. FIGA
Citizens, Voting Districts, and…Drawing the Line!
CS/SB-1770 will have a salutary impact on the burden that Citizens places on households it does not insure; including many Floridians who can’t even afford a house. That makes it a good step in the right direction. [Read more…] about Citizens, Voting Districts, and…Drawing the Line!
UNIVERSAL’S Post Claims Underwriting…Revisited!
Last Friday the Florida Senate amended CS/CS/HB-635 and will send it back to the House for final approval. Of course, it may not pass the House (as amended) and thus may never become law, but…the practice one of the Senate amendments is designed to stop should be voluntarily abandoned by the one carrier whose actions gave rise to it in the first place. [Read more…] about UNIVERSAL’S Post Claims Underwriting…Revisited!
PIP…Now’s the Time!
Okay…everybody who thinks Florida’s No-Fault (Personal Injury Protection) system is working as it should…raise your hand.
Just as I thought…Nobody! [Read more…] about PIP…Now’s the Time!
ANOTHER RIP-OFF…Assignment of Benefits!
Industry alarms are sounding as more and more contractors and loss remediation entities, emergency water extraction companies and the like, exploit “assignment of benefits” to take control of homeowner’s claims–usurping rights to negotiate and adjust the loss, then threatening to sue the insurer to force payment of inflated bills.
Consistent with Florida’s curse, this scam not only has links to lawyers and public adjusters, it’s a major cost driver and frighteningly fertile ground for even more fraud! [Read more…] about ANOTHER RIP-OFF…Assignment of Benefits!
A CLAIMS FORUM…via the ICA’s office!
Beginning Thursday, March 21st, 2013, Florida’s Consumer Advocate, Robin Westcott and the DFS Director of Consumer Services, Tasha Carter, will conduct the first in a series of eight local forums to hear directly from consumers on how their Florida property claims are being handled. [Read more…] about A CLAIMS FORUM…via the ICA’s office!
CITIZENS–and an Amazing New Tool!
Every word of every legislative proposal dealing with Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) should be evaluated using a new online program developed by Associated Industries of Florida (AIF).
Like many simple inventions, in the right hands, used the right way, it can have monumental impact. [Read more…] about CITIZENS–and an Amazing New Tool!