Planning, Communications, Advocacy
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This post may not sit well with some of my industry friends–Write Your Own (WYO) carriers and their agents ensconced in the current National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) approach as prescribed by federal law.
But…those taking umbrage may find comfort knowing that, like all my other good idea’s, this one will be totally ignored by anyone in a position to implement it. [Read more…] about FLOOD REFORM–Icing on the Cake!
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After my last blog providing a list from Citizens of public adjusters handling over $46 million in claims, I received slightly more than the usual number of comments. Most seemed to agree that, just like attorneys and Citizens employee’s, public adjusters would be a good addition to a Citizens Inspector General’s work plan.
Distracting from that point, however, was a threat from one public adjuster to file suit because I said the name of his firm and one other “…seem intended to make policyholders think they are with the government…” [Read more…] about Freedom of Speech & the USA!
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It’s not just law firms that should be added to a Citizens Inspector General’s list of who to oversee or inspect, it’s also Public Adjusters (PA’s)!
Whether you look at the Case of the Yellow Hammer, when PA Jorge Espinosa revealed how threats and intimidation were used to fuel the worst kitchen fire epidemic in Florida history, or; the case of PA Alina Nunez who organized arson rings of “straw renters” (See NOTE #1 below), the results were similar–millions stolen from premium payers to benefit a greedy fringe. [Read more…] about Citizens Inspector General & Public Adjusters
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As I said in last week’s post about making sure any “watchdog” of Citizens is a “real Tiger”, Governor Scott was correct recommending an inspector general for Citizens management and internal affairs. Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Atwater, was also on the mark requesting that an “independent Inspector General” report directly to the Financial Services Commission (FSC), which is composed of Cabinet members and the Governor. [Read more…] about Citizens Inspector General…Follow the Money!
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Ever hear the story about the German Shepherd that was more interested in playing with burglars than scaring them off? My family had such a “watchdog”–we made jokes about him wagging his tail at intruders and we nick named him “Tiger.” [Read more…] about Citizens–What’s Needed, A Watchdog or a “Real Tiger”?
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The following letter from Citizen’s board member and actuary, John Rollins, speaks for itself and in my opinion is what Floridians need more of, the truth. It’s a response to Sean Shaw, but…to those who claim to care about what’s driving the underlying costs of Florida’s insurance system, the question will be…“What does this letter say to You?” [Read more…] about BAD ACTORS!…A Letter From “John Rollins”
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During the last Citizens board meeting (11/27/12) recent “allegations” and investigations into tawdry or illegal behavior at Citizens were reviewed in detail (click for video of the board workshop).
Based on what I heard, some in the media owe some at Citizens (or those who have left Citizens) an apology, but…I’m not holding my breath. [Read more…] about Who Will Walk the Well Lit Trail?
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It finally happened–during a Citizens board meeting (11/27/12) convened in part to address pending ethics issues, someone (in this case, board member John Rollins) went out on a public limb by pointing to the really “bad actors” in Florida’s property market. [Read more…] about Florida’s Bad Actors…The Tip of the Ice Berg!
- Opinions by Scott Johnson 1 Comment
Last Tuesday the state Insurance Consumer Advocate (ICA) dispatched a letter to Insurance Commissioner, Kevin McCarty, requesting an investigation of Universal Property & Casualty’s claim practices. Citing examples of claim denials due to material misrepresentations on the original application, the letter states:
In the three cases that have been handled in my office, the policyholders have had insurance coverage with Universal Property and Casualty Insurance Company (Universal) for at least 18 months and up to four years and have had their policies cancelled or rescinded as of the original policy’s effective date for misrepresentation after they filed a claim. All cases involved previous financial issues such as bankruptcy or a lien which occurred up to four years before the consumer applied for insurance coverage with Universal. [Read more…] about A RUBIKS CUBE: Post Claims Underwriting & FS-627.409
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While I’ve come to expect opposition from the media against almost anything that might lower Citizens assessment burden, it appears that at least one elected official, Representative Frank Artile’s (and others) and Sean Shaw’s group (Policyholder’s of Florida) may have already made up their minds about the Surplus Note program…they don’t like it! [Read more…] about Citizens Surplus Notes–Freedom of Choice!