I propose a pact. From now on, insurance agents, independent adjusters, business groups, private citizens, insurers, friends and family, all those who read my blog; let’s pledge that when articles are published, similar to the January 3rd “advertorial” for Public Adjusters in the Tallahassee Democrat, we will all do what we can to get the whole truth published in response. This post, numerous previous ones, and documents found in the “Library” tab above, should give you more than enough information to help set the record straight. [Read more…] about FOR MY READERS…A Simple Pledge!
A simple “Thank You” would be nice!
Ever hear the story about the spoiled teenager who found a set of keys to a shiny new Corvette hanging on the Christmas tree? Instead of politely saying “Gee, mom and dad, thank you for this great new car”, he complained about needing more allowance to pay for the gas. [Read more…] about A simple “Thank You” would be nice!
Florida’s Property Market…”Day One”
Today is day one, 2012. Lawmakers are less than a fortnight from the annual opportunity to cure causes that consistently leave Florida as America’s least desirable property insurance market.
Redistricting will bog things down a bit; in part, because it’s the perfect excuse for doing less. So, too, will gambling and an occasional petty distraction from a term-limited officeholder. [Read more…] about Florida’s Property Market…”Day One”
Tis the political season…
Tis the night before Christmas and all through the capitol, political creatures are stirring… especially in the Senate where Senator Mike Fasano handed the media a letter requesting the Chairman of the Senate Banking & Insurance Committee (B&I) to summon the president of Citizens to be grilled on camera (my words) about “…coverage changes and homeowner policy practices that will take effect on January 1.” [Read more…] about Tis the political season…
INDEPENDENT AGENTS…Be Forever Vigilant!
A recent article in the Insurance Journal, “Florida Agents Concerned About Homeowners Choice Contract”, touched so lightly on issues basic to the independent agent delivery system that many, obviously those at Homeowners Choice, may not fully recognize what’s at stake.
It reminded me of trying to explain to lawmakers that agents own their book of business or why the policyholders’ information “belongs” to, or is owned by, the agent. Reactions to my explanations ranged from incredulity to blank stares.
Perhaps more compelling, especially for agents who would sign a contract like the one Homeowners Choice offered, is…“why does ownership of information matter?” [Read more…] about INDEPENDENT AGENTS…Be Forever Vigilant!
CITIZENS BUILDERS RISK… Stop the Madness!
Recently a room of industry lobbyists was asked what they thought the source of Florida’s insurance problems might be. “The real source”, they were cautioned, not just the ill-advised 2007 legislation we were all known to despise. [Read more…] about CITIZENS BUILDERS RISK… Stop the Madness!
Citizens RCV…A Good Job!
Suddenly there’s a cluster of articles, formal complaints, and political hay about Citizens replacement cost (RCV) calculation methodology. There are four reasons for this:
1) Citizens is finally getting serious about making sure it’s policyholders are insured to value.
2) Way too many Citizens policyholders are underinsured.
3) Those who are underinsured want to continue to pay even less than their subsidized, rate-capped, Citizens policy should cost.
4) Those complaining and writing about it don’t have the vaguest idea of what they’re talking about.
Sound Familiar? [Read more…] about Citizens RCV…A Good Job!
US BANK…Not So Fast!
Questions have arisen regarding the rescission by US Bank of an asinine requirement that its Florida borrowers purchase sinkhole “activity” coverage. It was the only lender to have such a mandate. Neither Fannie or Freddie required it of lenders. Eighty percent of those in sinkhole alley insured in Citizens don’t buy it. [Read more…] about US BANK…Not So Fast!
U.S. BANK…Rescinds Sinkhole Requirement!
In what I’m sure is a big disappointment to some, the only lender to require borrowers to purchase sinkhole activity coverage, U.S. Bank, has just announced it will no longer do so.
Activists used the false threat of foreclosure as a tool to limit Citizens sinkhole rate increase. That’s done and over with but, the damage from it’s doing is not. [Read more…] about U.S. BANK…Rescinds Sinkhole Requirement!
SHAW SAYS… “Just Stop!”
It’s hard to imagine a more transparent epistle than the one Sean Shaw sent to the Tallahassee Democrat. He was attempting to recast an op-ed from Steve Pociask with the American Consumer Institute which pointed to Shaw as being, well…transparent. [Read more…] about SHAW SAYS… “Just Stop!”