Lawmakers are looking into new rules for umpires. No, not that kind—property insurance appraisal umpires. If you’re wondering what in the world a property insurance appraisal umpire could be. Don’t worry. You’re not the only one who’s confused. Lawmakers in the Senate Regulated Industries Committee spent more than an hour questioning the Rep. Frank Artiles…
The Senate floor is the next stop for a proposal that would establish new insurance requirements for drivers with app-based transportation network companies such as Uber and Lyft. But work continues behind the scenes to ease the proposed requirements in the Senate bill (SB 1118) and to attach issues that were in a bill approved…
The most recent edition of the Florida Chamber of Commerce’s exclusive member newsletter Chamber Insider highlights efforts to help consumers fight fraud and abuse associated with Assignment of Benefits (AOB). While AOB is a legal tool that can be used appropriately, it also provides an opportunity for shady repair companies to partner with trial attorneys…
NEW YORK, January 19, 2016 — A panel of prominent property/casualty insurance executives forecast a challenging 2016, as the diminishing tailwinds of reserve releases struggle against headwinds of low interest rates. The five senior executives gave their forecast and other market insights at the 20th annual Property/Casualty Joint Industry Forum, held here on January 12,…
Scientists: El Niño may boost tornadoes By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post Staff Writer The lights flickered as skies spiked with thunder and lightning near Yvette Hicks’ Cape Coral home on Saturday.She went for a candle, but the kitchen window exploded before she could even strike a match. Everything went black.Outside, in the darkness that…
Tell Mel: Rebates and benefits: Beware of fraud MELANIE PAYNE, TELLMEL@NEWS-PRESS.COM 7:02 a.m. EST January 13, 2016 Today’s column is an emergency read for anyone whose home was damaged by Saturday’s tornado and must-read for anyone who might ever have to file a claim on their homeowner’s insurance. The first warning is about contractors offering to rebate…
“You can see tarps all up on the roof,” said Louie Maier. “I’m getting phone calls every two minutes. Somebody calling for repairs, for insurance companies, adjusters.” Two days after Saturday’s tornado, the growing list of repairs is painfully evident. “And I have a gutter that’s destroyed,” said Josie Viens. “The biggest cost, I think…
More than a dozen Florida real estate, construction and insurance groups announced Tuesday that they are teaming up to push for homeowners’ insurance reform in the 2016 Legislative Session. The Consumer Protection Coalition seeks to curb a practice known as “assignment of benefits,” where owners sign away their insurance policy to a third party who…
Personal Insurance Federation of Florida Applauds Efforts of Consumer Protection Coalition to Fight AOB Abuse TALLAHASSEE, Fla. Jan. 12, 2016 – The Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF) today applauded the formation of the Consumer Protection Coalition to push for reforms to end rampant Assignment of Benefits abuse. The Consumer Protection Coalition is a broad-based…
TALLAHASSEE — After more than a decade as Florida’s chief insurance regulator, Kevin McCarty resigned Tuesday, nearly a year after he overcame a failed effort by Gov. Rick Scott to get rid of him. McCarty invited reporters from the Times/Herald and two other news outlets to his office to break the news of his departure,…