TALLAHASSEE An Ohio insurance-rating company has warned that recent court rulings and skyrocketing losses from water-damage claims have created an “uncertain operating environment” for Florida’s property insurers and that it will downgrade the financial stability of 10 to 15 Florida-based companies, potentially threatening the solvency of thousands of homeowners policies. Demotech, Inc., a company which…
As the Legislature debates restricting attorney fees in insurance litigation involving assignment-of-benefits agreements, a tort-reform group has identified a way to circumvent that fix. Attorneys could convince policyholders to file suit in their own name. A report, “Restoring Balance in Insurance Litigation,” released Monday by the Florida Justice Reform Institute, discusses that possibility in the context of…
DAYTONA BEACH – It’s not uncommon for plumbers called in to fix a broken pipe to ask a homeowner to sign an assignment of benefits form before making repairs. Faced with the immediate need, many agree to sign, which transfers the right to file an insurance claim to the plumber. In most cases, there is nothing…
Sun Sentinel – Ron Hurtibise Groundhog Day isn’t until Feb. 2, but two legislative meetings scheduled next week in Tallahassee will likely have a “been-there, done-that” feel to many of the participants. Banking and insurance panels from the state Senate and House will kick off this year’s efforts to solve the “assignment of benefits” problem…
Orlando Sentinel – Gray Rohrer TALLAHASSEE – Millions of Floridians will feel the pinch in their pocketbooks when the calendar turns to 2017, as higher rates for some of the top property and health insurers in the state are set to take effect. The top five property insurers in the state – Universal, Citizens, Security…
CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) – Increases in water-damage claims — primarily in South Florida — will likely reverse years of downsizing by the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance, board members were advised Wednesday as they approved a hike in the corporation’s operating budget. Citizens President and CEO Barry Gilway said efforts to shed policies have already slowed…
By Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Increases in water-damage claims — primarily in South Florida — will likely reverse years of downsizing by the state-backed Citizens Property Insurance, board members were advised Wednesday as they approved a hike in the corporation’s operating budget. Citizens President and CEO Barry Gilway said…
Florida Trend – News Release Rising water claims and “out of control” litigation threaten the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s long-term financial stability and will stifle efforts by Citizens to offer premium breaks to policyholders in 2017, Citizens leaders stressed during a governing board meeting on Wednesday. Barring significant changes, including possible legislative action on assignment…
St Augustine Record – Sheldon Garner As people work to return to their homes impacted by Hurricane Matthew, some might end up being charged more than they should for repair work or running into other problems. With pressures surrounding rebuilding and being displaced after a storm, it becomes common to hear stories of homeowners who…
Citizen Property Insurance is in a crisis. And it has nothing to do with the usual suspects troubling the state-run homeowners insurance company: sinkholes or hurricanes. You can’t even blame Hurricane Matthew for this. Read Full Article