Friday, March 14, 2008

Fla. Commissioner Talks Property Ins. Accountability

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty released the following statement on property insurance accountability.
"I want to express my deep appreciation for the hard work and support of the Select Committee and its co-chairs, Sen. Atwater and Sen. Geller. The Committee reached an impressive level of detail in its analysis of the complex issues involved in the insurance company rate filings and the other issues it examined. The proposals outlined by the Committee are very positive, because of the overall increase in consumer protections they would offer."

On specific Select Committee proposals:

"Clarifying the law that only hurricane models that have passed an independent review process may be used and putting limits on profit and reinsurance charges would protect consumers from unwarranted rate increases. Permanently repealing the 'use-and-file' rate increases, eliminating the industry-friendly arbitration process and prohibiting the introduction of new evidence at administrative hearings all will require insurers to justify their rate increase requests when they first make their filings with the Office of Insurance Regulation. The proposal on the non-renewal of policies is important for consumers, because it would stop companies from reducing risk through the use of non-renewal programs but then not reducing rates accordingly. I applaud the work of the Select Committee and look forward to working with the standing committees during the legislative session."

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