Capitol to Courthouse Florida Insurance Report: Friday, January 15, 2016
Jan 15, 2016
Water loss claims changing the math for Citizens
Unlike wind coverage rates, which depend on scientific models, determining rates for non-catastrophic losses is relatively straightforward, Florida’s Citizens Property Insurance Chris Gardner explains in this Sun-Sentinel editorial opinion.
Consumer advocates urge lawmakers to keep pre-insurance inspection requirement
Consumer advocates are calling on state lawmakers to tweak proposed legislation that removes the state’s pre-insurance inspection requirement. Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster reports for SaintPetersBlog.com.
Florida drivers get 50th worst savings on key insurance discount
The rest of the country saves an average of 8.5 percent on their premium by bumping up a car insurance deductible to $1,000 from $500. In Florida, it’s just 4.4 percent, according to a survey by insuranceQuotes.com, affiliated with Bankrate.com of North Palm Beach. The Palm Beach Post’s Charles Elmore reports for the “Protecting Your Pocket” blog.
Family files lawsuit against Uber after fiery crash in Miami-Dade
A South Florida man was trying to do the right thing by getting in an Uber car after a night out with friends. But Pablo Sanchez Jr. would never make it home after a violent crash and explosion in southwest Miami-Dade. Derek Shore reports for WPLG-TV.
In email blitz, Uber threatens to pull out of Miami-Dade
The ride-hailing company sent emails urging its tens of thousands of Miami-Dade customers to contact their county commissioners to oppose legislation that Uber says would make it “impossible” for the app-based ride service to continue operating in the county, the Miami Herald reports.
Tampa Uber drivers protest cut in pay
The love affair is ending on the part of many Uber drivers this week, angry about the most recent cut in pay that went into effect last weekend in 80 jurisdictions nationwide, including in the Tampa Bay area. FloridaPolitics.com reports.
Ban on stranger-initiated life insurance advances in House
Life insurance isn’t supposed to give an investor an incentive to root for someone to die sooner rather than later, the Sun-Sentinel’s Ron Hurtibise explains.
A hail Mary pass on health care
State Representative Mia Jones has introduced a proposal to extend Medicaid coverage to the working poor, the Tallahassee Democrat’s James Call reports.
Amid debate, Florida Hospital Association unveils new health care info site
It’s no secret that Governor Rick Scott, former health care CEO, has a newfound zeal for protecting Floridians from mayhem wrought by allegedly out-of-control hospitals and providers. FloridaPolitics.com’s Ryan Ray reports.
House OKs priorities for Steve Crisafulli, Andy Gardiner
Florida’s House of Representatives knocked out three pieces of priority legislation Thursday, sending two measures — a wide-ranging water policy bill and an education bill expanding scholarships to students with disabilities — to the Governor. Jenna Buzzacco-Foerster reports for SaintPetersBlog.com.
With Costello departure, Sprowls appears to have the votes for 2020 speakership
With Ormond Beach State Representative Fred Costello making it official Thursday that he will run for the congressional district being vacated by U.S. Republican Representative Ron DeSantis, the 2020 House speakership looks like it could be going to State Representative Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor. The Miami Herald’s Mary Ellen Klas reports via “The Buzz” blog.
State Representative Jason Brodeur, House District 28, told Orlando Business Journal’s Cindy Barth that three things are on his mind as discussions begin on issues of importance to the state, its businesses and residents.
Hillsborough environmentalists, Swiftmud settle dispute over sinkhole pumping plan
With a deadline looming, water management officials and citizen groups this week settled their differences over a groundwater pumping plan that critics fear would help solve one environmental problem but create another. Richard Danielson reports for the Tampa Bay Times.
35 Insurance Consumer Representatives Named as NAIC Liaisons
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners recently named 35 consumer liaison representatives for 2016, Insurance Journal reports.
House Passes Massive Water Bill — Little Left but the Shouting
The Florida House completed its part of legislation to protect Florida’s natural resources Thursday, substituting its HB 7005 for SB 552, the bill the Senate approved Wednesday. Nancy Smith recaps the development on SunshineStateNews.com.
Louisiana Citizens plans some insurance rate reductions
Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation’s Board of Directors voted Thursday to submit new rates for review, The Advocate reports.
The Struggle Getting U.S. Regulators to Understand Insurance
The designation of MetLife as a systemically important financial institution by the Financial Stability Oversight Council is a done deal. But exactly what that means in terms of higher regulatory standards is still not clear. Carrier Management’s Susanne Sclafane writes for Insurance Journal.
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