Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, October 15
Oct 15, 2009
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Clearwater’s Homeowners Choice makes offer for 21st Century Holding Co.
As large out-of-state property insurers continue to shrink their presence in Florida, at least one homegrown insurer in the bay area has set its sights on growing fast.
2nd Florida insurer drops policy over Chinese drywall
A homeowner in Hallandale Beach lost his property insurance coverage because the house was built with suspect Chinese drywall, making Universal North America the second insurer in Florida to take action against residences that have the imported material.
Man behind Riscorp failure linked to new Florida insurer collapse
One of the most notorious figures in state insurance history is tied to the failure of yet another Florida insurer, a Herald-Tribune investigation has found.
Florida’s Risk Services Expands Workers’ Compensation Program Unit Nationally
Florida-based Risk Services, a provider of traditional and alternative commercial insurance programs, has expanded its workers’ compensation program administrator division nationally.
Tower Group Acquires AequiCap’s Florida Workers’ Compensation Business
New York-based property/casualty insurer Tower Group, Inc. has acquired the renewal rights to the workers’ compensation business of AequiCap Program Administrators, an underwriting agency based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Workers’ comp to drop another 6.8%
Workers’ compensation insurance will go down 6.8 percent in Florida next year, Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty announced today in a press release.
Florida Insurance Commissioner Asks Health Insurers to Cover Swine Flu Vaccine at No Charge
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that he has issued a letter to health insurers and health maintenance organizations (HMO’s) encouraging carriers to provide the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine free to its policyholders.
Testimony offered comments on how the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Long-Term Care Model Regulation could apply to the Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Program.
Six Florida Members Of Bonanno Crime Family Admit Guilt to Insurance Fraud
Prosecutors said the crew was involved in a smorgasbord of crimes, including counterfeit checks, arson, insurance fraud, Medicare fraud, identity theft, illegal high-stakes gambling, selling stolen goods, using threats against business owners to force placement of vending machines, and much more.
THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA: Holly Benson resigns, may run for Attorney General
Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Holly Benson announced Thursday she was stepping down to pursue “some opportunities that lie ahead,” opportunities expected to include running for attorney general.
Rubio crushes Crist in Palm Beach straw poll
As expected, Marco Rubio has won another county Republican Party straw poll by a huge margin over Gov. Charlie Crist–this one in Palm Beach County by 90-17 — leaving Republicans and others to continue to debate over whether such votes matter.
S. Fla. Republican to seek Orlando House seat
Republicans eager to unseat a brash Orlando Democrat who said their party’s healthcare plan amounts to hoping people “die quickly” have so far been unsuccessful in finding a candidate.
Ausley, Evers hold strong fundraising leads in Fla. Panhandle State Senate races
Loranne Ausley and State Representative Greg Evers have strong fundraising leads in their races for the two state Senate districts that encompass much of the Panhandle.
Finance reports appear to portend heated Florida Senate races
Palm Beach County voters can expect two blockbuster state Senate races if trends from recent campaign finance reports hold up.
Money flows in early to Fla. State House race
The race to replace state Rep. Pat Patterson next year is attracting early money.
Wexler’s departure weakens Florida’s clout in Washington
Florida’s clout in Washington suffered another blow on Wednesday when U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, one of the state delegation’s most senior Democrats, announced he is resigning in January.
Florida to propose five-year phase out of plastic, paper grocery bags
Paper or plastic? How about neither? Florida environmental officials want to make the state the first in the nation to prohibit throwaway plastic and paper bags.
Derivative Regulation Bill Passes House Panel
In legislation spurred by the near-collapse of American International Group, the House Financial Services Committee approved a bill today to significantly increase federal regulation of the credit default swaps trading.
Insurers Take Step Away From Raters
An insurance-industry proposal to reduce the role of the major ratings firms in sizing up risk in insurers’ investment portfolios cleared two hurdles Wednesday.
NAIC Moves To Reevaluate Some Rating Firm Work
State regulators, possibly within days, will approve the hiring of a firm to reassess the evaluations of 17,600 residential mortgage-backed securities downgraded by the major credit rating firms, an official said.
180-Day Minimum Retained Premium on TWIA Policies in Effect Nov. 1
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association has reminded agents that on or after Nov. 1, 2009, all TWIA policies will have a minimum retained premium equal to the greater of 180 days of the annual policy term or $100, unless one of the six exceptions listed below applies.
RIMS Broker Compensation Report Calls For Transparency
The Risk and Insurance Management Society Inc. released a report calling for complete transparency and full disclosure of all broker revenue from insurance placements and services.
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