News Release: Florida Insurance Commissioner orders unauthorized company to cease and desist selling home service warranty products

Oct 13, 2009

The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation issued this news release on October 13, 2009.

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that he has issued an order to National Home Protection Inc. (National Home) to cease and desist transacting the unauthorized marketing and selling of home service warranty products.

Earlier this year, the Office of Insurance Regulation began investigating the company’s marketing and claims handling practices, and has determined that it has sold, and continues to sell home service warranty products in Florida without a license.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed that many of the claims made for household repairs or service were denied.

“This company has been selling these products without a license all across the country,” said Commissioner McCarty. “Florida law clearly authorizes me to take action to stop the practices of unlicensed entities to protect consumers in this state.”

Last April, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo announced that his office had received 340 complaints against National Home from consumers in at least thirty-two states. His office filed suit against National Home, a New York City-based company, alleging fraudulent business practices and freezing the company’s assets to ensure restitution for defrauded consumers.

The order issued today also requires National Home to honor all policies that are in effect for the duration stated in each contract. The company has 21 days to file a challenge to this action. Consumers may determine if an insurer is licensed in Florida by visiting the Company Search tool on www.floir.com.