Private insurers are getting ready to start taking over Louisiana’s Citizens Property Insurance Corp. The state-run insurance agency has fared well in the past four years, experiencing periods of growth throughout 2007 and 2008. The state’s Department of Insurance is looking to “depopulate” the program, however, in an attempt to lower insurance rates for the majority of policyholders. To this end, regulators are inviting private insurance companies to begin selling policies through Citizens. Regulators believe that these policies will bring higher quality service to consumers. Part of the success behind…
Read MoreTag: state run insurance
Floridians call for insurance reform to mitigate growing concerns of natural disasters
South Floridians were benefited with leniency earlier in the month when Tropical Storm Emily was weakened by its bout in the Caribbean. Only four months remain in hurricane season – one that was forecasted as being highly active – and no significant storms have yet reached the state. Despite the seemingly benign activity in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, insurers are warning residents of Florida to not be caught off guard, as a powerful storm can make landfall at any time. Spurred by this advice, and the recent disasters…
Read MoreMissouri lawmakers investigate state’s employee insurance program over surplus funds
The Missouri Legislature continues to investigate Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance Co., a state-backed insurance company providing coverage to public employees. The Legislature has recovered more than $163 million in surplus money from the insurance company, which was seized after regulators found that the company was, supposedly, withholding benefits. The investigation stems from events that unfolded earlier in the year, in which state regulators found that two of the company’s five board members were committed theft and fraud. Now the insurance company faces the scrutiny of state legislators, who are investigating…
Read MoreTexas residents received fraudulent windstorm inspections, may not be eligible for coverage
The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, the state-run insurance program that is one of the very few places offering coverage against wind damage to Texas residents, will continue to offer insurance coverage thanks to a special session of the state’s Legislature. Lawmakers toiled over the issue for some time, often unable to meet a consensus on what should be done about the indebted program. The decision was made some weeks ago that the program should continue, but with changes. Along with these changes come new home inspections, which will determine whether…
Read More