Tag: insurance reform

How a Single Bill Could Reshape Insurance Regulation in America

G. Turner
Insurance Regulation

Congressman Troy Downing Introduces Legislation to Abolish the Federal Insurance Office Congressman Troy Downing, representing Montana’s 2nd district, has introduced a new bill, H.R. 643, in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at abolishing the Federal Insurance Office (FIO). The proposed legislation seeks to return full regulatory authority over the insurance industry to state governments, eliminating what supporters consider an unnecessary and duplicative federal entity. “The law is clear. Regulation of the insurance industry rests with the states, not big government,” Downing stated in a press release. This reflects his…

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California’s Home Insurance Crisis Amid Rising Claims Denials

Logan B.
Home Insurance Crisis and Claims Denial

Growing Denials Leave Homeowners Vulnerable California’s homeowners faced significant challenges in 2023 as leading insurance companies denied nearly half of all claims, far exceeding the national average. A report by Weiss Ratings revealed that some of the state’s top insurers, including Farmers (50%), USAA (48%), and Allstate (46%), topped the list for denied claims. This comes as insurers deal with increasing exposures to climate-related disasters like wildfires, hurricanes, and flooding. While some insurers show alarming claim denial numbers, others demonstrate relatively better performance. Among these are two affiliates of AAA,…

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Major Decision by Florida Court of Appeals Shakes Up Insurance Landscape

H. Cutner
Florida court of appeals

Florida Court Ruling Redefines Assignment of Benefits (AOB) and Its Impact on Homeowners Insurance A recent ruling by a Florida court of appeals has established that a “direction to pay” (DTP) by a policyholder does not equate to an “assignment of benefits” (AOB). This decision serves as a significant milestone reinforcing the legislative reform introduced through Senate Bill 2-A in 2023. The reform prohibits insurance policy benefits issued after January 1, 2023, from being assigned to third parties. The objective of Senate Bill 2-A is to curb the extensive litigation…

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Ben Albritton’s Bold Stand Against Hurricane Claim Denials

G. Turner
Hurricane Claim Denials

Can Albritton’s Reforms Save Florida’s Homeowners? In a pivotal moment marked by his first address as president of the Florida Senate, Ben Albritton made it clear that the state’s property insurance companies were under scrutiny. His speech came at a crucial time, following the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left many Floridians reliant on their insurance providers for recovery and rebuilding. Albritton, representing the Republican stronghold in Bartow, emphasized the need for insurance companies to honor their commitments to policyholders who have consistently paid premiums over the…

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Consumer Watchdog Demands Public Hearing on State Farm’s Proposed 30% Rate Hike

H. Cutner
Consumer Watchdog - Public hearing - California Flag - Insurance rate hike

Consumer Watchdog Digging for Dirt in State Farm’s Backyard Consumer advocacy group Consumer Watchdog has called on California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to convene a public hearing regarding State Farm’s proposed 30% hike in homeowners’ insurance rates. The group contends that the proposed increase is intended to enhance the insurer’s financial stability rather than address anticipated claims, potentially resulting in a $5.2 billion burden on consumers. Concerns Over Financial Burden Consumer Watchdog’s petition, filed under Proposition 103, mandates a public hearing on rate increases when requested by the public. The…

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California Insurance Commissioner Announces Game-Changing FAIR Plan Reform

Live Insurance News
California insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara- State Farm rate increase hearing

LOS ANGELES — In a significant move to address California’s ongoing insurance crisis,unveiled a breakthrough agreement to modernize the California FAIR Plan Association (FAIR Plan), the state’s “insurer of last resort.” This initiative is a key component of Lara’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy, marking the largest insurance reform since Proposition 103 was passed in 1988. Modernizing the FAIR Plan “Modernizing the FAIR Plan is a crucial step in our strategy to stabilize California’s insurance market,” said Commissioner Lara. “It’s critical for Californians to understand that a growing FAIR Plan contributes to…

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California Insurance Market Seeks Solutions Amid Homeowner Policy Crisis

Loreen
California insurance market health

California’s insurance landscape is poised for a substantial rewrite as authorities deal with the implications of devastating wildfires and market instability. With a pivotal public hearing on the horizon, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara spearheads the effort to address the frustrations of both homeowners and insurers. The Plight of California Homeowners and Insurers Amid the ashes of devastating wildfires, Californian homeowners have faced soaring insurance premiums and widespread policy cancellations, driving the need for regulatory reform. A proposed overhaul by Commissioner Lara aims to streamline rate increase approvals and clarify regulations…

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