Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Monday, Sept. 10

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Poll: Floridians want no-fault to stay

Nearly 70 percent of Floridians say the state’s 37-year-old no-fault auto-insurance system is worth keeping and an even larger majority – nearly 80 percent – wanted Gov. Charlie Crist to include no-fault in the special session that was set to begin Sept. 18, according to a new poll released last week by the Coalition to Protect Florida’s Drivers. No-fault is slated to expire Oct. 1.

 

Do the math of risk

John Seo, co-founder of Fermat Capital Management and the main character in today’s cover story, agreed to answer some Florida questions by e-mail from Perspective editor Jim Verhulst.

 

Windstorm rates: From bad to worse

Here we are in the middle of the hurricane season, 15 years after Andrew, and still the windstorm-insurance market keeps going from bad to worse.

 

The Miami Herald: Give us your thoughts on no-fault insurance

Last week’s surprise decision to cancel the September special session perhaps put the final nail in the coffin of Florida’s no-fault auto insurance system. After 36 years, the law that requires drivers to buy personal injury protection, or PIP, sunsets Oct. 1.

 

Delay on budget session opens door on PIP reform

With the Legislature delaying the special session on the budget that was scheduled for Sept. 18, they can’t agree beforehand on the $1 billion in cuts that are needed?

 

Munich Re says no terror cover without state pools

Munich Re, the world’s second-largest reinsurer, warned on Sunday that it would not offer cover against terror attacks in the United States, France and Germany if state-backed pools are not renewed.

 

Probe of seminar for seniors finds fraud

An investigation by federal and state regulators of “free lunch” investment seminars aimed at seniors has found high-pressure sales pitches masquerading as educational sessions, pervasive misleading claims for unsuitable financial products, and even fraud.

 

Pricey ‘special-interest food fight’

Amid the din of dire warnings, pocketbook appeals and posturing over the death of Florida’s no-fault auto insurance law as of Oct. 1, here’s a number to keep in mind: $7 million.

 

Lawmakers say Crist’s budget cuts won’t fly

Gov. Charlie Crist’s plan to fix Florida’s billion-dollar budget crunch was dismissed Friday by top lawmakers and program advocates, with one leading legislator saying a “more realistic” approach is needed.

 

Democrats try to speak to Hispanics

The first presidential debate conducted in Spanish and English marked a history-making moment in American politics Sunday night, though the candidates aimed more at embracing the nation’s fastest-growing minority group than in breaking new ground on the issues.

• Transcript of the Debate in English

 

U.S. Representative Ron Klein: Homeowners’ Defense Act closer to reality

The impact of rising homeowners’ insurance premiums, reduced coverage and policy cancellations is being felt by more and more homeowners throughout the United States. This is a problem that Floridians know all too well and have been dealing with for more than 10 years.

 

Amid state spending cuts, port gains cash

TALLAHASSEE – In an era of shrinking state spending, the Port of Jacksonville has pulled off a remarkable feat: $17.6 million in fast-tracked funds for its new terminal projects.

 

Dems want their votes to count? Join the GOP!

It is time for a call to arms. Time for Democrats around the state to come together, speak with one voice and do what needs to be done — by becoming Republicans.

 

GAO: Medicare oversight poor

Report says U.S. failed to act on audits

Private insurance companies participating in Medicare have been allowed to keep tens of millions of dollars that should have gone to consumers, and the Bush administration did not properly audit the companies or try to recover money paid in error, congressional investigators say in a new report.

 

Some companies penalize for health risks

First they tried nudging. Now companies are penalizing workers who have high health risks such as obesity and high blood pressure or cholesterol as insurance costs climb.

 

Putting a Price on the Priceless: One Life

ASSIGNING a dollar value to a person’s life might seem impossible, not to mention unthinkable. But after a wrongful death, the needs of the surviving family – financial, emotional or both – often lead to that grim calculation.

 

Car of your dreams: How does it hold up in crashes?

Consumers in the market for a new or used vehicle now have an additional tool to help make the safest choice.

 

HBA Insurance Group thrives on diversity

When it became known in Miami’s insurance community that the Head Beckham Insurance and AmerInsurance agencies were merging, many scratched their heads.

 

Last Stop In Rail Plan: Tampa

Gov. Jeb Bush and the chief of CSX Transportation, Michael Ward, emerged from the sleek new commuter train in Orlando to trumpet their landmark deal.