Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, Aug. 30

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Citizens Property commercial rates proposed to nearly triple

TALLAHASSEE — Unfettered by legislative mandates to keep rates down, Citizens Property Insurance is eyeing premiums for its commercial hurricane coverage nearly triple what it now charges.

 

State senator aims to revamp no-fault auto insurance law

While there’s still no plan to include any discussion of Florida’s no-fault auto insurance when the Legislature meets next month in a special session, one more proposal to revamp the law is in the works.

 

End of no-fault could mean millions of uninsured vehicles

Millions of uninsured cars could soon be traveling Florida’s roads, a result of the looming demise of mandatory no-fault insurance and the state’s inability to fully enforce what insurance requirements remain.

 

Insurance bill would spread risk, lower rates

WEST PALM BEACH — A state insurance regulator, a Realtor and representatives of the banking, homebuilding and mortgage brokering industries gave favorable reviews today to a bill by two local congressmen that aims to spread risk and lower homeowner insurance rates.

 

Our view: All or nothing

No homeowners, no auto policies should be state mantra for insurance companies

Before the January special legislative session on property insurance, we said Florida should require companies to sell homeowners coverage if they want to peddle other lines, such as auto policies.

 

GOP also ready to swat Florida over primary

WASHINGTON — Democrats are not the only ones who have a problem with Florida’s primary date: Republicans are planning to punish the state, too.

 

Lawsuit Accuses IASIS Of Fraud

TAMPA – A whistleblower lawsuit kept under seal for two years in a federal court in Arizona has been opened, revealing accusations of health-insurance fraud that stretch all the way to the Bay area.

 

Health Secretary Defends Insurance Cutoff

The U.S. health secretary defended new eligibility limits in a federal health plan for needy children on Thursday, urging states to take responsibility for insuring more of their populations.

 

New generator deadline: The 2008 storm season

The quiet – knock wood – start in this state to the height of hurricane season has been a particular blessing to Floridians who still are trying to figure out how to comply with new storm readiness rules.

 

4 Insurers Said to Be Eyeing Mass. Auto Market After Deregulation

Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes says four insurers not now writing auto insurance in the state have said they will enter if her plan to allow competitive pricing goes forward.

 

Coalition Cranks Up To Push Louisiana Comp Change

A coalition of employers, insurers and trade groups said it has embarked on an effort to change Louisiana’s workers’ compensation system with a team of lawyers and a hefty war chest.

 

More than 100,000 sign up for home inspections

TALLAHASSEE — More than 103,000 Florida homeowners have signed up for free home inspections to learn about possible wind resistance upgrades, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink said Thursday.

 

U.S. Insurers’ Subprime Exposure ‘Minimal,’ Says Fitch Ratings

According to a new report from Fitch Ratings, the U.S. property casualty insurance industry’s risk from various subprime mortgage exposures is “minimal.”

 

The primary mess

As the son of a union man who welded frames for Detroit’s cars, and as the nephew and cousin of auto workers in Detroit and Flint, I can certainly understand one reason the Michigan Senate voted last week to set its presidential primary for Jan. 15.

 

State Should Not Balance Budget On Backs Of Most Vulnerable

If a society is measured by how well it treats its most vulnerable citizens, Florida should hang its head in shame.

 

Official: States take program too far
 
States’ efforts to expand a popular health insurance program triggered new federal policies that will limit the program’s reach, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said Thursday.

 

Patients Turn to No-Interest Loans for Health Care

Nancy Schlachter paid for a $6,000 dental bill with an interest-free loan. Banks and insurers are offering more such financing.

 

Our view on coastal insurance: Help Gulf recover, but don’t subsidize the next disaster

Big expansion of federal program would promote risky development.

Along parts of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina is moving forward quickly, if unevenly.

 

U.S. Representative Gene Taylor:  Opposing view: Expand federal program

Covering wind and water damage would aid taxpayers, policyholders.

 

Broward employees will have one health insurer in 2008

For the first time in eight years, Broward County employees will have only one health insurance carrier next year — Vista Healthplans.

 

Lightning vs. circuit breakers

• Q: In July, lightning struck my home causing damage totaling $4,178. My monthly FPL bill includes a $9.95 fee for a surge protector to protect my appliances. I filed a claim with FPL but haven’t heard anything, and I can’t get anyone to return my calls.

 

Cutting Macho Drivers Down To Size

Next time you’re tempted to make a rude hand gesture at a young man speeding down the road, consider an Australian campaign that encourages people to use a different finger.