OIR Rule Hearing Recap: Home Structure Rating System

On Wednesday, June 27, 2007, this office attended a Public Rule Hearing at the Office of Insurance Regulation (“OIR”) on Proposed Rule 690-167.015 relating to the Home Structure Rating System (“HSRS”).  Representing the OIR was Presiding Officer Steve Fredrickson and Mike Milnes. 

The HSRS is intended to be used for calculating home rating scores as set forth by the “My Safe Florida Home” program, which offers free wind inspections and the opportunity to obtain a matching grant toward the cost of mitigation for eligible homeowners.

A representative from State Farm Insurance gave public testimony, querying whether the OIR is intending to use the HSRS in concert with the Uniform Home Mitigation Verification forms.  Also, the State Farm representative expressed his understanding that insurance companies are not required to take affirmative actions based on the HSRS system. 

The OIR representatives would not confirm or deny that position and stated that the statutes speak for themselves.

At this time, the OIR indicated it is not using the two forms together. 

The Rule will likely be reviewed and considered for approval by the Financial Services Commission on July 31, 2007.

We have included a copy of the agenda, Proposed Rule and the executive summary of the HSRS for your review. 

Please feel free to contact this office should you have any questions.