Say Something Nice About Florida Insurance

Even though there are many problems to be resolved, at least they are out in the open and are being discussed, not buried in some political jargon and dismissed. If we could just get the PACs out of the way…

The Florida agency force is truly exceptional based upon the issues they must grapple with on a daily basis, particularly the cut and run attitude displayed among our carriers concerning Florida property insurance.

Rates are beginning to go up a little bit in all lines which will help availability and stability.

While many of the small homeowner insurance companies are not as strong as I would like financially, I am seeing quality underwriting and a high level of professionalism in these companies.

Property carriers are finally getting some of the appropriate rate adjustments needed to stay solvent. Not all of what’s needed, but some – which is an improvement.

Even with the fraud on PIP there still is availability and capacity in the auto market. It is very competitive and still a good source of revenue for an agency.

Thanks to increased financial regulation the professional liability classes are growing and the businesses affected are growing, so the exposure base provides good growth opportunities.

The most positive changes appear to be the acceptance of the legislature and OIR that something needs to be done to bolster the marketplace as far as allowing companies to have the rate increases needed for rate adequacy.

It’s really great that we haven’t had a major hurricane since 2005; I’m holding my breath for 2012!

Gov. Scott’s signing of the sinkhole bill last summer has reined in that massive fraud scheme.

Workers comp seems to be doing okay and general liability rates seem fairly stable.

There is plenty of competition in personal auto market. The limited underwriting guidelines should serve the property insurers well.

Market access for commercial and personal lines is good. Seeing responsible firming of rates to bring pricing in line with exposure.

The carriers are responding to the challenges and some are looking to appoint new agencies. There is real opportunity if people look close enough and are willing to work for it.

Commercial property markets are beginning to be able to compete with Citizens Insurance, which will shift some of Citizens overextended portfolio back to the independent commercial insurers.

Agents in Florida are resilient, talented and continue to fight for a better marketplace in this state… The agents who are on the front line everyday are what make Florida a positive place to be.

Northeast Florida continues to see moderate property rates compared to the rest of the state. We have not experienced large increases even with the RMS 11 model. Most of our carriers are using a blended modeling program, not strictly RMS 11. Other lines of coverage remain stable also.

Our customers understand that the growing crisis is out of the hands of the agents and are more sympathetic to the lack of superior products that we have to offer.

The market is competitive, especially in property insurance. Governor Scott is a great governor and understands business and the insurance market place. He is making moves to put Citizens Insurance back to the insurer of last resort which will result in bringing more insurance carriers back to Florida.

I think the Insurance Commissioner is trying to get in line with the people and their needs now more than before. Also they are trying to take steps to avoid the fraud that has been such a problem in Florida.