Volume 2 Issue 1  ●  1st Quarter 2010

Dear Floridian:

The Insurance Consumer Advocate extends a welcome to consumers and insurance professionals and invites everyone to enjoy the newly redesigned website as well as the discussion contained in The Advocate's Advice newsletter. Read more...

Insurance Consumer Advocate Sean Shaw Hosts Alternative Dispute Resolution Roundtable

Florida Insurance Consumer Advocate's OfficeFlorida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate, Sean Shaw, hosted an Alternative Dispute Resolution Roundtable to help Floridians affected by property insurance losses.  On Wednesday, January 6, 2010, Sean Shaw invited members of the insurance industry, public adjusters, appraisal umpires and attorneys to work together to improve the appraisal process so that it can once again be a viable, cost-effective claim dispute resolution process.

ICA Sean Shaw Delivers Property Insurance Recommendations To The Legislature

Sean M. Shaw, Florida Insurance Consumer AdvocateFlorida Insurance Consumer Advocate Sean Shaw today delivered a report to legislative leadership detailing the recommendations collected from two property insurance roundtables aimed at improving the property insurance claims process for Florida consumers. Representatives from the insurance industry, public adjusters, property insurance loss appraisers, umpires and attorneys participated in the roundtables.

Property Insurance Deregulation Property Insurance Deregulation: A choice too costly for consumers

In response to HB 447 and SB 876 which would deregulate the property insurance market in Florida, Sean Shaw and other consumer advocates explained how these bills would negatively affect Floridians. The advocates specifically discussed the claimed benefits from deregulation, deregulation’s effect on Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, and the size of the likely rate increase if rates are deregulated.

Workers Compensation PanelA Conversation With Sean Shaw

Insurance Consumer Advocate Proposes New Workers’ Compensation Panel

After proposing the formation of a new Workers’ Compensation panel, Sean Shaw sat down with Florida Underwriter Magazine for a Q&A session about the proposed panel. Mr. Shaw outlined his vision for the board and how he hopes it will improve the Worker’s Compensation marketplace in Florida. The ICA office will continue to work on this issue and further developments are also in the article.

Chinese DrywallChinese Drywall Problems Persist—Time for Florida to Help Floridians

To date, the Consumer Products Safety Commission has received 1,615 complaints about Chinese Drywall, and Florida represents over half of all such complaints filed in the United States. Unfortunately, even though our state was the hardest hit with this issue, state leaders have been slow to respond to this problem wreaking havoc on Florida homeowners. Thus, ICA Shaw wrote an editorial imploring our state legislators to act on the issue of Chinese Drywall.

Prescription Drug CoverageInsurance Consumer Advocate in Support of Prescription Drug Insurance Coverage Bills

Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate Sean Shaw urged lawmakers to ensure that Floridians have access to the most affordable and effective medications by supporting SB 516 and HB 275. Letters of support were sent to Senator Mike Fasano and Representative Denise Grimsley in support of their legislation on January 15, 2010.

Credit ScoringInsurance Consumer Advocate in Support of Senate Bill 662 Banning Use of Credit Scores in Determining Rates

Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate, Sean Shaw, supported Senate Bill 662 that will ensures that Floridians’ insurance rates are determined fairly, by banning the use of credit scores in determining insurance rates. On December 2nd, 2009 Sean Shaw sent a letter to Senator Rhonda Storms thanking her for sponsoring Senate Bill 662.

Auto WarrantiesAre Extended Warranties Keeping You Safe?

Most people don't buy a new car without hearing “how foolish it would be” to not protect their new investment from unexpected repairs. What soon follows is a sales pitch for an extended warranty. The Insurance Consumer Advocate provided advice for consumers purchasing new cars about the potential problems in purchasing extended warranties.

Mental Health ParityWhat is mental health parity and when does it begin?

For several years, professionals and advocates in the mental health and substance abuse community have championed changes in the way insurance companies administer these benefits. The Insurance Consumer Advocate explained to consumers the expansion of mental health benefits and how more needs to be done for mental health patients in Florida.

PAYDPay-As-You-Drive Insurance ----Will It Save You Money?

Pay-As-You-Drive (PAYD) or “usage-based” auto insurance, in its simplest form, bases insurance cost on the number of miles driven incorporated with existing rating factors, such as a driver’s accident history or geographical location. Sean Shaw provided auto insurance consumers in Florida with details about new insurance products that may soon be available in Florida. Note: Since this article was published Progressive Insurance has delayed the introduction of PAYD insurance in Florida. Plans remain in place for the program and the company remains eager to introduce this product in Florida.

Cobra Premium AssistanceCOBRA Premium Assistance Expiration Alert

On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This legislation provided COBRA premium assistance to help those who lost their jobs by offsetting the costs of continuing health insurance. The Insurance Consumer Advocate reminded consumers of the requirements necessary for unemployed individuals to receive premium assistance under the extended COBRA deadline.

Travel and Health InsuranceInsurance Consumer Advocate Offers Advice For Consumers Traveling Overseas On Their Health Insurance Coverage Needs

While most health insurance policies cover emergency services rendered within the United States, Canada, Mexico, and U.S. territories, it is important to note that most policies exclude coverage beyond those boundaries. As spring time and travel season rapidly approach, the Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate shared with the citizens of Florida some information on purchasing health insurance for overseas travel.

Identity TheftIdentity Theft Awareness Month - Can You Insure Your Identity?

Identity theft has become a national concern affecting an estimated 10 million consumers in the United States in the last year. Because restoring your credit history and correcting information is a slow and time-consuming process, consumers are being inundated with offers for identity theft insurance, credit monitoring plans, and other services. The Insurance Consumer Advocate shared some information regarding identity theft insurance with consumers in recognition of December as Identity Theft Awareness Month.

National Cervical CancerNational Cervical Cancer Awareness Month & Women's Health Care Coverage

Currently, cervical cancer is one of the most fatal forms of cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), cervical cancer was once the leading cause of death for women. Though preliminary screening has assisted in the prevention and early detection of the disease, last year more than 11,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States. In addition, about 4,000 women died from the disease last year alone. In recognition of National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, the Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate shared some information with consumers on women’s health care coverage.

Prenatal LogoInsurance Consumer Advocate Honors Prenatal Infection Prevention Month

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), group B strep, or GBS, is on of the most common life threatening infections and one of the leading causes of blood infection in newborns. This bacterial infection can occur in babies during the first week after delivery. It can lead to respiratory distress, pneumonia, shock, apnea and meningitis in babies. In Recognition of February as Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, the Office of the Insurance Consumer Advocate provided consumers with an overview of prenatal infection prevention and maternity benefits.

The Insurance Consumer Advocate is appointed by Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and is committed to finding solutions to insurance issues facing Floridians, calling attention to questionable insurance practices, promoting a viable insurance market responsive to the needs of Florida’s diverse population and assuring that rates are fair and justified.