Office of Insurance Regulation - Press Releases

Florida to collect $1.7 million as part of multi-state settlement with HealthMarkets Inc.

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:22:23 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that Florida will receive $1.7 million dollars as its share of a $20 million multi-state settlement agreement among 29 jurisdictions and HealthMarkets Inc., and its affiliated companies, MEGA Life and Health Insurance Co, Mid-West National Life Insurance Co. and Chesapeake Life Insurance Co.

In 2007, these companies collected nearly $115 million in premium from over 43, 000 Floridians.

“I am pleased with this settlement because it spells out specific protections for Florida consumers and policyholders nationwide,” said Commissioner McCarty. “We will continue to monitor these companies to ensure they implement the corrective actions outlined in the settlement.”

According to the terms of the agreement, the companies must implement an outreach program that includes the following:

Sending a notice to all policyholders with policies issued prior to Aug. 1, 2005, that includes a toll-free number, mailing address and e-mail address where policyholders can ask questions about their coverage. The notice also must include a Web site address for each company.
Ensuring each method of communication is staffed by someone able to provide detailed information about the policyholder’s specific plan.
Establishing a Web site with a “frequently asked questions” section, general coverage descriptions, a listing of contact information and information on how to appeal a claim or file a grievance.

In addition, the companies must report progress twice a year through Dec. 31, 2009, on performance standards targeted for improvement.

Because the companies were the targets of investigations and consumer complaints in several states a multi-state examination was initiated as a collaborative action through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The multi-state examination covered a five-year period ending Dec. 31, 2005.

The $20 million penalty will be divided among the participating jurisdictions based on the companies’ premium volume.

Click HERE for a copy of the regulatory settlement agreement.

Click HERE for a copy of the market conduct examination report.

About the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has primary responsibility for regulation, compliance and enforcement of statutes related to the business of insurance and the monitoring of industry markets. Business units within the Office are organized based on regulatory expertise and include the areas of life and health, property and casualty, specialty lines and other regulated insurance entities. It is within the Office that the mission of public protection is implemented through regulatory oversight of insurance company solvency, policy forms and rates, market conduct performance and new company entrants to the Florida market.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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Florida Insurance Commissioner McCarty Praises Court’s Decision Prohibiting the Use of Mandatory Arbitration in Life Insurance Contracts

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:03:20 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty welcomed the First District Court of Appeal’s decision affirming the Office of Insurance Regulation’s (Office) denial of United Insurance Company of America’s (United) request to include a mandatory arbitration clause in its life insurance contracts.

Arbitration would have forced disgruntled policyholders to bypass the legal system to settle disagreements. United appealed the Office’s action and the Court affirmed the denial.

“Policyholders have fewer rights and constitutional protections under the more restrictive arbitration process than they would have in a civil court proceeding,” said Commissioner McCarty. “I’m pleased that the Court made it clear that Florida consumers should not be shut out of the traditional legal system to press their grievances against insurance companies.”

Although United argued that federal arbitration law superseded the Florida law that allows policyholders to use the courts for contractual disputes; the Court found that this matter “specifically relates to the business of insurance” and is, therefore, exempt from being superseded by federal law.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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Media Advisory -- Commissioner to Speak to House Subcommittee

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:27:06 GMT

July 22, 2008

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty will testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations at a hearing entitled: "Long-Term Care Insurance: Are Consumers Protected for the Long Term?"

WHO: Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty

WHAT: Commissioner McCarty will speak to the House subcommittee and offer comments on the increasing demand for long-term care insurance products; and he will explain how Florida, with one of the oldest populations in the United States, has implemented the most stringent requirements in the nation to protect seniors from unfair rate increases, unfair trade practices and discrimination insurance organizations.

A copy of the commissioner’s testimony will be available on the home page of the Office of Insurance Regulation Web site (www.floir.com) once his testimony is complete.

WHEN: Thursday, July 24 at 10 am

WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building

Room 2123

Washington, DC

CONTACT: Ed Domansky
850-413-2515

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Florida Insurance Commissioner McCarty Joins Gov. Crist in Meeting with Lloyd’s of London

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:55:53 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today in London joined Gov. Charlie Crist and House Speaker Designate Ray Sansom in a meeting with Lord Levene, the chairman of Lloyd’s of London, as part of the governor’s Team Florida Trade and Business Development Mission.

Commissioner McCarty talked about the importance of modernizing our reinsurance framework and Florida’s leadership role in that capacity. He also discussed the role of global reinsurance and the consequences of global warming.

"The market for insurance against large scale natural disasters has evolved into a highly competitive marketplace,” said Commissioner McCarty, “and it is imperative that Florida remains out front as the market continues to evolve. The time for inefficient and potentially obstructive regulation has passed. We remain committed to developing efficient regulation that will stabilize these markets while still ensuring that the promise of available and affordable insurance made to Florida policyholders remains our primary focus.

“The threat of continuing global warming is an issue that all Floridians need to be thinking about, because unless we all take action to help reduce its effects, the frequency and severity of future storms that strike Florida could bring about devastation greater than we ever have seen.

“I am honored to have been asked by Gov. Crist to accompany him and other key officials on this important mission for Team Florida.”

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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Florida Insurance Commissioner Issues Final Order in Florida Farm Bureau Rate Challenge

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:27:39 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty affirmed the ruling of administrative law judge Susan B. Harrell regarding the rate filing challenge between the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) and Florida Farm Bureau (Farm Bureau). The commissioner’s Final Order officially disapproves the rate filings submitted by Farm Bureau and adopts the judge’s findings of fact and conclusions of law.

The matter was heard Jan. 14 – 17 at the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), and a Recommended Order disapproving the rate filings was issued April 1 by Judge Harrell. The judge’s recommendation was based on the deficiencies set forth in the Office’s original Notices of Intent to Disapprove, issued July 15, 2007.

“Rulings like this, and the one we received on the Hartford case, further help us in our efforts to protect Florida consumers from unnecessary and unsupported property insurance rate increases,” said Commissioner McCarty. “I’m very pleased with the judges ruling.”

As part of HB 1A, passed by the Florida Legislature in January 2007, the Florida Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (CAT Fund) was expanded to $28 billion – a $12 billion increase – and insurers were requested to purchase cheaper reinsurance from the increased CAT Fund and pass the savings along to their policyholders.

Farm Bureau initially reduced its rates by an average of 24.9 percent, effective June 1, 2007. But, with its May 10, 2007 filing, Farm Bureau requested an average increase of 30.3 percent.

Of 200-plus insurance companies that made HB 1A filings in the fall of 2007, only two companies – Farm Bureau and Hartford – sought litigation through DOAH. Commissioner McCarty issued his Final Order in the Hartford matter on June 2.

Farm Bureau may appeal the order to the District Court of Appeal within 30 days.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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Statement by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty on Gov. Crist Signing Annuities Bill into Law

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:34:34 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – “I am very pleased that Gov. Crist has signed this important legislation, SB 2082, creating a law that will enhance protections for senior Floridians who are considering the purchase of annuities.

“Annuity sales have become a big business in Florida, and seniors in particular often have fallen victim to unethical sales practices. This new law will give Florida the enforcement power it needs to better protect our vulnerable senior population.

“Thanks to the leadership of Sen. Bennett and Rep. Ford, Florida now will be a national leader in the effort to protect seniors when they purchase costly and complex annuity products.”

The new law, named the "John and Patricia Seibel Act,” increases penalties to as much as $250,000, up from $100,000, for specified willful unfair or deceptive life insurance and annuity sales practices.

The law also requires an insurer or insurance agent to have an objectively reasonable basis for believing that an annuity recommendation to a senior consumer is suitable.

In addition, the law makes it a first-degree misdemeanor for the deceptive practices known as "twisting" and "churning" – making misleading representations in an attempt to induce a consumer to cash in funds from a current investment or insurance product in order to purchase another product; and, willfully submitting a false signature now is a third-degree felony.

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Statement by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty on Retirement of Citizens’ Board Chairman Bruce Douglas

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:57:49 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- “Mr. Douglas brought vision and expertise to addressing very challenging and complex problems and has helped Citizens become the customer-focused organization that it is today.

”It has been a pleasure working with him, and we will miss his service.”

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Statement by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty on Florida Supreme Court Order Declining Jurisdiction in Allstate Matter

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:17:37 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- “We are pleased with the Florida Supreme Court’s decision in declining to accept jurisdiction of the matter between Allstate and the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office).

“We did not believe that there was any basis for the Court to extend jurisdiction in this matter, because the First District Court of Appeal’s decision was in full compliance with the laws of Florida.

“The Supreme Court’s decision reassures Floridians that the Office has full access to insurers’ books and records and upholds the Office’s actions in its efforts to protect consumers.”

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Florida Insurance Commissioner McCarty Issues Final Order in Hartford Rate Challenge

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:11:57 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty has affirmed the ruling of an administrative law judge regarding the rate filing challenge between the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) and The Hartford Companies (Hartford). The commissioner’s Final Order officially disapproves the rate filings submitted by Hartford and adopts the judge’s findings of fact and conclusions of law.

The matter was heard Jan. 22 – 24 at the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), and a Recommended Order disapproving the rate filings was issued March 28 by Administrative Law Judge Lisa Shearer Nelson. The judge’s recommendation was based on the deficiencies set forth in the Office’s original Notices of Intent to Disapprove, issued Sept. 10.

“The Office is pleased with the ruling, and we feel strongly that this supportive decision will further help us in our endeavors to protect Florida consumers from unwarranted rate increases,” said Commissioner McCarty.

Hartford initially reduced its rates by an average of 13.6, effective June 1 in accordance with the Office’s Presumed Factors. But, with its Sept. 30 True-Up filing, Hartford requested an average increase of 39.6 percent.

Of the 200-plus insurers that made true-up filings, only two resulted in litigation, Hartford and Farm Bureau. On April 1, an administrative law judge in the Farm Bureau matter similarly recommended an order in favor of the Office. A Final Order from Commissioner McCarty is expected to be issued soon.

Hartford may appeal the order to the District Court of Appeal within 30 days.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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FLORIDA AGENCIES ANNOUNCE $4 MILLION INSURANCE SETTLEMENT WITH AON CORP.

Fri, 23 May 2008 16:31:47 GMT

Contact: Ed Domansky

850/413-2515

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Attorney General Bill McCollum, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink and Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that Florida has reached a settlement with Aon Corp., a large insurance broker that received undisclosed compensation in connection with the placement of insurance coverage on behalf of Florida policyholders.

As part of the agreement, Aon will pay $2.6 million to Florida to reimburse affected policyholders. Aon also will reimburse the three Florida agencies $1.4 million in fees and costs, which will be paid within 10 days of this agreement.

"Insurance customers, including government entities, need to know what they are getting for the premiums they are paying," said Attorney General McCollum. "Consumers deserve transparency and taxpayers deserve to be treated fairly."

The three-agency investigation determined that Aon brokered multiple insurance contracts in Florida from 1998 through 2004 and its clients included several public entities in the state of Florida, including city governments and school boards. Insurance brokers represent their clients by advising them on their insurance needs and options and represent the clients when negotiating the price and terms of insurance coverage offered by insurance companies.

Through the investigation, authorities uncovered allegations that Aon improperly collected undisclosed compensation when it placed various insurance coverages with insurance companies. Undisclosed compensation is any form of compensation that is paid to the broker but not reported to policyholders before binding the transaction for the purchase of a policy.

"Florida is committed to ensuring that insurance transactions are both transparent and fair," said CFO Sink, who oversees the Department of Financial Services. "When we determine that an insurance broker is not clearly disclosing the amount and nature of all fees and commissions, we will take decisive action on behalf of Florida consumers."

"Full disclosure in all insurance transactions is a must, and Florida consumers deserve nothing less," said Commissioner McCarty. "My office is committed to protecting Floridians, and this settlement further demonstrates the progress Florida is making toward establishing a national standard for transparency in insurance transactions."

Prior to having insurance bound, Aon must disclose to its clients all fees, compensation and commissions associated with each insurance transaction. The company must also maintain a record of all insurance quotes it receives. This settlement marks the seventh agreement Florida has reached with insurance carriers and brokers alleged to have received compensation in an improper manner.

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FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER MCCARTY APPROVES ANOTHER ROUND OF POLICY REMOVALS FROM CITIZENS

Wed, 21 May 2008 19:04:45 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Commissioner McCarty announced today that the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has approved the plans of six insurance companies to remove another 100,000 policies from Citizens Property Insurance Corp. in June.

Some of the companies already began taking out policies earlier this year, and others will begin with the June take-out. Florida law allows Citizens' policyholders to refuse the offer and stay in Citizens. All of the take-out companies have agreed to offer the same or better coverage than the policyholder had with Citizens, and at the same or lower price.

"Every company removing these policyholders into the private market has met Florida’s rigorous licensing standards, and most of the newer companies were licensed with double or triple the statutorily required start-up capital of $5 million," said Commissioner McCarty. "We monitor the removal process very carefully to ensure policyholder protection."

To date, the Office has approved plans to remove up to 500,000 policies in 2008 from the state-created insurance company and place them in the private market.

The six companies that have been approved to remove Citizens policies are:

American Integrity Insurance Co. of Florida: up to 75,000 policies total; 42,000 removed to date.
Argus Fire & Casualty Insurance Co.: up to 18,000 policies total; 12,360 removed to date.
Avatar Property and Casualty Insurance Co.: up to 10,000 policies total in June.
Homeowners Choice Property & Casualty Insurance Co.: up to 30,000 policies total; 20,000 removed to date.
Magnolia Insurance Co.: up to 60,000 policies total in June.
Southern Oak Insurance Co.: up to 75,000 policies total; 6,678 removed to date.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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MEDIA ADVISORY -- FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY TO TESTIFY BEFORE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SUBCOMMITTEE

Tue, 20 May 2008 19:29:59 GMT

May 20, 2008

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, on behalf of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, will testify before the U.S. House of Representatives Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations about the effect of credit-based insurance scores on the availability and affordability of insurance.

WHO: Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty

WHAT: Commissioner McCarty will speak to the House

subcommittee and offer comments on Florida’s

actions and the role of credit-based insurance

scores in Florida today. He also will report on

actions by other states on this issue.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 21 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2128
Washington, D.C.

CONTACT: Ed Domansky
850-413-2515

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FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER MCCARTY STAYS ALLSTATE SUSPENSION, CONTINUING COMPLIANCE REQUIRED

Mon, 19 May 2008 12:44:55 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that he has ordered a stay of the suspension of the Allstate Companies’ licenses to sell new business in Florida. Commissioner McCarty’s decision comes as the result of Allstate’s submission of an affidavit certifying that it has complied with Florida law by freely providing all documents requested by the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) as part of its investigation of Allstate’s business practices in Florida.

The commissioner’s announcement follows Wednesday’s First District Court of Appeal’s (DCA) Opinion denying Allstate’s motion for a rehearing and affirming the Office’s action in issuing the January Immediate Final Order (IFO).

“I have stayed the suspension of Allstate, and I have accepted its affidavit as evidence that they have completely and unconditionally complied with Florida law and with our requests for documents,” said Commissioner McCarty. “I also, though, have made it perfectly clear that failure to cooperate with necessary, ongoing requests from the Office will result in an immediate resumption of the suspension.

“As I said Wednesday, it is unfortunate for Allstate’s agents, their staff members and their policyholders that it has taken court action to compel the company to comply with Florida law. The District Court’s Order enables the Office to investigate whether Allstate has engaged in claims practices that have been harmful to its policyholders.”

Allstate has produced hundreds of thousands of pages of documents that Office staff members have been thoroughly reviewing. Of the more than 825,000 pages mentioned in its affidavit, Allstate produced only 36,000 pages between the Oct. 16 issuance of the subpoenas and the Jan. 17 issuance of the IFO.

The suspension was initially put in place Jan. 17 after the commissioner abruptly halted a Jan. 15 hearing that was to look into the Allstate Companies’ reinsurance program, their relationships with risk modeling companies, insurance rating organizations and insurance trade associations.

Allstate was to have provided all appropriate company documents related to the above topics by Jan. 15 and was to have brought appropriate witnesses to testify about the documents and issues at the Jan. 15 hearing, but failed to do so. Instead, the Office received 51 pages of objections to the subpoenas.

Allstate appealed the suspension to the DCA, asserting that the commissioner had exceeded his authority by issuing the Immediate Final Order to suspend its certificates of authority; the court stayed the suspension until it could consider the issue.

In its April 4 ruling, replaced by Wednesday’s opinion, three DCA judges unanimously agreed that the commissioner had not exceeded his authority when he issued the January Order to suspend the Allstate Companies’ licenses. The Court’s April 4 opinion, as well as Wednesday’s opinion, outlines explicitly Allstate’s failure to adequately comply at the Jan. 15 hearing.

The collateral legal matter with the Division of Administrative Hearings is set for hearing June 16. This proceeding involves Allstate’s alleged failure to comply with the document request; there also are two other counts – falsely asserting trade secrets and false certification of its September rate filing.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION TO CONDUCT SYMPOSIUM TO HELP COMPANIES WITH FORM AND RATE FILINGS

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:42:14 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) will host a Filing & Compliance Symposium May 22 and 23 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Fla. Geared toward insurance company personnel charged with making form and rate filings to the Office, the two-day event will teach participants how to make their filings more accurate and complete.

Specifically, the symposium will inform industry compliance staff about technical compliance with laws and rules surrounding rate and form filings and the electronic filing systems used for these filings. Both Life & Health and Property & Casualty staff will learn how to make form and rate filings that can be approved easier and faster. The symposium also will discuss new markets and common questions about Florida regulations and the changes made by the Florida Legislature during the 2008 session.

“The symposium will afford company representatives the opportunity to hear firsthand from Office staff how to prepare complete and substantial filings that meet Florida law,” said Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty. “The filing process is critical to companies being able to facilitate their products to market, so I encourage as many companies and their staff members as possible to attend.”

The Office is expecting participants from 200 companies and 35 states that will include company compliance staff members, actuaries, lawyers and consultants. The program has been provided to industry representatives since 1996.

Company representatives who would like to participate in the symposium should contact the Office at 850-413-3140 to register. Registration also will be conducted on site.

Members of the news media interested in attending should contact Ed Domansky of the Office at 850-413-2515 or edward.domansky@floir.com.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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FLORIDA APPEALS COURT DENIES ALLSTATE MOTION FOR REHEARING, SUSPENSION RESUMES

Wed, 14 May 2008 19:48:41 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced the immediate resumption of the suspension of the certificates of authority of the Allstate Companies to write new insurance policies in Florida. The suspension applies to all lines of business and will remain in effect until the companies fully comply with Florida law and produce the documents requested by the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office).

In addition, however, the Office is expecting an affidavit, signed by an Allstate officer, asserting that it has produced all documents requested. Upon receipt of that certification, Commissioner McCarty will immediately stay the suspension – with the understanding that the stay is dependent on Allstate’s continued compliance with Florida law and cooperation with the Office’s investigation.

The commissioner’s announcement follows today’s First District Court of Appeal’s (DCA) Opinion denying Allstate’s motion for a rehearing and affirming the Office’s action in issuing the January Immediate Final Order.

“This case illustrates the effectiveness of an Immediate Final Order, such as the one upheld today by the District Court,” said Commissioner McCarty. “Were it not for that order, we do not believe that we would have the documents available for our ongoing investigation. We now have received hundreds of thousands of documents that Allstate had not previously produced.”

The suspension was put in place Jan. 17 after the commissioner abruptly halted a Jan. 15 hearing that was to look into the Allstate Companies’ reinsurance program, their relationships with risk modeling companies, insurance rating organizations and insurance trade associations.

In its April 4 ruling, replaced by today’s opinion, three DCA judges unanimously agreed that the commissioner had not exceeded his authority when he issued the January Order to suspend the Allstate Companies’ licenses. The Court’s April 4 opinion, as well as today’s opinion, outlines explicitly Allstate’s failure to adequately comply at the Jan. 15 hearing.

The suspension does not affect existing policyholders or consumers who were in the process of securing a policy when the Court’s opinion was issued will not be affected.

In addition, the collateral legal matter with the Division of Administrative Hearings is set for hearing June 16. This proceeding involves Allstate’s alleged failure to comply with the document request; there also are two other counts -- Falsely asserting trade secrets and false certification of its September rate filing.

Allstate agents are encouraged to contact the company’s corporate headquarters with questions or comments.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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URGENT MEDIA ADVISORY -- FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION IMMEDIATE FINAL ORDER AGAINST ALLSTATE

Wed, 14 May 2008 19:36:36 GMT

May 14, 2008

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty will hold a media availability to discuss the First District Court of Appeal’s order of today upholding the Office’s Jan. 17 Immediate Final Order, suspending the licenses of the Allstate Companies from writing any new business in Florida.

The Court’s ruling means that the suspension goes back into effect immediately.

Click here for a copy of the Court’s order.

Details are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Location: Larson Building

Address: 200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399

Room 116

Contact: Ed Domansky

850-413-2515

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STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON DISTRICT COURT OPINION AFFIRMING IFO AGAINST ALLSTATE

Wed, 14 May 2008 14:58:43 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – “I’m pleased to report that the First District Court today has again affirmed the appropriateness of the Office’s action in issuing the January Immediate Final Order suspending Allstate’s licenses to sell new business in Florida; it has denied Allstate’s request for a rehearing and has lifted the stay of the suspension. As a result, the suspension now is back in effect.

“We are currently reviewing the Court’s opinion and the status of Allstate’s compliance with the law, Section 624.318(2), Florida Statutes, which requires them to freely produce documents requested by this Office. We will be issuing a more detailed statement later today.”

The suspension applies to Allstate Floridian Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co., Allstate Property & Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Insurance Co., Allstate Floridian Indemnity Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Encompass Insurance Co. of America, Encompass Indemnity Co., Encompass Floridian Insurance Co. and Encompass Floridian Indemnity Co., and it only suspends the companies from writing new business in Florida.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION ISSUES ORDER ALLEGING INAPPROPRIATE BUSINESS PRACTICES TO 2 LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES, AMERICAN FIDELITY LIFE AND TRANS WORLD ASSURANCE

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:02:22 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has issued an Order to Show Cause to two life insurance companies related to their solicitation of business from U.S. military personnel.

The Order requires American Fidelity Life Insurance Co. (American Fidelity) of Pensacola, Fla., and Trans World Assurance Co. (Trans World) of San Mateo, Calif., to show cause why the Office should not enter a final order suspending or revoking their Certificates of Authority pursuant to Sections 624.418(2) or 626.9581, Florida Statutes, imposing appropriate penalties under the Florida Insurance Code and Florida Administrative Code, or taking other administrative actions as deemed appropriate by law.

“The Office will be vigilant to ensure that our dedicated military personnel are protected from predatory sales practices,” said Commissioner McCarty. “We will continue to vigorously enforce our regulations to prevent unfair and deceptive practices from being perpetrated on Florida residents.”

The following allegations against American Fidelity and/or Trans World are included in the Order:

Sold insurance products to U.S. military personnel after providing free prizes and gifts valued at over $25;
Employed a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps as a driver who used his military identification to gain access to the military base to pick up military personnel and take them to the companies’ offices;
Offered to pay referral fees to U.S. military personnel who purchased their insurance products and introduced others who also purchased the companies’ insurance products;
Did not provide complete contracts to U.S. military personnel who purchased insurance products;
Misrepresented that they were affiliated with the U.S. military in the sale of their insurance products; and
Required military personnel to grant access to their MyPay accounts to set up allotments for insurance products.

The Order is tied to a Rule that was adopted last September by the Florida Financial Services Commission that protects active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces from dishonest and predatory insurance sales practices in Florida.

The adoption of the Florida Rule followed the creation of a similar Model Law adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) in June that states may adopt to prohibit the same behavior. Florida's Rule, however, goes further than the NAIC Model Law in that it applies to every active duty service member, regardless of rank and has a broader definition of active duty than the NAIC model.

A copy of the complete Rule is available for your review.

If the companies fail to respond within 21 days from the issuance of the Order, the commissioner may seek one of the remedies noted in the second paragraph of this release.

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STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON HOUSE AND SENATE PASSAGE OF ANNUITIES BILL

Fri, 02 May 2008 20:31:59 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – “I am very pleased that this important legislation has passed, because it will enhance protections for senior consumers who are considering the purchase of annuities.

“The sale of annuities is a big business in Florida. In particular, seniors have been victimized in the past by unscrupulous sales tactics. The passage of this legislation will help us to better protect this vulnerable population and makes Florida a national leader in efforts to protect consumers from predatory annuity sales practices.”

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON HOUSE VERSION OF PROPERTY INSURANCE BILL

Thu, 01 May 2008 14:38:55 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – “I am pleased that some significant consumer safeguards have been maintained in the House version of Sen. Atwater’s original consumer-focused legislation, SB 2860. Specifically, stopping insurance companies from bypassing the Office and increasing rates through the use-and-file or arbitration processes are very important provisions of this bill. We appreciate all the work that Sen. Atwater put into the bill.”

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING ON NEW REINSURANCE RULES

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:38:27 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) today held a public hearing to ask for input on a draft rule that would implement 2007 legislation giving the insurance commissioner discretion to allow unaccredited reinsurance companies to conduct business in Florida without having to post 100 percent collateral. The public hearing follows a Nov. 26 workshop and is the next step in the rule implementation process the Office is undertaking as part of its continuing effort to find alternative approaches to improving Florida's property insurance market.

In early 2007, the Florida Legislature passed a law (624.610(3)(e) F.S.) that gives the insurance commissioner the ability to establish lower collateral requirements for foreign reinsurers that are highly rated and financially sound. The Office is exploring whether this may lead to more reinsurance capacity to increase the supply of insurance in the Florida market.

"It is important for Florida that highly capitalized, well regulated foreign reinsurers be allowed to conduct business with Florida insurers without requiring them to post millions of dollars in collateral," said Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty. "It will lead to increased capital and competition in our state, and it will help to stabilize and potentially reduce property insurance rates."

When an insurance company buys reinsurance from a reinsurer authorized or accredited in Florida, the insurer gets a favorable accounting credit. U.S.-licensed and Florida-accredited reinsurers do not have to post collateral under current law.

Reinsurance is insurance for insurance companies. In the property insurance market, it is purchased to cover catastrophic losses that exceed what the company could pay out on its own. The cost of reinsurance is one component included in the cost to the homeowner of a property insurance policy.

For an insurer to get favorable accounting credit for reinsurance purchased from an unaccredited reinsurer, even if the unaccredited reinsurer is worth billions of dollars and is well regulated, the reinsurer has traditionally been required to post collateral for the full amount of the risk transferred. This collateral requirement is a barrier to investment by foreign reinsurers in the Florida market.

Following review of comments from today’s public hearing, the rule will next be presented to the Florida Cabinet for final approval. No date has yet been set for that presentation.

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CORRECTION FLORIDA APPEALS COURT DENIES ALLSTATE MOTION FOR REHEARING, SUSPENSION WILL RESUME

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:40:59 GMT

**** CORRECTION **** **** CORRECTION ****

The District Court of Appeal has withdrawn the Order it issued earlier today.

The Court stated that it was “issued due to clerical error.”

Below are links to both Orders:

1. http://www.1dca.org/allstate/order2.pdf

2. http://www.1dca.org/allstate/order3.pdf

...

FLORIDA HEALTH INSURANCE ADVISORY BOARD SUPPORTS GOVERNOR'S HEALTH PLAN

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 18:35:38 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board (Advisory Board) met today to discuss several bills currently making their way through the legislature, including SB 2534 by Senator Durell Peaden and Co-Sponsored by Senator Don Gaetz. The bill includes Governor Crist’s Cover Florida Health Access Program and was passed by the Senate yesterday with a vote of 39 – 0.

"The unanimous approval that this bill received is a clear indication of its importance to all Florida consumers,” said Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, who also chairs the Advisory Board. “Because of the leadership of Gov. Crist, Florida residents will have more options to provide health care for their families.”

The Advisory Board endorsed the Senate bill by a super-majority, and urged the House members to pass a similar bill. Board members discussed the differences between the Senate and House bills, specifically noting that the House bill allows unregulated entities to sell products that could potentially destabilize the existing small group market.

The Advisory Board also endorsed another aspect of the Senate bill expanding access to Health Flex Plans, which were established to offer basic, affordable health care services to low-income, uninsured residents.

About the Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board

The Board was established by the Florida Legislature in 1992 as the Small Employer Health Reinsurance Program. Its purpose was to promote the availability of health care coverage to small employers. At that time, Board members were primarily representatives of health insurers licensed under chapter 624 or 641 of the Florida Statutes. In 2005, the Legislature expanded the composition of the Board to include representatives of employers, an individual policyholder and a representative from the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). The Board’s responsibilities also were expanded to include an advisory role on health insurance issues to the Office of Insurance Regulation, AHCA, the Department of Financial Services other executive departments and to the Legislature.

###

Contact: Carol Ostapchuk

850/ 668-5052

...

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON SENATE PASSAGE OF GOV. CRIST’S HEALTH PLAN

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:39:36 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – "I applaud the Florida Senate for today taking a positive step toward providing access to affordable health insurance to the more than 3 million Floridians who currently do not have coverage.

"The unanimous approval (39-0) that this bill received is a clear indication of its importance to all Florida consumers. Because of the leadership of Gov. Crist and Sen. Peaden, Florida residents will no longer have to struggle to provide health care to their families.

"I urge the Florida House to act swiftly and pass this responsible legislation so that Floridians may begin to take advantage of the Cover Florida program."

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON SENATE PASSAGE OF CONSUMER-FOCUSED BILL

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:35:58 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- "I am extremely pleased that the Florida Senate today passed, SB 2860, the consumer-focused legislation sponsored by Sen. Jeff Atwater (R-North Palm Beach).

"There are numerous consumer safeguards in this key piece of legislation that will protect Florida consumers from unnecessary and unsupported property insurance rate increases. It will stop insurance companies from bypassing my office and increasing rates through the use-and-file or arbitration processes. It also will increase the Office's authority to make certain that companies pay their policyholders' claims on time.

"Through its funding for the Capital Build-Up Incentive Program, the bill will help continue to encourage growth in Florida's insurance market – which already has seen more than 20 new companies and $3.4 billion in capital added to the Florida market since January 2006.

"I hope the House now will also see the importance of this legislation for Florida consumers and how it will enable my office to continue to ensure that companies are keeping insurance available and affordable."

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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MEDIA ADVISORY – FLORIDA HEALTH INSURANCE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 15:31:32 GMT

The Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board announced that it will hold a public hearing to discuss and act on matters relating to the business of the Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board/ Florida Heath Reinsurance Program only.

WHO: Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board

WHAT: Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board will meet to discuss budget matters, review selected legislation, and approved proposed 2008 assessments. A copy of the meeting agenda can be found here.

WHEN: Friday, April 18, 2008

10:00 AM

WHERE: Larson Building, Room 116

200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399

CONTACT: Carol Ostapchuk

(850) 668-5052

...

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON MEETING WITH ALLSTATE AGENTS

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:50:52 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today met with several Allstate agents in his office to hear their personal stories and concerns about how the ongoing legal matters between the Allstate Companies and the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation are affecting them.

Commissioner McCarty conveyed the following thoughts to the agents:

"It is unfortunate that the company has put you in this position, jeopardizing your livelihoods. But, I cannot, and will not, allow any insurance company doing business in Florida to avoid their legal duties under the Florida Insurance Code.

"Suspending the Allstate licenses is a very serious action, but I had no other choice given that Allstate’s actions have been contrary to the best interests of Florida consumers and are in violation of the law.

"Allstate agents are encouraged to express their concerns to the Allstate corporate office in Northbrook (Ill.). Resolution of this matter is up to Allstate company officials.

"As the District Court stated very clearly in its April 4 ruling, Allstate can comply with the law and produce all of the documents my office has requested, or I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that their license is suspended.

"I reassured the agents that any suspension would be immediately lifted upon Allstate’s full compliance with the subpoenas."

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MEDIA ADVISORY -- FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL CLARIFIES RULING UPHOLDING FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION IMMEDIATE FINAL ORDER AGAINST ALLSTATE

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 20:13:01 GMT

April 8, 2008

In a clarification of its April 4 ruling, upholding the Office's Jan. 17 Immediate Final Order, suspending the licenses of the Allstate Companies from writing any new business in Florida - the Court stated: "This Court's April 4, 2008 opinion lifting the stay will not become final until the time for filing a motion for rehearing expires, and the disposition thereof, if filed."

The Office sought the clarification because there was ambiguity in the Order as to whether the stay had been lifted immediately or was subject to the time frame for a motion for rehearing or any disposition of that motion, if one is filed.

Contact: Ed Domansky or Tom Zutell

850-413-2515

# # #

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FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION OF ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANIES’ SUSPENSION

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:55:55 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that he will resume the suspension of the certificates of authority of the Allstate Companies to write new insurance in Florida until they fully comply with the subpoenas served Oct. 16 by the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office).

Today's announcement by the commissioner follows today's First District Court of Appeal's ruling to allow the suspension of Allstates’ certificates of authority Jan. 16. to resume. The Office is seeking clarification from the court on exactly when the suspension resumes.

The suspension came after the commissioner abruptly halted a hearing into the Allstate Companies' reinsurance program, their relationships with risk modeling companies, insurance rating organizations and insurance trade associations. Allstate appealed the suspension to the DCA, asserting the commissioner exceeded his authority; the court stayed the suspension until it could consider the issue, and today lifted the stay, ruling that the commissioner did not exceed his authority to suspend Allstate Companies' licenses.

"I remain seriously concerned with Allstate's continued failure to comply with our subpoenas; as evidenced by its 196-page privilege log of documents that they have failed to provide us," said Commissioner McCarty. "They have not been willing to explain to us their relationships with rating agencies, modeling companies and trade groups and how these relationships might have influenced the huge rate increases they requested in September.

"If Allstate is willing to accrue $25,000 per day in fines to a Missouri court for its ongoing failure to provide similar documents, it's obvious to me that it will take more than a monetary sanction to get them to comply with our subpoenas."

Allstate was to have provided all appropriate company documents related to the above topics by Jan. 16, but failed to do so. Instead, the Office received 51 pages of objections to the subpoenas.

The suspension applies to Allstate Floridian Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co., Allstate Property & Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Insurance Co., Allstate Floridian Indemnity Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Encompass Insurance Co. of America Encompass Indemnity Co., Encompass Floridian Insurance Co., and Encompass Floridian Indemnity Co., and it only suspends the companies from writing new business in Florida.

Existing policyholders will not be affected. Allstate must continue to service them and the companies must make all required statutory filings including, but not limited to, audited annual financial statements, quarterly financial statements and rate filings.

"The duration of the suspension is up to them," added McCarty. "It will be lifted when I am satisfied that we have received each and every document we need to properly investigate the important issues before us.

"The companies' actions have been contrary to the best interests of Florida consumers."

A copy of the subpoena is available to review.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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URGENT MEDIA ADVISORY -- FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION IMMEDIATE FINAL ORDER AGAINST ALLSTATE

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:05:03 GMT

April 4, 2008

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty will hold a media availability to discuss the First District Court of Appeal's order of today upholding the Office's Jan. 17 Immediate Final Order, suspending the licenses of the Allstate Companies from writing any new business in Florida.

The Court's ruling means that the suspension goes back into effect immediately.

A copy of the Court's order is attached.

Details are as follows:

Date: Friday, April 4, 2008

Time: 2:15 p.m.

Location: Larson Building

Address: 200 East Gaines Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399

...

FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER NAMES JIM BENNETT DIRECTOR OF MARKET INVESTIGATIONS

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:43:44 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that he has promoted Jim Bennett to director of market investigations for the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office). Mr. Bennett will report to General Counsel Steve Parton.

Mr. Bennett joined the Office in October 2004 where he initially served as senior attorney. He was promoted to executive senior attorney in August 2007 and then served as the chief assistant general counsel for the Office’s market investigations unit. In that role, he monitored daily activities of the unit, and he represented the Office in many NAIC multi-state examinations.

Prior to joining the Office, Mr. Bennett worked as a partner at Frier & Bennett, P.A. where he handled commercial litigation and bankruptcy filings. Mr. Bennett also served for 12 years as a trial attorney with the Office of the U.S. Trustee.

In addition Mr. Bennett was a staff attorney for the Department of Management Services from November 1989 to June 1991, and he was an assistant state attorney for the Office of the State Attorney from June 1987 to November 1989.

Mr. Bennett replaces Sam Binnun, who recently left the Office to pursue a new career opportunity.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON PASSAGE OF CONSUMER-FOCUSED BILL BY SENATE BANKING AND INSURANCE COMMITTEE

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:46:40 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - "I am extremely pleased that the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee passed the consumer-focused legislation proposed today by Sen. Jeff Atwater (R-Palm Beach).

"The proposed legislation contains numerous consumer protections that would safeguard Floridians from unwarranted and unsupported property insurance rate increases.

"It also would give my office greater ability to regulate insurance companies by way of increased enforcement authority and more control over the complete rate-filing and review process."

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION FILES FORMAL COMPLAINT TO SUSPEND AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE CO. LICENSE

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:09:50 GMT

Contact: Ed Domansky

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

850-413-2515

Tom Zutell

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation

850-413-5092

                   Jonathan Beeton
                  Communications Director
                  Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz
                   202-812-1715

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty today announced that the Office of Insurance Regulation (Office) has filed an administrative complaint against the American General Life Insurance Co. (American General) seeking to suspend or revoke its certificate of authority to write insurance policies in Florida and requiring the company to cease and desist from unfair trade practices as defined in the Freedom to Travel Act, Section 626.9541(1)(dd), Florida Statutes.

The complaint specifically cites multiple counts of American General refusing to provide policies or limiting the amount, extent or kind of life insurance based solely on the individual's future lawful travel plans.

"When assessing their life insurance needs, consumers should not have to worry about how their travel plans might affect their ability to get insurance," said General Counsel Steve Parton. "Seeking to suspend a company's license is not something we take lightly; however, given that these actions are in clear violation of the law, the Office is left with little choice. The Office has warned American General in the past, but they have refused to change their practices."

The most high-profile incident involved U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, (D-FL), who in 2005 submitted a life insurance application to American General seeking to increase her current life insurance policy. She had indicated on her application that she had future plans for international travel. While Wasserman Schultz did not address specifics in the application, American General later called and spoke with her husband who indicated that there was a possibility that she may plan future travel to Israel.

"Having personally experienced this kind of discriminatory behavior, I am glad to see that the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation is taking this extreme action against American General," said Wasserman Schultz. "As Americans, the ability to travel freely is a right we cherish. Our legal travel choices should not adversely impact our ability to purchase life insurance."

This is the first time the Office has sought to suspend or revoke a life insurance company's license for violating the Freedom to Travel Act.

For more information about the Office, please visit www.floir.com. If you would like to review and compare homeowners insurance rates in Florida, go to www.shopandcomparerates.com.

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STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON RECOMMENDATIONS BY SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON PROPERTY INSURANCE ACCOUNTABILITY

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:45:13 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - "I want to express my deep appreciation for the hard work and support of the Select Committee and its co-chairs, Sen. Atwater and Sen. Geller. The Committee reached an impressive level of detail in its analysis of the complex issues involved in the insurance company rate filings and the other issues it examined.

"The proposals outlined by the Committee are very positive, because of the overall increase in consumer protections they would offer."

On specific Select Committee proposals:

"Clarifying the law that only hurricane models that have passed an independent review process may be used and putting limits on profit and reinsurance charges would protect consumers from unwarranted rate increases.

"Permanently repealing the "use-and-file" rate increases, eliminating the industry-friendly arbitration process and prohibiting the introduction of new evidence at administrative hearings all will require insurers to justify their rate increase requests when they first make their filings with the Office of Insurance Regulation.

"The proposal on the non-renewal of policies is important for consumers, because it would stop companies from reducing risk through the use of non-renewal programs but then not reducing rates accordingly.

"I applaud the work of the Select Committee and look forward to working with the standing committees during the legislative session."

# # #

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Office of Insurance Regulation - Press Releases

Florida to collect $1.7 million as part of multi-state settlement with HealthMarkets Inc.

Florida Insurance Commissioner McCarty Praises Court’s Decision Prohibiting the Use of Mandatory Arbitration in Life Insurance Contracts

Media Advisory -- Commissioner to Speak to House Subcommittee

Florida Insurance Commissioner McCarty Joins Gov. Crist in Meeting with Lloyd’s of London

Florida Insurance Commissioner Issues Final Order in Florida Farm Bureau Rate Challenge

Statement by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty on Gov. Crist Signing Annuities Bill into Law

Statement by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty on Retirement of Citizens’ Board Chairman Bruce Douglas

Statement by Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty on Florida Supreme Court Order Declining Jurisdiction in Allstate Matter

Florida Insurance Commissioner McCarty Issues Final Order in Hartford Rate Challenge

FLORIDA AGENCIES ANNOUNCE $4 MILLION INSURANCE SETTLEMENT WITH AON CORP.

FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER MCCARTY APPROVES ANOTHER ROUND OF POLICY REMOVALS FROM CITIZENS

MEDIA ADVISORY -- FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY TO TESTIFY BEFORE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SUBCOMMITTEE

FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER MCCARTY STAYS ALLSTATE SUSPENSION, CONTINUING COMPLIANCE REQUIRED

FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION TO CONDUCT SYMPOSIUM TO HELP COMPANIES WITH FORM AND RATE FILINGS

FLORIDA APPEALS COURT DENIES ALLSTATE MOTION FOR REHEARING, SUSPENSION RESUMES

***URGENT*** MEDIA ADVISORY -- FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION IMMEDIATE FINAL ORDER AGAINST ALLSTATE

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON DISTRICT COURT OPINION AFFIRMING IFO AGAINST ALLSTATE

FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION ISSUES ORDER ALLEGING INAPPROPRIATE BUSINESS PRACTICES TO 2 LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES, AMERICAN FIDELITY LIFE AND TRANS WORLD ASSURANCE

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON HOUSE AND SENATE PASSAGE OF ANNUITIES BILL

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON HOUSE VERSION OF PROPERTY INSURANCE BILL

FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING ON NEW REINSURANCE RULES

**** CORRECTION **** FLORIDA APPEALS COURT DENIES ALLSTATE MOTION FOR REHEARING, SUSPENSION WILL RESUME

FLORIDA HEALTH INSURANCE ADVISORY BOARD SUPPORTS GOVERNOR'S HEALTH PLAN

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON SENATE PASSAGE OF GOV. CRIST’S HEALTH PLAN

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON SENATE PASSAGE OF CONSUMER-FOCUSED BILL

MEDIA ADVISORY – FLORIDA HEALTH INSURANCE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON MEETING WITH ALLSTATE AGENTS

MEDIA ADVISORY -- FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL CLARIFIES RULING UPHOLDING FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION IMMEDIATE FINAL ORDER AGAINST ALLSTATE

FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION OF ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANIES’ SUSPENSION

***URGENT*** MEDIA ADVISORY -- FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION IMMEDIATE FINAL ORDER AGAINST ALLSTATE

FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER NAMES JIM BENNETT DIRECTOR OF MARKET INVESTIGATIONS

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON PASSAGE OF CONSUMER-FOCUSED BILL BY SENATE BANKING AND INSURANCE COMMITTEE

FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION FILES FORMAL COMPLAINT TO SUSPEND AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE CO. LICENSE

STATEMENT BY FLORIDA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER KEVIN MCCARTY ON RECOMMENDATIONS BY SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON PROPERTY INSURANCE ACCOUNTABILITY

URGENT MEDIA ADVISORY -- FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION IMMEDIATE FINAL ORDER AGAINST ALLSTATE

CORRECTION FLORIDA APPEALS COURT DENIES ALLSTATE MOTION FOR REHEARING, SUSPENSION WILL RESUME

URGENT MEDIA ADVISORY -- FIRST DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL UPHOLDS FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION IMMEDIATE FINAL ORDER AGAINST ALLSTATE