Legislators Up Against Their Usual End-Days Frenzy

By Joan E. Collier, PropertyCasualty360.com

Insurance-related bills came down to the final days of the 2011 legislative session. The Florida Legislature is a lot like a basketball game—it’s the final few moments that provide the most drama.

Gambling on Home Insurance Is a Fool’s Bet

By Lynne McChristian

People who pay off their mortgages and then decide to “go bare” with a homemade brand of self-insurance are taking a huge gamble, trading a small amount of premium dollars for a major financial risk.

Board Debates Shoring up Citizens

Citizens Property Insurance Corp. is debating whether to purchase private reinsurance this year to help shore up its financial footing. Also, some bills pending in the 2011 legislative session could mean big changes at Florida’s largest property insurer.

Florida’s E&S Commercial Property Market: Is Change Coming?

By Tim Hoelle

While Florida agents and brokers have become adept at adjusting to the “new normal” of stagnant rates and reduced premiums afflicting the E&S commercial property market, there are reasons to believe change may be on the way.

Selling Disability Income Insurance in a Down Economy

By David A. Saltzman

One in three Americans entering the workforce today will suffer a disability prior to retirement. However, 71 percent live from paycheck to paycheck, without enough savings to survive a disability. So why aren’t you selling Disability Insurance?

Storm of Negative Forces Hurting Workers’ Compensation Market

By Stephen J. Klingel

Early signs for this year’s workers’ compensation market show that it is struggling against some significant headwinds. Two forces, in particular, continue to buffet the industry: A troubled job market and regulatory uncertainty.

Battling Against Workers’ Compensation Fraud

By John Swedo

Workers’ compensation fraud has been a particularly troublesome area for the industry, costing insurers and employers about $6 billion a year, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud.

Smoking Kills….Equipment, Too

By Zack Craft

Smoking can do more than harm the smoker. It also can wreak havoc with the equipment an injured worker may need to help him get well.

Florida by the Numbers