Managed Repair Crisis

DEMAND MANAGED REPAIR REFORM

YOU'RE PAYING MORE FOR LESS INSURANCE THAN EVER BEFORE

URGENT FLORIDIAN CALL TO ACTION

Two calls will help stop the Conflict of Interest with Insurance Company Managed Repair
Demand Common Sense Solutions

EDUCATION

Managed Repair Programs, where an insurance company controls the repair process rather than paying the policyholder for their losses, are becoming more common. Insurance companies will either own the repair company themselves or enter into contracts with contractors and restoration companies to control the repair process. Neither scenario is good for policyholders and neither should be allowed.

But Citizens Property Insurance, the insurer of last resort, has taken the anti-consumer managed repair position to a new level….read more

Barry Gilway, Citizens President, confirms that at least 25% of their policyholders would not adequately covered if Florida regulators approve their proposed mandatory managed repair program.

MANAGED REPAIR PROGRAM CONFLICT OF INTEREST

“Use my contractor, or else”. Insurance companies are not general contractors and should not be forcing anyone to use any particular contractor “or else” make due with a pre-set, capped, claim payment.

Citizens President, Barry Gilway, was quoted as saying that at least 25% of Citizens policyholders would be affected by what is largely considered to be an anti-consumer proposal.

Some insurers even sue their own policyholders

WHY IS THIS HAPPENING?

Citizens blames higher rates on non-storm related claims such as water losses – one of the most common causes of loss across the country. “More water damage is caused by events such as a pipe bursting, or plumbing or appliance issues, than from the weather.”

While abuse does exist, there are common sense solutions that have been rejected by Citizens and other insurers in Florida. Rather than attempting to control the abuse legislatively, they are holding all their policyholders accountable. Even if you’ve never had a claim, if the Office of Insurance Regulation approves the Citizens proposed language, you will be affected too.

Even Mr. Gilway has been quoted as saying “The bottom line is these policy changes (restrictions for water loss claims) and clarifications are necessary first steps to keep premiums as low as possible while protecting our policyholders who have legitimate claims. However, they in no way fix the assignment of benefits cost-driver that must be addressed by statute.”

Barry Gilway, Citizens President, CEO and Executive Director.

SOLUTIONS

WE CAN ALL AGREE ON ASSIGNMENT OF BENEFITS SOLUTIONS

Everyone in the insurance industry agrees – the use of an assignment of benefits of insurance proceeds needs to be regulated to avoid abuse. At the recent Insurance Consumer Advocate Water Loss Forum testimony was heard from a variety of stakeholders as well as policyholders. We are asking Florida’s legislature to support the following consumer protections that everyone agrees to:

Prevent financial inducements relating to insurance claims with strict limitations or a ban on referral fees paid by contractors, etc.
Requiring contractors, etc. provide policyholders with an estimate before they can enter into an AOB agreement,
Clarification on the prohibitions against the unlicensed practice of public adjusting,
Licensing and regulation of remediation companies, emergency restoration companies and all others involved in the insurance claim repair process.
Providing a right of rescission to give policyholders a chance to step back and make sound financial decisions,
Limiting the scope of AOB's to work actually performed by the party receiving the AOB

While these common sense fixes that have been agreed to by all stakeholders continue to be ignored, insurers like Citizens, are taking advantage of the opportunity to carve out more exclusions to coverage for homeowners in Florida. You’re paying more for less insurance than ever before. If this seems wrong - it’s because it is.

WHAT CAN I DO?
Three steps to have your concerns heard

CONTACT THE FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION

Call the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) at 877-MY-FL-CFO (877-693-5236).

You will want to express your concern and ask why the OIR would consider approving managed repair programs that are an inherent conflict of interest and not good for policyholders.

WATCH

Citizens Property Insurance Corporation (Citizens) Public Rate Hearing

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR

You should identify yourself as a constituent and express your concern and opinion. You will likely speak to an assistant or legislative aide. It’s better to speak to a person than leave a voice message. Thank them for their time. Many legislators tally the number of constituents that call to support or oppose various issues. Your call is important.