Posted On: June 23, 2009, 4:04 pm CDT

Posted By: Robert

State Farm didn't push for this legislation. Agents and the legislature started this drive toward rate deregulation. Even if the bill gets signed, SF will still likely cancel everyone in the Fl company. I doubt SF or any nat carrier will take seriously this bill even if its signed into law. The leg could change course next year and close it back down. The national carriers probably won't really be back in Florida until Obama sets up national regulation and allows federal charters. Then and only then will nat carriers be free of the politicial winds that blow differently in each state. Maybe then you will have back carriers you lost years ago.

The reason why independents don't seem to get "special treatment" is none of you can agree on what should or shouldn't be done collectively as a group. You loose a carrier and you either sign up with someone else or you loose the business to SF, Allstate, Etc. That's been the name of the game for almost 2 decades. I watched an independent loose most of his commerical accounts to SF after Charley because Zurich pulled out and there was no market. Tough pill to swallow..

Everyone can read between the lines and draw their own conclusions as to how this bill might benefit or hurt them. Ultimately the intention of this legislation is to allow the consumers options. Hopefully a few carriers who you represented years ago might step back in. That's all. There are no hidden agendas or plans to run companies out of business.

Everyone can give examples of people saving tons of money by switching from one carrier to another. Esp in auto ins. As it pertains to prop cov in Fl, financial solvency should play more of a role than $$. Most people are willing to pay more for the security provided by a nat carrier. We could sit here and pick apart every company. Bottom line is they have the capital. The State of Florida and all the domestics combined don't...

How would you feel if your largest "A" rated carrier decided to partner up with State Farm to offer exclusive P&C products to SF clients through a keepout program and you lost your appointment??? That's a serious possibility as several carriers have expressed that very interest. SF will keep and service the bus if they choose to do so. No one, not even Crist can stop that from happening.

Perosnally, I've got no problem with the domestics. The problem I have as a consumer is the state has politicially forced down them down our throats. The regulatory enviroment in Florida continues to reduce my options. What's the difference between Federated Naitonal, Magnolia, Avatar, Sunshine State, etc.. NOTHING.. If I'm with one of these carriers there is no market for me to change. They all offer the exact same ISO policy, use the same independent adjusters who have no authority to do anything, don't pay claims promptly and offer premiums just under the Citizens rate so they stay in business. NO COMPETITON...This is what they want. They don't want SF here any longer. This ultimately isn't good for the consumers of Florida.

As for agents opening independent to sell this crap..I agree with you.. My prediction is most will be out of business before too long.